After Seven Empty Chairs, I Took My Daughter and Left Chapter 35

After Seven Empty Chairs, I Took My Daughter and Left Chapter 35

The next day, Elias’s car drove smoothly into Beacon Hill. The old red brick townhouses looked solemn and elegant under the afternoon sun, every window reflecting Boston’s long history. When the car stopped before an ivy-covered estate, Ava’s heartbeat still quickened against her will.

She instinctively tightened her grip on the gift bag beside her. Inside was the finest Darjeeling tea she had carefully chosen, along with a small frame holding one of Lily’s bright, colorful drawings. In the picture were three little figures holding hands, titled “My Family.”

Elias came around to open the car door for her and held her hand. The warmth of his palm instantly steadied her.

“Ready?”

Ava took a deep breath and nodded.

They crossed the neatly trimmed front lawn. Elias’s parents were sitting on the sunlit terrace, having afternoon tea. Seeing them, a woman in an elegant beige dress immediately stood, her face lit with a sincere, warm smile.

“Ava, dear, you’re finally here.” Mrs. Mercer quickly came down the steps, with none of the airs of a wealthy matriarch, and gave Ava a gentle hug. “Elias is always talking about you and Lily.”

“Hello, Mrs. Mercer.” Ava handed over the gifts with some restraint.

“Oh, call me Catherine.” Catherine accepted the gifts, and when she saw Lily’s drawing, the smile in her eyes deepened. “This is adorable. Thank you, Ava.”

She didn’t overdo the politeness, instead naturally taking Ava’s hand. “Come, don’t stand here. My parents are in the sunroom. They’ve been waiting impatiently.”

She turned to the butler beside her. “Would you take Miss Lily to the garden to see the little rabbits? I think she’ll like them.”

Lily’s eyes lit up instantly. She looked at Ava, and after receiving an approving nod, happily followed the butler away.

In the sunroom, two white-haired elderly people sat in wicker chairs, soft wool blankets over their legs. They looked vigorous, their eyes carrying the warmth and appraisal particular to old-world aristocrats.

“Grandfather, Grandmother, this is Ava,” Elias introduced.

The old gentleman nodded slightly, his voice resonant. “A good girl. Even more beautiful than in the photographs.”

The old lady extended a hand to Ava and smiled kindly. “Child, don’t be nervous. Anyone who can make Elias willing to leave those cold collections of his is an honored guest in our family.”

Throughout the afternoon, they spoke of art, gardening, and the Boston weather. No one mentioned Ava’s past. There wasn’t a trace of interrogation. The atmosphere was so relaxed it felt like an ordinary family gathering. Ava’s taut nerves loosened completely without her realizing it. She had never imagined that stepping into a truly top-tier family would bring not pressure and judgment, but such pure goodwill and respect.

As they left, Catherine hugged Ava again. She leaned close to Ava’s ear and said softly, in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Next month, we’re having a small family gathering at our villa on Lake Como. I hope you and Elias will bring Lily.”

Ava’s body stiffened slightly. A huge warmth instantly enveloped her.

She understood what it meant. From the old house on Beacon Hill to the villa on Lake Como, this was not an ordinary vacation invitation.

It was the highest form of acceptance from the Mercer family. She and Lily had been formally, unreservedly welcomed into the harbor of home.