Isabella gathered her packed boxes, leaving the office for the final time. Behind her, Zoe stood fuming, cheeks flushed with anger, but she could do nothing to stop Isabella’s poised departure.

The next morning, Isabella checked her suitcase one last time before zipping it shut. Liam sat quietly on the sofa, clutching his teddy bear, his wide eyes full of curiosity.

She gently tousled his hair. “Ready to go, sweetheart?”

“Yes, Mommy!” he chirped, hopping down with his bear in tow.

Just as they moved toward the door, the bell rang.

Isabella opened it to find Lucas standing there. “Lucas? What are you doing here? I thought you were still overseas.”

He stepped inside and took her luggage. “I came to drive you.” He smiled down at Liam. “Hey, buddy. Did you miss me?”

Liam hid shyly behind Isabella’s legs, peeking out to whisper, “Hi, Lucas.”

Touched by his gesture, Isabella felt warmth spread through her chest.

A black car waited outside. Lucas loaded their bags and held the door open for them.

During the drive, Liam piped up. “Where are we going, Mommy?”

Isabella met his innocent gaze with a soft smile. “We’re going to visit my grandma. You’ll love her.”

“What’s she like?” he asked, eyes sparkling.

“She’s very kind. She tells the best stories.”

“Wow!” He clapped his hands together.

Lucas watched them through the rearview mirror, a gentle smile on his face. “We’re almost there. Her health has improved—she was discharged yesterday. A caregiver is with her, so don’t worry.”

Relief washed over Isabella.

“Thank goodness,” she whispered, emotions swirling inside.

Three years had passed. She was finally returning to the place she called home, to the person she missed every day. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart.

The plane landed in New York after dark. Liam, heavy with sleep, rested his head on her shoulder.

“Mommy, are we there?” he mumbled.

She kissed his forehead. “We’re here, darling.”

Lucas parked outside the faculty housing where Eleanor lived. He unloaded the luggage and opened the car door. Isabella stepped out, holding Liam, her long shadow stretching under the dim streetlight.

Lucas rang the doorbell. A middle-aged woman—Eleanor’s caregiver—answered.

“Mr. Grant, welcome,” she said respectfully.

He nodded. “Let’s go in.”

Holding Liam’s hand tightly, Isabella took a deep breath and crossed the threshold.

Eleanor’s room was small but impeccably tidy. She lay in bed, looking pale but alert. Tears welled in her eyes the moment she saw Isabella.

“Isabella, my dear…it’s been so long,” she said, her voice trembling as she reached for Isabella’s hand.

Tears streaked Isabella’s cheeks.

“Grandma…” Her voice broke. It had been three years since she’d last seen her.