A new family member?

It had taken Ivy and Mira several long days to recover from the… "incident."

The bruises and hickeys that colored their skin like dark plum blossoms were unforgiving, even under layers of the highest-end concealer.

"A true beast," Mira groaned, peeking at the stubborn mark just above her collarbone.

"That's the only way to describe him," Ivy echoed, gently rubbing her sore neck.

---

A week had passed like a blur of burned dinners, sleepless nights, and endless questions.

And then—

> "Ivy, Mom and Dad miss you. Come home today, darling. Your brothers are coming too,"

Mrs. Lennox's voice rang sweet and warm through the phone. The kind of voice that could still soothe Ivy, even when the world was burning down around her.

"Alright, Mom. I'll come home today," Ivy replied softly, tapping to end the call with a gentle beep.

Silence settled in her apartment.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, and a bittersweet smile played on her lips.

Her parents had always been her anchor. Unlike others in high society who forced their children into molds, the Lennoxes had stood behind her decision to become a boxer. They funded her training, cheered at her matches, and never once made her feel like she had to choose between being a daughter and being a warrior.

But her brothers?

Those two were absolute maniacs. Loving, overprotective maniacs.

She still remembered the time she got bullied in the second grade. Her twin brothers, Ashton and Noah, cornered the poor boy and beat him up so badly he ended up in the hospital. They were suspended for a week—and grounded by their father, who was furious.

His punishment? No video games for seven days.

They cried. A lot.

But Ivy had never felt safer.

The memory was both sour and sweet, like biting into a sun-warmed orange.

---

Back at the shared villa, Mira flopped dramatically across the couch.

"You're going back? Ugh, can't you stay a few more days? We still haven't finished our 'healing spa arc.'"

Ivy chuckled. "Mom and Dad have already called like three times. It's time I stop running."

Mira pouted like a kicked puppy. "At least keep your phone on. I don't like to wait."

"I'm always just a call away," Ivy said gently, brushing a loose strand of Mira's hair back.

"…By the way," Mira began, squinting suspiciously. "Did you ever figure out who that beastly man was? Name? Clue? Criminal record?"

"Nope," Ivy sighed. "I only saw him for a second when I woke up. The face is a blur, but… he felt familiar somehow."

Her voice faded just as the sharp screech of a smoke alarm interrupted them.

"Oh no—THE CURRY!" Mira shrieked.

Both girls ran into the kitchen to find the pot scorched and smoking like a disaster movie.

The once-edible curry was now a charred, blackened lump of shame.

They turned to each other.

"…We're screwed," they said in unison.

And just like that, the terrifying memories of their mysterious one-night beasts were temporarily buried under the smell of burned spices and mutual despair.

---

By late afternoon, Ivy was on the road, the soft leather of her luxury car seat warm beneath her. Her luggage had already been sent ahead when she'd arrived in the city weeks ago.

As her car turned past the familiar wrought-iron gates of the Lennox estate, the guards nodded instantly, opening the gates without a word.

The villa stood ahead—regal and ancient, nestled in a canopy of cherry trees. Unlike their many modern properties, this one had soul. It had been a wedding gift from her father to her mother, and it was the only place Mrs. Lennox ever called home.

Ivy had always wondered what kind of love lasted that long—through decades, storms, and children. It was the kind of love she couldn't yet understand.

Lost in thought, she didn't realize she'd already reached the front door.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home," she called as she stepped into the expansive living room.

She expected her parents. What she didn't expect… was her.

Seated daintily between her mother and father was a young woman, unfamiliar but vaguely recognizable. With a sweet smile and folded hands, she looked every bit the polite countryside girl you'd see in a drama.

As soon as Mrs. and Mr. Lennox saw their daughter, they lit up like sunshine.

"My sweet girl! You're finally home!" Mrs. Lennox hurried over, arms open wide. "You've lost weight! Are you skipping meals again? Don't worry, Mommy will cook your favorite soup."

Mr. Lennox gave a quiet smile, letting his wife smother Ivy with affection.

Ivy's heart swelled at their concern. She'd missed this warmth—their love, their presence. It made the exhaustion, the bruises, the fights—all of it worth it.

Then came the interrupting cough.

Ahem.

Ivy's eyes flicked to the girl on the couch, the one who had remained quiet and sweet through the reunion.

"Oh! Ivy," Mr. Lennox said. "Let me introduce you. This is your cousin, Cherry. She just arrived from the countryside. She's a bit shy, so I told her she could stay with us while she looks for a job."

Ivy blinked once.

Then twice.

Cousin… Cherry?

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

There was something off about her soft smile. The gentle tone. The demure pose.

And then it clicked.

The waitress.

The one who had flirted, wept, and seduced like a master actress.

"Oh," Ivy said with a sugary smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"A new family member, huh?"