Chapter 1 Family Dinner

• The spring rain pattered softly, and winter's chill had not yet faded completely.
• By four o'clock, the sky had darkened considerably, and the rain had given rise to a misty haze, making the spring scenery appear like a lazy, ink-washed painting.
• Natalie Carson stepped out of the kindergarten teacher's office, stood beneath the wooden eaves, and watched the steady rain. She opened her transparent umbrella, and her beige loafers stepped into the rain.
• Today was the Levine family dinner, a tradition upheld by the family's strict values. Alice Sharp, in particular, valued family bonds. After Kevin Levine's death, Alice set a rule that no matter how busy her children were, they had to set aside one day a month to gather for dinner at Levine Manor.
• This rule had been in place for fifty years, long before Natalie married into the Levine family.
• She knew from the morning forecast that it would rain today, though she hadn't expected it to start so late in the afternoon, intensifying by now.
• Natalie got into the car and started the engine.
• Checking the time, she noted that it was fifteen minutes to five. She thought back to the message she had sent to Wilson Reed that morning, asking when Sebastian Levine would be back. Wilson had told her that, unless something changed, he would land at the airport at 3:40 p.m.
• It was already past four, so they should have arrived by now.
• With that thought, Natalie turned on the signal and drove out of the parking space.
• Levine Manor was in Greenville, not far from where she and Sebastian lived. It was just an hour's drive.
• However, Natalie didn't head directly to Levine Manor. Instead, she drove home first, planning to wait for Sebastian and then go to the manor together.
• Riverside Villa was a well-known wealthy residential area in Greenville, and Natalie had lived there since marrying Sebastian.
• Outside the window, the weeping willows, wet from the rain, swayed gently in the soft breeze, and the first signs of spring's green buds were faintly visible.
• Natalie skillfully steered the car into the villa, parking behind a black Rolls-Royce.
• He is back.
• Turning off the engine, Natalie grabbed her bag, opened her umbrella, and walked into the house where she had lived for three years.
• "OK. Bye."
• In the vast living room, the white curtains billowed with the breeze, and the large floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the misty lake scene outside as clearly as mirrors.
• In the dim light, he stood tall and upright, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, dressed in a dark shirt with a suit jacket draped over his wrist. His long legs were straight in custom-tailored trousers.
• He was holding his phone, and his deep, familiar voice carried easily to her ears.
• Natalie paused for a moment, then placed her umbrella by the entrance and walked toward him.
• The lights in the living room weren't on, and in this dusk-like gloom, neither too bright nor too dark, the sharp lines of his face no longer held their usual oppressive edge. His deep-set eyes didn't seem as distant or cold.
• "You're back."
• Seeing him lower the phone, she approached his side and took the suit jacket draped over his wrist.
• "Mm."
• It seemed he still had unfinished work, as his fingers slid over the phone's screen, casting a shadow from his lowered lashes, his expression as indifferent as ever.
• "Go upstairs and freshen up. I've already laid out your clothes. Once you're done, we'll head to Levine Manor together."
• Knowing he would be back today, she had prepared his change of clothes early in the morning.
• It was something she had done for the past three years, a routine ingrained in her very bones.
• Sebastian didn't say anything. After a brief moment, he put down his phone and walked upstairs with steady steps.
• There was no need to prepare gifts when visiting Levine Manor. It was just a family dinner, not a special occasion, and bringing gifts might even feel out of place.
• However, Sebastian's young niece loved the desserts she made, so every time they went to Levine Manor, Natalie would prepare some in advance.
• The rain grew heavier, falling more intensely as the sky darkened. With the evening settling in, Natalie and Sebastian got into the car and headed toward Levine Manor.
• Levine Manor was located south of Greenville, nestled in the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by mountains and water, it was an ideal retreat for retirement.
• As the car pulled into the manor, they heard the joyful laughter of Cara Levine, Sebastian's niece.
• By now, the sky had turned fully dark, and the lights inside Levine Manor glowed brightly. Through the rain, the warm light spilled out in layers, accompanied by laughter and chatter, softening the chill of the spring rain.
• Natalie stepped out of the car, holding a container as Sebastian followed. Soon, Cara came running out, standing excitedly in front of them and cheerfully calling, "Uncle Seb, Aunt Nat!"
• Natalie's eyes softened, and a gentle smile spread across her face as she placed a hand on Cara's head and handed her the container. "Take a look."
• Cara's eyes lit up immediately as she eagerly took the box and opened it. "Wow! It's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!"
• The little girl, just a few years old, adored fairy tales. Natalie had made desserts resembling characters from one of the stories, presenting them in a special box, and they were as good as anything crafted by a professional pastry chef.
• "Do you like it?"
• "Yes! I love it! Thank you, Aunt Nat!"
• "You're welcome."
• Everyone had already arrived, and Natalie and Sebastian were the last to show up, something the family had long grown used to.
• Seeing the two of them, the family came out to greet them, urging them to wash their hands and join for dinner, which was already prepared and waiting.
• Natalie and Sebastian greeted each family member and apologized before sitting down at the table.
• Kevin had passed away in his forties, leaving behind a widow and four children. Yet Alice had not succumbed to despair. She shouldered the burden of the household alone, raising her children. Due to the youngest child being so small and the family's heavy debts from Kevin's illness, tragedy struck again just three years after Kevin's death, with the youngest, only five, also passing away.
• To lose a husband in his prime, leaving behind a widow and orphans, was hardship enough. But to then lose a child as well would have been too much for many to bear.
• Yet Alice had not been broken. She rose again, defying all expectations, raising her three remaining children, and now enjoying the company of her family members.
• Sebastian's father, Michael Levine, was the eldest in the family. He had two daughters and a son, with Sebastian being the youngest. Above him were his two older sisters. Nigel Levine, the second eldest, was Sebastian's uncle, with a son and a daughter. Vanessa Levine, Sebastian's aunt, was the youngest sibling, and she had a daughter who was studying abroad.
• Alice didn't demand that her grandchildren attend the family gatherings, especially those still in school, as some couldn't make it. However, her sons and daughters were required to be present.
• Tonight, all of the Levine family elders had gathered, with no absences, just as always.
• Everyone sat together for dinner, and there was little conversation during the meal. Only after they finished eating did the family sit down to talk.
• Natalie spent time playing with Cara, who was very close to her. Natalie also had a soft spot for Cara, as, in the three years since she had married into the Levine family, Cara had always been the most genuine toward her.
• "Cara, why don't you go check how Uncle Seb's chess game is going? I want you to tell me all about it later," said Helen Wright, approaching and lovingly bending down to speak to the little girl nestled in Natalie's arms.
• "Chess game? Uncle Seb is playing chess?"
• "Yes, Cara. Didn't you always say you wanted Uncle Seb to teach you how to play chess? Now he's playing, and you can watch him."
• "Wow! I want to watch it! Uncle Seb is the best at chess!"
• With that, Cara darted out of Natalie's arms, and as Natalie stood up, she noticed the warmth in Helen's smile slowly fading as the little girl left.
• "Mom," she said softly, addressing Helen.