chapter 56

Elisa lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling of her childhood room. Usually, this space felt warm, comforting—filled with memories of growing up under her brother’s protective shadow. But tonight, it felt empty.She hugged her pillow, frowning.No one had remembered.Not her overprotective and always nosy big brother.Not her adorable little nephew.And not even Dilip.Her heart ached at the thought.She had thought at least he would chase after her. Hadn’t he always?For years, he had been by her side. Through everything.When he had woken up from his coma, it was Nicolo who had ensured his treatment.Elisa had been there too—every step of the way. She had watched him heal, physically and emotionally, as he found his place in the world again. Nicolo had never told him the full truth about Amaira, about Scar Boss. It had seemed unnecessary. He had already lost enough.They had rebuilt their lives together.He had finished his studies in animation, while she had completed her own. They had started working side by side. Slowly, without needing words, they had slipped into a relationship.They had always loved each other.Dilip had accepted that fate had tied him to Elisa, and she had never doubted him.But now…She had doubted him.He had vanished since last night.And today, on her birthday, he hadn’t even called.Her flight to England had already been booked, and when she arrived—even Nicolo had forgotten.She pulled the blanket over her head, swallowing the lump in her throat.She wasn’t asking for much. Just… something.A wish. A small gesture.But there was nothing.And it hurt.Elisa sat up in bed as the room plunged into darkness.The sudden loss of electricity was unusual—highly unusual.In a house like this, where everything was meticulously managed, the backup generators should have kicked in immediately. But they didn’t.The silence that followed was unnerving.Her heartbeat quickened.Something felt… off.She pushed off the blanket and got out of bed, calling out, “Nicolo? Alex?”No response.A strange unease settled in her chest.Taking a cautious step forward, she reached for her phone, only to realize she had left it charging across the room. Not ideal.Still, she wasn’t helpless. She knew this house like the back of her hand.She took slow, steady steps toward the door and pulled it open. The hallway was eerily dark, the usual glow from the chandeliers and wall lights absent.This is weird.Her voice was firm when she called again, “Nicolo? Alex?”Nothing.The silence felt deafening.Her unease turned into full-blown worry.Swallowing her anxiety, she decided to check the living room. Maybe they were downstairs, figuring out what had happened.She carefully moved down the hallway, her fingers brushing against the wall as she navigated in the dark. Each step felt heavier.The air around her was strangely… still.And for the first time in a long while—Elisa felt scared.Elisa reached the staircase, her fingers gripping the railing as she carefully descended. The house, usually filled with warmth and quiet luxury, felt different—cold and empty.As she stepped onto the ground floor, a faint glow caught her attention.Candlelight.It flickered from the living room, casting shadows that stretched across the walls. Her breath hitched.Was someone there?She hesitated for a moment but then gathered her courage and walked toward the light.When she turned the corner—“SURPRISE!!”A chorus of voices erupted, and the room lit up in an instant.Elisa’s wide eyes darted around, taking in the sight before her. A beautifully decorated space, fairy lights twinkling, a massive cake at the center, and standing in front of it—Dilip.Holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers, grinning like an idiot.Elisa was frozen for a moment, her emotions tangled in shock and overwhelming joy."You forgot my birthday," she accused, though her voice wavered between relief and mock anger.Dilip took a step closer, his eyes warm. "I could never."Nicolo smirked from the side. "You really thought I’d forget my little sister’s birthday?"Alex chimed in, "I helped too!" before hugging her tight.Elisa finally let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.This—this was her family. And they had surprised her in the best way possible.Her heart was full.For a moment, she had felt abandoned. For a moment, she had truly thought that no one remembered. But now, standing here, looking at the people she loved—her brother, her nephew, and the man who had always been by her side—she realized how foolish she had been.Her heart swelled with warmth."You guys are the worst," she muttered, blinking away the sting in her eyes.Dilip chuckled, stepping even closer. "And yet, you love us anyway."She exhaled sharply, shaking her head, but she couldn’t hold back the small smile tugging at her lips."Yeah," she admitted. "I do."And as laughter filled the room and she blew out the candles, Elisa knew—this was exactly where she was meant to be.