Part 1

After spending two more wonderful days in London, Canary and Lisa packed their bags and headed to the airport, ready to return to Annertoz.

As they boarded the plane, Canary took Lisa's hand, and smiled at her feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness about returning home.

He knew that his life in Annertoz would never be the same, now that he had Lisa by his side, as his girlfriend and the woman he loved.

The flight was smooth and uneventful, and before long, they were landing at the Annertoz airport.

As they stepped off the plane, Canary felt a sense of familiarity wash over him. He was home.

But as they made their way through, He held her hand tightly in hers and they couldn't stop smiling at each other.

They were walking when they met Micheal ready to recieve them. On seeing them, Lisa quickly pulled away from Canary and put for Micheal a plastic smile. She couldn't let him know about them already.

Welcome back, sir!" Michael greeted, extending his hand to Canary. "I hope the trip was productive."

"Thank you, Michael," Canary replied warmly, shaking his hand. "It was excellent."

Lisa stepped forward, her face calm but her heart racing. Michael turned to her with a polite smile. "Miss Lisa, good to see you again. I trust London treated you well?"

"Very well, thank you," she replied smoothly, keeping her tone professional.

Michael didn't seem to notice anything unusual, but Lisa's mind was already working overtime. Every glance, every gesture had to be measured. No one could know. Not yet.

"Shall we?" Michael gestured toward the waiting car, oblivious to the invisible thread connecting the two behind him.

Lisa cast a quick glance at Canary, her lips curving into the faintest smile before stepping forward.

The black sedan cruised smoothly through the streets of Annertoz, its interior quiet save for the occasional hum of the engine.

Michael sat in the driver's seat, focused on the road, while Canary and Lisa occupied the back. Lisa kept her gaze fixed out the window, the city lights flickering in her eyes, though her thoughts were elsewhere—on the man sitting mere inches from her.

Michael cleared his throat. "Miss Lisa, I'll be dropping you at your place first. Is that alright?"

Lisa turned, offering a polite nod. "Of course, Michael. Thank you."

She could feel Canary's presence beside her, his hand resting casually on the seat between them, so close yet so impossibly far. Every instinct told her to reach out, but she held herself back. Not here. Not now.

The car slowed to a stop outside Lisa's building.

"Thank you, Michael," Lisa said, stepping out gracefully.

" Anytime, Miss Lisa," Michael replied with a polite nod.

" Goodnight, Mr. Anderson," she said softly, her tone formal yet carrying an undercurrent only he could decipher.

" Good night too.." Canary replied obviously knowing that Lisa wanted to keep their relationship a secret.

Lisa gave Canary a lovely smile before finally leaving off and Canary smiled back at her.

Lisa stood at the building's entrance, watching until the sedan disappeared around the corner.

She let out a soft sigh, her hand brushing against the necklace hidden beneath her blouse—a gift from Canary, a secret token of their love.

Inside the car, Michael glanced at Canary through the rearview mirror.

" You too look to be in good terms once again." Micheal remarked casually.

Canary smirked faintly, leaning back in his seat. " Don't start any nonsense ."

" Did you grandmother get well ?" Canary asked.

" Yeah, She did." Micheal answered.

" That's great, How has been work ?" Canary asked.

The conversation shifted to work matters as they neared the Andersons Mansion, a sprawling estate on the outskirts of the city.

The grand iron gates swung open at Michael's command, revealing the meticulously landscaped grounds and the stately mansion beyond.

Michael parked the car and stepped out to open the door for his boss. "Welcome home, sir."

A line of staff had already gathered to welcome him.

The maids curtsied, the butlers bowed, and the housekeepers stood with practiced poise.

" Welcome home, Mr. Anderson," they greeted in unison, their voices echoing through the vast space.

Canary gave them a polite nod, his expression warm but reserved. "Thank you, everyone. It's good to be back."

Among the staff, Ketra, the housekeeper who had practically helped raise him, stepped forward with her usual no-nonsense demeanor. Her eyes held both pride and affection as she looked him over.

"Well, Canary, it seems London treated you well. You've returned looking sharper than ever," she said, her tone laced with subtle teasing.

Canary chuckled softly. "Thank you, Ketra. You've kept the place as immaculate as always."

" Of course," she replied, a touch of pride in her voice. "The mansion is always ready for you."

Before Canary could respond, a familiar voice rang out from the grand staircase.

" My son!"

Canary turned, his gaze softening as his mother, Lucy Anderson, descended the stairs gracefully.

Dressed in an elegant evening gown, her presence exuded both authority and warmth.

Her smile widened as she approached him, arms outstretched.

" Mother," Canary said, stepping forward to embrace her. "It's good to see you."

Lucy held him close for a moment

Canary stepped out, pausing for a moment to take in the sight of his home. Yet, despite its grandeur, it felt emptier tonight. He nodded to Michael.

"Thank you. Get some rest—I'll see you in the morning."

" Goodnight, sir," Michael said before leaving.