Rain poured gently against the windows of the Cole estate. Not the kind of stormy, raging rain that ruins a day—but the kind that slows things down. That washes old tension off the earth.
Isabel stood at the massive entryway, staring up at the house that once only existed in whispers. Adrian's family estate was an icon of wealth and legacy—but it had also been a cage for him for so long.
Now, she was about to walk through its doors. Not as a student. Not as someone uninvited. But as someone Adrian loved.
"Ready?" he asked beside her, tightening his grip on the umbrella.
"No," she said honestly. "But I'm here."
He smiled softly. "That's more than enough."
---
Inside, the halls were quiet. Polished wood, cold marble, portraits of Cole ancestors peering down with judgmental eyes. Adrian's father—Gregory Cole—was waiting in the drawing room.
He rose slowly when they entered. Dressed in a dark suit, gray at his temples, but sharp as ever.
"Adrian," he said. Then, after a pause: "Isabel."
"Sir," she said, her voice steady.
The silence was tense at first, but then Adrian spoke up. "You said you wanted to talk."
Gregory nodded. "I owe you both an apology."
Isabel blinked. That wasn't what she expected.
Gregory continued. "I reacted poorly. Harshly. I let pride and pressure outweigh reason. That's not the kind of legacy I want to leave."
Adrian's jaw was tight. "You tried to destroy what made me feel human again."
"And I was wrong," Gregory admitted. "There's nothing weak about love."
Isabel exhaled slowly. "Thank you for saying that."
There was a long pause. Then Gregory added, "I'd like to get to know you. If you'll let me."
Isabel looked at Adrian. He gave her a small nod.
"Alright," she said. "But not as your son's girlfriend. As Isabel. A woman who fought for her own story."
Gregory offered a rare smile. "Fair enough."
---
The next day, the family hosted a small dinner. Vanessa was there, cracking jokes and challenging Gregory to a game of cards after dessert. Jude sat beside her, clearly now fully in the picture.
Even Zara dropped by, offering flowers and quiet support.
Laughter returned to the Cole estate.
For the first time in years, the family table didn't feel like a battlefield.
---
Back at home, Isabel lay in bed beside Adrian, their fingers interlocked.
"I think I saw a different version of your father today," she murmured.
"He's still learning. But that's something."
"And you?"
Adrian turned toward her. "I never thought I'd have both—my family's acceptance and my freedom. But here we are."
She brushed her thumb over his cheek. "Here we are."