Chapter 15 - The Family Reunion
Saturday morning brought a brilliant, cloudless sky and a crisp autumn chill that made the air feel like liquid crystal.
Down in the private courtyard of Goethe House, surrounded by towering boxwood hedges and autumn chrysanthemums, we hosted a quiet, intimate gathering. For the first time in over a year, Owen was out of a hospital gown, sitting comfortably in a padded leather armchair under a sunlit patio umbrella, wearing a warm wool sweater and smiling as he watched the estate staff prepare a catered brunch.
I stood nearby, holding a cup of black coffee, watching my brother laugh at something Marcus was explaining about vintage muscle cars. The heavy dark circles under Owen’s eyes were gone, replaced by the healthy color of a young man whose future had finally been secured.
Adrian walked up beside me, holding a plate of fresh pastries. He followed my gaze toward Owen, his expression softening into something deeply protective.
"He's doing well," Adrian observed quietly. "The medical team at Northwestern confirmed his latest bloodwork this morning. He's in full remission."
I felt a sudden, sharp lump form in my throat. I turned to Adrian, placing my hand over his arm. "If it weren't for you, Adrian... if you hadn't brought him to that specialist..."
"Stop," Adrian interrupted gently, setting the plate down on a marble table and taking both of my hands in his. "We don't live in the 'what ifs' anymore, Mara. We survived. Your brother is safe. Our empire is secure. And we write every single word of the days that come next."
Just then, Owen looked up from his conversation with Marcus and waved us over.
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"Hey, sis!" Owen called out with a bright grin. "Tell your very intimidating boyfriend here that he still owes me a rematch in chess from last Tuesday!"
Adrian laughed, a rich, genuine sound that echoed across the courtyard, and squeezed my hands before leading me over to join my family in the golden autumn sunlight.
