Chapter 3: The Cottage Sanctuary

Pulling my suitcase into the cottage, I surveyed what Jean had prepared for me. Contrary to my expectations, the space was genuinely charming. The rustic, cozy atmosphere made me feel like I'd walked into a fairytale illustration rather than a reluctant accommodation.

Delicate fairy lights and lush greenery adorned the walls, complementing the flowing white drapery that framed the windows and cascaded to the floor. The cottage featured a modest living room with an adjoining kitchenette, plus a bedroom with its own bathroom tucked off to the side. With everything I needed right here, visits to the main house could be minimal—a prospect that brought immediate relief.

"Not bad at all," I murmured, dragging my bags into the bedroom and placing them on the bed. Mom had always advised unpacking the bedroom first whenever we moved, ensuring that at day's end, I'd have a completed sanctuary for rest.

As I began organizing my belongings, my phone chimed persistently. Having just arrived, I was surprised to already be receiving notifications. When I checked my screen, my father's name appeared with a message:

'Come to the main house. I'd like to speak with you.'

Of course he wanted to see me now, despite not bothering to collect me from the airport. Sighing, I slipped my flats back on and made the trek up to the main house, entering through the back door. In such a massive residence, I had no idea where to find him, but predictably, Jean materialized in the kitchen to direct me.

"There you are. Took you long enough," she commented with an exaggerated sigh. "Hurry up."

I could already tell by her attitude that my stay wouldn't be made easier by her presence. Fortunately, I wasn't the same timid girl from years ago. I no longer allowed people to push me around, and if Jean believed she could treat me however she pleased, she'd soon learn otherwise.

Following her brisk pace through the house, we stopped at an imposing white wooden door. "Always knock before entering," she instructed with a condescending tone, as though addressing a child without basic manners.

"Got it," I replied flatly, knocking firmly while maintaining eye contact with her. When Kennedy responded, I made sure to flash Jean a smug smile before entering.

If she continued this way, I'd make it my personal mission to find creative ways to irritate her. While I generally preferred books and nature to confrontation, I could become quite the adversary when pushed.

Stepping into his office, I saw Kennedy rise from behind an imposing mahogany desk, his face lighting up with what appeared to be genuine pleasure at seeing me. "Lina! My goodness, you've grown."

"It's been two years since we last met," I reminded him, accepting his awkward embrace despite the discomfort it caused us both. This strange formality seemed our destined dynamic.

"Yes, indeed," he acknowledged with a slight sigh. "I hope you've found your accommodations satisfactory. Jean and I felt you'd prefer your own space now that you're older. It should provide some privacy from the... activity that seems to perpetually surround the main house."

A small laugh escaped me as I nodded. "The cottage is very—"

"You," he finished, anticipating my assessment.

"Yes, exactly. It feels like me." I smiled as he gestured toward the chair opposite his desk. "You weren't at the airport," I added, unable to keep the slight accusation from my voice.

Kennedy sighed apologetically, nodding. "I'm truly sorry about that. I'm currently negotiating with a foreign dignitary, and the timing was impossible to rearrange. The deal's success is critical."

"It's fine. Carl and Ara were..." I paused, considering how to characterize their reception, noting Kennedy's expression shift to concern at my hesitation. "...welcoming enough."

His features relaxed immediately at my diplomatic response. "Excellent. Three of them work at FaunaSphere as well."

Out of surprise, I blurted out, "Seriously? Not kidding me?"

Kennedy explained with a soft face. "Absolutely, Ara, Devin and Barry also work at the FaunaSphere Dynamics Company, but Carl, as the oldest one, has attended my company and helped me with my company affairs."

I wasn't sure how I felt about that revelation. The thought of seeing Carl's scowling face regularly at work didn't exactly inspire enthusiasm.

"Come, this way, dear, I have something for you." Kennedy’s voice interrupted my thoughts, he stepped out of my cottage as he instructed me to be with him.

Puzzled, I instinctively followed his strapping figure to the underground parking before he stopped in front of a brightly gleaming car.

"You got me a car?" I asked incredulously, trying to process what Kennedy was saying as he continued. I'd been disappointed about leaving my vehicle in Alabama, but Mom had refused to let me drive cross-country alone, assuring me transportation wouldn't be an issue here.

"Yes, Lina," he chuckled, retrieving keys from his pocket. "You're going to change the world, sweetheart. I have more faith in you than you realize, and while I acknowledge I wasn't there for you before, your presence here marks a new beginning."

His unexpected sentiment threatened to expose my emotional vulnerability as tears pricked at my eyes. Looking at him—really looking—I managed a genuine smile before stepping forward for another hug. "Thank you."

I wasn't ready to believe Kennedy had transformed completely, but I could at least offer him the opportunity to demonstrate change. "You're welcome, Lina."

Pulling back, I discreetly wiped away a stray tear while maintaining my smile. "I'm looking forward to the next few years here. Perhaps we can create some actual memories."

"I'm certain we will," he replied warmly. "Now, I know you have considerable settling in to do before Monday's orientation at FaunaSphere, so I won't keep you. We're hosting a family dinner this evening at seven. I'd appreciate your joining us."

Family dinner. The phrase alone made me want to groan aloud. Forced socialization with Jean and her quartet of godsons hardly qualified as my idea of pleasurable memory-making. "Of course. Sounds wonderful."

Despite my internal resistance, I recognized that relationship-building required effort from both sides. If I expected them to make accommodations for me, I needed to demonstrate similar willingness.

Returning to my cottage, I couldn't shake the strange sensation that had overtaken me when approaching it. Something about this small structure nestled against the Ken jungle felt inherently right—almost magical in a way I couldn't articulate. Perhaps it was simply relief at having a space truly my own, away from the complicated dynamics of the main house.

As I resumed unpacking, I contemplated how to navigate the coming months. FaunaSphere represented incredible professional opportunity, but the personal landscape seemed fraught with potential complications. The brothers clearly harbored some animosity toward me—Carl especially—though I couldn't fathom why, considering we'd barely interacted before today.

I arranged my books along the modest shelf space, trailing my fingers across their familiar spines. These stories had been my companions through difficult transitions before, and they would serve me again now. Between my work, my cottage sanctuary, and the expansive natural beauty surrounding the property, I could carve out a life here regardless of the main house's tensions.

The dinner hour approached more quickly than anticipated, prompting me to change into something presentable. As I closed my bedroom door, I caught my reflection in the mirror and squared my shoulders.

"You've faced worse," I reminded myself. "This is just one dinner."

Little did I know then how profoundly that single dinner would alter the course of everything to come.