The main door swung open with a firm pull, the faint sound of its hinges cutting through the stillness. Hanz Vogt, the butler, stood by the entrance, his composed demeanor embodying hospitality. “Good evening, madam, welcome home.”

  Ami offered a nod, subtle but authoritative. “Hanz, dinner’s running a bit late. We have an unexpected guest, Ms. Jones. Please set the table for her beside Little Kate.”

  “Yes, madam.”

  Just as the butler’s words fell, Ami’s gaze sharpened. “Oh, where’s my husband?”

  Hanz replied with a faint smile. “Madam, Mr. Porter’s family moved in this afternoon. Sir is with them in the upper basement.”

  Ami’s eyes lit with realization. “Darn! He beat me to it. I’ll go see my grandbabies now! Kayan, keep Ms. Jones company.”

  As Ami scurried away, the main lobby echoed with chuckles, her sons amused by her competitive streak. Kayan, slipping into the role of host, guided Carys toward the great room. “Ms. Jones, although my mother’s instructions were clear, she neglected to ask. Would you like to join us for dinner?”

  Carys hesitated, shyness creeping in. “I… I hope I’m not imposing.”

  “Not at all.” Kayan gave her a reassuring smile. “By the way, Kimi knows why you’re here, and just so you’re at ease, it’s not an emergency. He should be arriving any moment.”

  Her features softened. “Phew! That’s a relief! Oh, please, just call me Carys.”

  ……

  At eight, everyone except Katherine had gathered in the formal dining room. Ami glanced at Kimi, concern flickering. “Kimi, have you heard from Little Kate?”

  Kimi’s brow furrowed. “I tried calling, but she didn’t pick up.” His tone carried a thread of worry, though he tried to conceal it.

  Just then, his phone buzzed. His face brightened when he saw the name flashing on the screen. “Kitty! I’ve been trying to reach you. Is everything okay?”

  Katherine’s reply crackled through the line, tinged with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Kimi. I was in the tech studio; my phone was on my desk. I’m on my way back now. I hope you started dinner without me. I need to call Rys.”

  “No need,” Kimi said, glancing at Carys. “She’s here.”

  “Great! I’ll be there in a flash,” Katherine quipped before ending the call. Then, she stepped on the accelerator.

  He pocketed his phone. “Kitty’s on her way.”

  A relieved smile spread across Carys’s face. “As long as she’s safe and sound, that’s all that matters.”

  As they tucked into dinner, Kimi made the introductions. “Carys, at the head of the table are my mom, Ami, and my dad, Sadra. Next to Dad is my eldest brother, Kasra, with his girlfriend, Lara. Beside Lara is my second brother, Kian. Harper, who’s working on the interior design of our house, is sitting beside Kian. You’ve already met my third brother; I’m the fourth.”

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  He gestured to the other side. “To my left is Kitty’s brother, Seven. He’s sitting beside my little sister, Sana.”

  Lifting his glass, he added, “That’s everyone here. Would you like to introduce yourself?”

  Carys blushed, nerves showing. “Hello, everyone. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’m Carys Jones, and there’s not much to tell. I’m Kate’s bestie, and we’re roommates.”

  Seven leaned forward, curiosity piqued. “Carys, were you Kate’s schoolmate?”

  “No. Before we were besties, Kate was my hero. Years back, I encountered some thugs, and I thank my lucky stars she was there on patrol. She took them all down without breaking a sweat. She’s absolutely incredible! We became fast friends after that,” Carys explained, her words warm with gratitude.

  “She learned from the best; our father was a General,” Seven added, pride lacing his tone.

  Recognition struck Carys. That’s right! Seven is the Colonel Seven!

  Her heart thumped wildly, and she blurted without thinking, “By the way, you’re a legend at Walter Reed.”

  Seven frowned. “What?”

  “Sorry! I jumped the gun.” Carys rushed to clarify, “I’m an OB-GYN at Walter Reed. Your reputation precedes you. You’re not even 30, and you’re already a colonel.”

  Before Seven could respond, a teasing voice chimed in from behind. “Is that all my brother’s known for? I thought the rumor was that he’s super capable and a total heartthrob… What else did you say? He’s every girl’s wet dream?”

  Katherine strode in with a devilish smirk as she playfully nudged her BFF.

  Carys froze, cheeks flaming, mortified. She scrambled for a distraction. “Kate! You’re finally here! What’s the emergency you called me here for?”

  Silence fell over the table as her question hung in the air. All eyes turned to Katherine, quickly piecing together the purpose of Carys’s visit. Katherine shot her a how-dare-you glare before answering smoothly. “I was just being dramatic, hoping you’d drop everything and rush over to see me. You’re truly my bestie!”

  At that moment, a servant arrived with Katherine’s dinner, giving her the perfect excuse to avoid further explanation. She thanked the servant before digging in, grateful for the interruption.

  As the family resumed eating, Sana spoke up, her tone edged with insecurity. “Carys, is it true? Are there such rumors about Seven?”

  Caught again, Carys hesitated before admitting, “Y–Yes, it’s true. It’s said that every guy at Walter Reed wants to be him, and every girl wants to be with him.”

  Sana raised an eyebrow, fixing Seven with a questioning look. “Don’t tell me you didn’t know.”

  Seven shook his head, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. “Sana, it’s really my first time hearing such a thing.”

  Ami covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. “Princess, doesn’t this prove you have excellent taste in men?”

  The tips of Seven’s ears reddened, though her words only fueled Sana’s irritation. “Of course, I know I have excellent taste! But never mind that it was just Walter Reed before; now, there are girls from Data Dynamics to contend with as well.”

  Seven blinked. “What are you talking about?”

  With a sigh, Sana pulled out her phone to show him her WhatsApp chats. “I’m in a bunch of work groups. My phone’s been blowing up since your debut! Look, the chatter’s still going strong!”

  Seven shook his head, his heart clenched at her aggrieved expression. Instead of looking at her phone, he reached out and tapped the tip of her nose, his voice gentle. “Sana, you’re the only girl I want to be with, just as I hope to be the only man you want to be with.”

  Her frustration melted, features softening. His words calmed the storm of insecurities that had stirred within her.

  Watching the exchange, Ami’s face glowed with maternal delight, while Sadra nodded approvingly.

  That’s my son-in-law!

  Kimi and his brothers exchanged knowing glances, silently taking notes on their sister’s suitor. Katherine grinned at her brother, sending him a silent thumbs-up, while Carys sighed to herself.

  What a dreamboat.