Spring rain drizzled on, and the last bit of winter chill still lingered in the air.
By four o’clock, the sky had darkened noticeably. The rain veiled everything in a hazy mist, turning the colors of spring into soft ink-washed shades of grey and green.
Caroline Reed stepped out from the teachers’ office at the kindergarten and paused under the wood-trimmed awning. She glanced at the rain tapping down steadily, then popped open a transparent umbrella with sixteen ribs and stepped into the drizzle in her beige flat loafers.
Tonight was the Bennetts’ family dinner at the old mansion—a long-standing tradition. Lawrence Bennett’s grandmother had made it a rule after her husband passed away: no matter how busy everyone was, they had to set aside time once a month for a family meal together. That rule had been in place for fifty years, way before Caroline married into the family.
She’d known it was going to rain today, but it only started in the afternoon and was now steadily falling.
Caroline got into the car and started the engine.
She glanced at the time—quarter to five. This morning she’d texted Victor Sullivan to ask around what time Lawrence would be back. Victor had said if there were no changes, he’d land at 3:40.
It was past four now. He should’ve arrived by now.
With that in mind, she signaled and pulled out of the parking spot.
The old mansion was in Qingzhou, not too far from their place. It usually took about an hour by car.
Instead of driving straight to the Bennetts’ residence, Caroline headed home first to wait for Lawrence so they could go together.
They lived in Riverside Villas, a well-known luxury community in Qingzhou. Caroline had moved there after marrying Lawrence.
Outside her window, rainy mist clung to drooping willows. The soft breeze made the young green buds sway gently—signs of early spring.
She guided the car into their driveway smoothly, pulling up behind a sleek black Rolls-Royce parked ahead.
He’s back.
Turning off the engine, Caroline grabbed her bag, pushed open the umbrella, and walked into the house they’d shared for three years.
“Alright, that’s done.”
The voice echoed from the spacious living room, where white curtains rippled gently in the air. Tall windows on all sides reflected the misty lakeside view like giant mirrors.
In the dim lighting, Lawrence stood tall and composed. His broad shoulders and narrow waist were wrapped in a dark shirt, and a suit jacket hung casually over his arm. His tailored trousers extended down firm, straight legs.
He was on the phone, his deep, calm voice carrying across the room.
Caroline paused, folded her umbrella at the entrance, and walked over.
The room wasn’t lit, caught in that in-between hour where it wasn’t quite dark but no longer fully bright. In the soft shadows, the sharp lines of Lawrence’s features seemed softer, his deep set eyes not as cold or distant as usual.
“You’re back.”
As soon as he hung up, she stepped beside him and gently took the suit jacket from his wrist.
“Yeah.”
Still focused on his phone, he scrolled with his thumb, his lowered lashes casting a neat shadow on his cheek. As always, he seemed emotionally detached.
“Go freshen up upstairs. I’ve laid out your clothes. When you’re ready, we’ll head to the old house.”
Knowing he’d be back today, Caroline had set his clothes out early this morning. She’d done it countless times over the last three years—it had become second nature.
Lawrence didn’t say anything. A few seconds later, he put his phone down and walked upstairs in steady, unhurried steps.
There was no need to bring a gift for tonight’s gathering. It was just a routine family dinner, nothing particularly festive. Taking something would feel out of place.
The only exception was their little niece, who had a soft spot for the desserts Caroline made. So every time they visited, she made sure to prepare something sweet just for her.The rain was picking up, drumming harder against the windows as the sky got darker. Caroline Reed and Lawrence Bennett hopped into the car and headed off to the old house.
The family home was tucked in the southern outskirts of Qingzhou, far from the noise and rush of the city. Nestled between rolling hills and streams, it was the perfect place for retirement.
Just as the car rolled into the yard, bursts of giggles echoed out—it was Yaya, bright and full of joy.
Night had already fallen, and warm lights lit up the windows of the old house. Through the sheets of rain, voices and laughter spilled into the night. The cozy glow softened the chill in the spring air.
Caroline got out with Lawrence, hands full with food containers. Before they even made it to the door, Yaya bounded out, beaming, and chirped, “Uncle! Auntie!”
Caroline’s eyes softened, a gentle smile touching her lips. She reached out to pat the little bun on Yaya’s head and handed her one of the food boxes. “Here, take a look.”
Yaya’s eyes instantly lit up. She eagerly opened the box and gasped, “Wow! It’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!”
The little girl was all about fairy tales these days, so Caroline had made character-shaped desserts and packed them in a themed box—almost as good as what a pro baker would whip up.
“Do you like it?”
“Uh-huh! I love it! Thanks so much, Auntie!”
“No need to thank me.”
Everyone else was already here—Caroline and Lawrence were the last to arrive, but no one seemed surprised.
When the two stepped inside, the rest of the family came out to greet them, calling them in to wash up and eat. Dinner was ready; they’d just been waiting.
Caroline and Lawrence greeted everyone and apologized before taking their seats.
Lawrence’s grandfather had died young, barely forty, leaving behind a widow and four kids. But his grandmother had never crumbled. Instead, she picked up the pieces and carried the family forward, raising the children all on her own.
Because the youngest was just a toddler back then and the family had been drowning in debt from hospital bills, things only got harder. And three years after her husband passed, her youngest son, just five years old, died too.
Any woman would’ve been shattered by that kind of loss. But not her. She stood back up, pulled through the toughest years, and raised the rest of the kids—now all grown, with families of their own.
Lawrence’s dad, Charles Bennett, was the eldest. He had three kids—two daughters and a son, with Lawrence being the youngest. His second uncle, Edward Bennett, came next and had one son and one daughter. Then there was his aunt, Margaret Bennett, who had a daughter studying abroad.
Grandma never forced the grandkids to attend the dinners—some were still studying or away—but her sons and daughter? They had to come. No excuses.
Tonight, all the elders were present, not one missing.
Dinner was quiet at first, like usual. Nobody chatted until the meal was over. Then people started talking and relaxing.
Caroline spent her time with Yaya, playing little games. She felt a deep affection for the girl. In the three years she’d been married into the Bennetts, Yaya was the one who treated her with the most genuine warmth.
“Yaya, why don’t you go see how your uncle's chess game is going? Later, you can tell Grandma all about it,” Eleanor Valencia came over, smiling warmly as she looked down at the girl in Caroline’s arms.
“Chess? Uncle’s playing chess?”
“Yep. Didn't you say before you wanted him to teach you? Now's your chance—he’s playing right now.”
“Yay! I wanna watch! Uncle’s the best at chess!”
Yaya scrambled out of Caroline’s lap and dashed off. Caroline stood too, her expression dimming slightly as the child’s laughter faded in the distance. She looked at Eleanor and softly said, “Mom.”
