‘Papa!’ Ariana scrambled out of the chauffeur-driven Mercedes and threw herself into her father’s arms.
It was almost midnight and he’d come out to meet her, the palatial villa behind him illuminated against the blackness, the moon bright and full overhead.
Ariana was exhausted. She knew she looked far from her usual groomed and glossy self after the long journey from Los Angeles but was shocked by the change in her father. He’d lost weight, his handsome features hollowed out, and there were dark circles under his eyes. His once dark hair was thick with grey, and it looked as though he hadn’t shaved for a week.
‘Yaya,’ Ariana blurted out. ‘Is she . . .?’ She trailed off, not daring to finish the question.
‘Your grandmother is very weak, but she’s still with us.’ ‘Oh, thank God.’ Ariana collapsed against him with relief. ‘I was terrified I’d be too late.’
‘She’s been asking for you. Come, I’ll take you straight to her.’
A look passed between them, so many emotions and unspoken words, but now was not the time for questions. Those would come later. Instead, Demetrios Theodosis put his arm around his daughter and steered her into the house.
Shauna, Ariana’s stepmother, was waiting inside. Like Demetrios, Shauna looked shattered. Her thick, red hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and she was dressed casually in lounge pants and a fitted T-shirt.
‘Ariana, it’s lovely to see you. I’m so sorry it had to be under these circumstances.’ Shauna enveloped her in a warm hug, then stood back. She knew this was a moment for Demetrios and his daughter…
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