By the time I got back to Caverton , it was already late . My parents - early sleepers , always - were by the arrival gate , scanning every face . The second I spotted them , I ran straight into their arms , my voice shaky . " Mom , Dad … " Dad ruffled my hair , smiling wide . " You're home . That's all that matters . " Home hadn't changed a bit . After two days of crashing , I jumped into work at the law firm they built . They kept it hush - hush - no one knew I was their kid .

I had to go through everything like a regular newbie . Probation and all . But honestly ? I felt lighter . Free . Starting now , I was doing this for me . If I crushed it in Ainsley , I could do it here too . *** Three months in , I passed probation . My parents threw a mini feast at home . " Knew my girl would crush it ! " Getting through probation at their firm ? No joke . Right as Mom started setting the table , the doorbell rang . I opened it without thinking - and there he was . Owen .

Three months no contact . " Reiny … " He looked rough . Thinner . Messy hair . Nothing like the guy from Ainsley . His voice was all scratchy . Mom started walking over . " What's going on? " Panic mode . I shoved him outside . " Be right back , Mom ! " Dragged him down the stairs and let go once I was sure she wasn't trailing us . " How'd you even find me ? "