Chapter 26. Can't Comprehend

The same Rolls Royce that dropped them last night is now parked in front of the house. Zoey just arrived, and Timothy already told her to act like she didn't know them at all.

As the familiar Rolls-Royce came to a stop in front of the Owens' family home, all eyes were immediately drawn to the elegant figure that emerged from the backseat. Medusa, clad in a flowing, draped garment of the lightest, billowing fabric, stepped out with an ethereal grace that seemed to captivate all who laid eyes upon her.

The dress was a masterpiece of asymmetry, a sleeveless top with a high neckline that cascaded into loose, cascading folds, creating an almost sculptural silhouette. Yet, despite its minimalist elegance, the fabric seemed to almost defy gravity, moving with a fluidity that mesmerized observers.

Her flawless, bright white skin really fits the light blue dress she's wearing. Her dress seemed to gently caress her skin and hug her entire body, showing off her beautiful and enchanting curves.

She's also wearing a turban, which is also made of the same light, flowing fabric, wrapped and draped around her head in an intricate, sculptural fashion. The turban is decorated with pearl accents, adding a touch of ornate elegance to the overall look.

As Medusa glided towards the house, all eyes were upon her, enraptured by her captivating presence. Whitney, unable to contain her awe, turned to her parents, her voice tinged with wonder. "Is she even human?" she murmured, her gaze never leaving Medusa's mesmerizing form.

Yolanda placed a reassuring hand on her husband's arm. "Darling, I won't get jealous if you say a word about that woman," she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "She's a divine-looking woman, to be sure."

Jamal, never one to mince words, let out a low whistle. "That's one amazing woman," he said, his tone a blend of reverence and appreciation.

Even Zoey, usually so poised and self-assured, found herself at a loss for words. "Wow," she breathed, her eyes wide with a sudden, startling realization. "I'm now questioning my sexuality."

Aleysia couldn't help but chuckle at the awestruck responses of those around her. "You all seem to think a god has descended upon the earth," she remarked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Jamal nodded sagely, his gaze fixed on Medusa's radiant form. "If that's what she is, then yes," he breathed, his words conveying a sense of reverence.

Beside him, Yolanda remained transfixed, her eyes drinking in every detail of Medusa's captivating presence.

As the morning sun caressed Medusa's ethereal figure, it was as if the very air itself had been imbued with a divine glow, enveloping all who bore witness. And then, in a voice that was sweet and melodious, Medusa greeted Aleysia.

"Hello, Aleysia."

At the sound of her name, Aleysia's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she quickly made her way to Medusa, her steps filled with a sense of familiarity and warmth. Without hesitation, Medusa stretched out her arms, embracing Aleysia in a gentle, welcoming gesture.

"Ariadne," Aleysia murmured, her voice soft and filled with affection. "I've missed you."

Medusa's lips curled into a tender smile as she held Aleysia close, her touch conveying a deep, almost maternal affection. "And I have missed you, my dear," she replied, her words a soothing balm to Aleysia's soul.

Aleysia's brows furrowed with concern as she reached out to Medusa. "Have you had your breakfast?" she asked, her voice laced with gentle care.

Medusa's gaze softened as she regarded Aleysia. "I have," she replied, her words carrying a weight that belied their simplicity.

Aleysia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Then, would you like to come inside?" she offered.

But Medusa shook her head, a soothing smile gracing her features. "No, Aleysia," she murmured, her hand tenderly cupping the younger woman's chin. "I'm afraid I can't stay. I have a meeting at noon, and I've come only to see your face."

Aleysia's breath caught in her throat as she could feel Medusa's breath is so close to her, the intensity of the moment sending a shiver down her spine. "Ariadne?" she whispered, her hands reaching out to grasp Medusa's arms, as if to anchor herself in the present.

And then, with a move both gentle and deliberate, Medusa leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss to Aleysia's forehead. "I'll see you again tonight," she promised, her voice low.

Aleysia's heart swelled with a mix of joy and longing. "Promise?" she breathed.

Medusa's lips curled into a radiant smile, her eyes shining with affection. "I promise, Aleysia," she murmured.

-

Once Medusa's radiant presence had left the premises, leaving behind a lingering sense of awe and reverence, the Owens family found themselves releasing a collective breath they hadn't realized they were holding.

Yolanda, her body still humming with the electricity of Medusa's arrival, instinctively reached for her husband's hand, drawing solace and grounding from his familiar touch. "Oh," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to shatter the delicate silence that had settled over them.

Zoey, her knees still feeling unsteady from the sheer force of Medusa's otherworldly beauty, turned to Aleysia, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Do you know her, Aleysia?" she asked.

Aleysia's lips curled into a soft, reminiscent smile as she recalled the shared moments with Medusa. "We often sat and watched the whales in Svalbard," she began, her sightless eyes seemingly focused on a distant memory. "Or we'd go by yacht to get closer to them."

And that day is spent by the family talking with Zoey regarding Aleysia's share in the company and what Aleysia wants to do next. Aleysia's mind was already settled—she was determined to sell the family home, a decision that had taken root within her heart and mind.

"I've been thinking," she began, her voice steady and resolute, "about the house and what I want to do with it." The Owens family turned to her, their attention focused intently on her words.

Aleysia's voice rang out with a firm resolve. "I want to sell the house," she announced, "and I want to keep living with all of you in Longyearbyen, in Svalbard."

While Whitney's brow furrowed in surprise, Yolanda and Jamal remained unfazed because they were already aware of Aleysia's plan. The wife and husband couple exchanged a glance, knowing that Aleysia had thoughtfully considered this decision and talked to them before broaching the topic with the rest of the family.

Zoey nodded and relayed the pertinent details. "The house is worth three million dollars," she said. "I'll put the money into your account as soon as I get a buyer for the house."

But Aleysia was not done. She started to talk again, stopping Zoey from talking more. "There's more," she said, her tone measured and steady. Yolanda and Jamal exchanged a knowing look, bracing themselves for the news that Aleysia was about to reveal.

"And I want to give one million of that to the Owen family," Aleysia declared.

"Aleysia!" Yolanda exclaimed, her voice tinged with a surprise.

"Ale!" Jamal's heart nearly skipped a beat, the weight of her generosity overwhelming him.

"Dude!" Whitney's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of Aleysia's offer.