The sound of the front door opening made me freeze. When I saw that it was Edward Donovan, I could sense his presence filling the entryway even before I heard his voice. Deep, steady, and impossible to ignore.
"Going somewhere, Ellie?"
I gripped my bag tighter, suddenly feeling small beneath his gaze. Edward had always been kind to me, the warm but commanding figure who treated me like Sophia's sister. But now, with his sharp eyes fixed on me, it felt less like a question and more like a demand for truth.
"I...," My throat caught. "Just going back home for a few nights, Mr. Donovan."
Edward's brow furrowed. "And may I know why you are going back at this time, Ellie? Did someone make you feel unwelcome here, in this house?"
The weight in his tone was unmistakable, very protective, almost guilty. I opened my mouth to reassure him, but before I could, another voice cut in.
"She doesn't need to explain herself to you, Father", Tristan said firmly, stepping from the shadows.
-
My father's eyes narrowed as I moved to Ellie's side. He didn't raise his voice, didn't show anger, but the silence that followed was heavier than a shout.
"Be careful, Tristan," he said at last, his tone carrying both warning and weariness. "This isn't about control, but it's about her safety."
Ellie shifted uncomfortably, caught between us. I could see the flush in her cheeks and the way her grip on her bag trembled. She was ready to fold under the weight of both our worlds pressing down on her.
I stepped closer, my voice low but unyielding. "Her safety is my concern, too, but you don't get to decide for her, not anymore, Father."
Edward's gaze sharpened. "And you do get the chance to decide, son?"
The air cracked between us; father and son locked in a battle neither of us wanted her to see. I thought of the years I'd watched him carry the burden of this business, the guilt of dragging his family into it. And yet, here he was, pressing the same weight onto Ellie with his scrutiny.
"She doesn't belong in this fight," Tristan continued, his voice quieter now, tinged with regret. "Not the way we do, Father." His eyes softened, just slightly, when they turned back to Ellie. "She shouldn't have to carry what we do."
Ellie's breath hitched. My father's guilt was written across his face, and she could see it, feel it.
"As much as you don't want it, she's already involved," Edward said, his words harsh because they were true. "And we can't let her face it alone, Tristan."
-
Both men stood before me, one torn by guilt, the other by defiance. Edward's authority pressed like a father's warning, while Tristan's protectiveness burned hot and unrelenting.
And for the first time, I realised if I stayed, it wouldn't just be Sophia's world I was stepping into, but it would be theirs, and once this line is crossed, I know there are no chances of me turning around anymore.
Then I heard Edward's voice saying, "You are the decision maker for yourself, my dear. No other people should influence you, and I suggest you decide on it quickly, because, once you're into the Donovans' world, there will be no way out anymore, Ellie. I hope you could think thoroughly before you made that choice."