Building The Strongest Family

The warmth of the morning still lingered in the living room of the Osborn Estate, wrapping everyone in a cozy embrace.

Conversations flowed effortlessly among scattered groups, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting through the air.

Laughter from the girls' corner danced lightly over the subtle hum of the news holo-screen, creating a symphony of familial joy.

Edward and William were deep in debate over game strategies, while Margaret and Emily excitedly swapped vacation ideas.

Ashley playfully teased her cousins as little Liz practiced her piano, filling the space with sweet notes.

It was a perfectly normal morning warm and serene, as if no worries existed in their world at all.

Julian set down his holotablet and scanned the room, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

His heart felt light; finally, they had room to breathe.

But then thoughts of Billy crept in, causing him to let out a helpless sigh as he glanced toward Arthur's study upstairs.

Just then, Alfred returned. The steward's entrance was unusually quiet this time, but his mere presence shifted the atmosphere like a sudden gust of wind.

He walked deliberately into the center of the living room; gone was the silver tray he usually carried, now replaced by a solemn expression etched deeply into his aged features.

"Ahem… mm!" He cleared his throat slightly, drawing everyone's attention as conversations stilled and laughter faded into an uneasy silence.

Even the holo-screen seemed to dim as confusion filled their faces.

Alfred's voice was grave yet composed: "Master Billy… is outside the estate gate. He is requesting to enter."

The silence that followed was deafening,not a breath or whisper could be heard, only the distant ticking of an antique clock on the wall echoed ominously.

Julian blinked slowly, unsure if he'd heard correctly.

He set down his tablet and looked directly at Alfred. "Repeat that, please."

Alfred inclined his head slightly; his voice remained steady despite its weighty message. "Master Billy is at the main gate. He wishes to return inside."

A collective gasp escaped from those present, the weight of Alfred's words struck each person differently: shock, disbelief, confusion and for some, relief washed over them like a tide.

Julian was first to act; he stood abruptly with a hand pressed against his chest. "Alfred! Ring him in immediately!"

"Yes, Master Julian," Alfred replied.

Moments passed like hours as they waited anxiously; these seconds felt like an eternity stretching before them.

Then suddenly, the main doors swung open to reveal Billy standing there, framed by golden morning light but he was not quite himself anymore.

His clothes were plain, creased and slightly faded and his shoes worn thin.

His once-defiant eyes now appeared dimmer and more tired than before; shoulders slumped under an invisible burden that weighed heavily upon him.

Beneath the dim light of the room, dark circles shadowed Billy's eyes, and his cheeks had taken on a hollow appearance. His skin was unnaturally pale, and he stood with a stiff posture that seemed almost fragile.

A heavy silence enveloped the space as everyone absorbed the sight before them.

For a moment, Billy let his gaze wander around the room.

He took in the polished marble floor, the plush sofas, and the shimmering crystal fixtures.

The women draped in silk robes sipped herbal teas while men chatted animatedly about stock updates.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over this serene tableau of privilege.

But then memories crashed over him like waves, twenty-one-hour shifts spent toiling away, cheap greasy food that barely quelled his hunger, bruised knuckles from hard labor, cramped living quarters where exhaustion seeped into his bones.

The cold realization hit him: Kaia had been right, he had thrown away everything others would have fought tooth and nail and even kill if they have to. To possess what he had.

As he surveyed the scene in the living room, it became painfully clear that everyone else was happy and carefree.

Regret washed over him like a tidal wave just as a voice pierced through the silence.

"Oh my stars… Billy?" Margaret rushed forward, her expression filled with concern.

She cupped his cheeks gently, tilting his face for a better look as tears welled up in her eyes. "You look half-starved! And so pale! What has he done to you? If it wasn't for him kicking you out, you wouldn't be like this!"

Her voice trembled with anguish as she shot an angry glare toward the upper floors. "Arthur should've never…!"

Emily followed closely behind her sister, worry etched on her face. "When did you last eat, sweetheart? Look at your hands, they're trembling."

The rest of their family gathered around him like bees drawn to nectar; George and Edward stood back with clenched fists, struggling to hide their sympathy while Olivia and Charlotte whispered softly among themselves.

Eva pressed her hand over her mouth in shock.

Then Liz broke down sobbing.

"Billy!" She ran to him and threw herself into his arms, clutching him tightly.

"You left! You left without saying goodbye! I missed you every single day!"

Billy instinctively wrapped his arms around her as he sank to his knees beside her; holding onto something pure amidst all this chaos brought tears prickling at his eyes.

Ashley couldn't resist chiming in; ever the mischief-maker with arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips: "What's wrong, cousin? Finally realized that noodles and backaches aren't exactly a personality?"

A few chuckles bubbled up but quickly faded under Nathaniel's disapproving glare directed at Ashley, a not-so-subtle kick from him made sure she got the message loud and clear.

Ashley turned and looked at her father and pouted her lips.

Billy knelt slowly, his heart heavy as he gently placed Liz down beside him.

In that moment, the entire room seemed to lean in closer, as if holding its breath in anticipation.

He bowed his head, his voice trembling with raw emotion. "I'm sorry."

He stayed on his knees, vulnerability laid bare before those he loved. "I'm sorry for letting the family down. For being foolish,for being such an asshole for not listening, for my arrogance. I thought I could make it out there on my own, like I didn't need this family or this life. But I was wrong... so very wrong."

A thick silence enveloped them, heavy with unspoken feelings and shared pain.

"I want to come back," he whispered, still looking down. "Not because it's easy here... but because I finally understand what it means to be part of something greater and I don't want to throw that away again."

No one spoke; no one moved. They stood frozen in place, emotions shimmering in their eyes like fragile glass ready to shatter at any moment.

Then came a sound, the steady rhythm of footsteps echoing down the long, elegant staircase.

Instantly, the atmosphere shifted; everyone turned their heads in perfect sync as if choreographed over countless rehearsals.

Their eyes were drawn to the graceful spiral stairs, where each footfall resonated like a heartbeat.

The air grew taut with tension, a new silence settled in that felt electric and alive.

Billy didn't look up; he already knew who was descending those stairs.