In Jardora, the Lampard was the crème la and family was just looking up at them. like Trevor was out of league for sure. Melanie let out a wishful sigh. If could snag a guy like him, give anything!” She was power–walking towards him. Just as about to cross the she watched Trevor get into his car and peel out, leaving her the dust. She and said to herself, “Tll work his magic for me. I’m gorgeous, got the looks and the curves. Even boyfriend is over heels for me. Maybe Trevor would be too. “Where’s Craig, though? was supposed to take shopping. Did he go Kylie?” At the mention Melanie’s lit up with a smile. “I can’t wait see how Kylie’s wriggle out of this one! She had the audacity me attitude at the hospital yesterday. waiting, she pulled her phone and dialed Julie. “Mom, I just called Kylie again, she’s still responding. I go her? Make an apology, maybe!” Your dad’s cut off her credit card; be soon enough. She’s such a headache. she was as good as you, thanking our stars,” Julie said, her frustration palpable. been up all night, seething. After soothing her mom, Melanie hung up and called Austin, her older brother. She whole story, her voice trembling. should call Kylie? Mom and Dad didn’t at wink her. she’s your real sister Austin, with experiments south, was even irritated at his “You’re the sister we got. Let do what she wants. Melanie smiled, feeling rush of happiness. Austin, I you’re busy. Make sure to rest up. “Yep, will do, replied, to hide his annoyance. Kylie pushed open the door, and the scent home–cooked hit her like warm hug. Amanda’s kitchen magic was in full swing, transforming everyday ingredients into a celebration. For a Kylie stood there, the familiarity almost surreal. Her blurred with emotion as she watched Amanda and Ethan their element, the kitchen buzzing with their playful banter. “Kylie’s crazy about this. Go out,” Ethan his tone playful. “Always do my girl,” Amanda back. “Where are your brothers at?” “Hoard just called. Stuck in traffic, but they’re on their way,” replied. Amanda’s smile could’ve lit up the room. “Great It’s been age since been at the table together. Right then, vibrated with a message Trevor. [Business trip. Be in a few days. She out a that,” and then she was the kitchen, her voice bright. “Guess who’s home!” In the past life, she’d reached out to Lampard family for a lifeline. knew Ethan and James had been through the use some in Jardora. But she got to ask. Samuel and Julie had made disdain crystal clear. “Kylie’s back!” said, voice a symphony. “Why don’t you unwind in living room? Dinner’s almost set. Ethan chimed in. got this honey. a grin, agreed. family was a feeling cherished to the core. Trevor’s lit up with the short reply from Kylie as he rolled towards the a shrug that spoke volumes. Zach was all over it. “Boss, if that’s a thumbs down, get the crew to whip something new,” he said, ready to start a thread on group chat. raised an eyebrow at him. “Who said it?” kept quiet, not about admit he’d read Trevor’s face a book. he gave a laugh that sounded more like a cough. Then, out of nowhere, their smooth ride a heart–stopper as the car jammed on the brakes. laptop-not just any laptop, but top–of–the–line that cost him a pretty flying and bit the dust. His about bugged out of his head. drive looked like he’d seen a as he shouted, “Pile–up!” part by the skin teeth. Trevor looked up to see car in of them, just a memory under the fallen tanker, its logo the only thing left standing. The chaos had like wildfire. overpass was a zoo, a sea of stuck cars honking horns. Amanda Ethan cooked a feast that have a small army. James and Hoard, brothers, had walked They closed on Kylie the moment saw her, faces etched with concern. They didn’t to ask a lot of questions; body language said all. They were worried about how Kylie had been by the Lampard family “Kylie, those Lampards give you any grief, just holler. got your back, said, his tone fierce. He’d been a of the Lampard especially not the snooty sister who’d looked down nose at them time they met. And to Kylie was family. “Hoard’s spot on. You’re not in this alone, Ethan added, his voice gentle. He’d always been protective and it was clear she’d been having a tough time with the Lampard family. She like she’d lost which broke his heart. “Guys, don’t be so dramatic. Lampard family Kylie’s family now. never mistreat her,” Amanda said, to play peacemaker she grabbed sodas from the fridge. She knew her boys weren’t of Lampard family, also knew they were relatives. Criticizing them harshly would only things for Kylie. Kylie let out a light laugh. “I’ve moved out of the Lampard residence. Found my own spot and I’m back. The exchanged worried glances. “Why would she move out so Have the Lampard family been unkind to her? “You shouldn’t be living alone. It’s not safe, Amanda said quickly. “Come back home. It’s just me and here. brothers are always out working; housing. We can make it work. In Jardora, rent was sky–high, so Amanda had only been able afford a two–bedroom apartment. The older boys were out working, with their companies them to stay. When come for a reunion, it was a tight squeeze for the brothers. “Ill take the couch. Kylie, you can have my room,” Hoard offered without hesitation. Before Kylie could finish her refusal, her phone rang. was about to ignore it, but when she saw it was from Noreen, she up right away and called Noreen’s name. “Kylie, car accident to Trevor!” Noreen’s voice was urgent.