The Sterling family residence was unusually peaceful that afternoon.
The large iron gates opened as a black luxury car entered the compound.
The moment the car stopped in front of the house, the front door opened.
A young man came running out.
“ADRIAN!”
Adrian Sterling had barely stepped out of the car when Ryan Sterling threw his arms around him.
“You traveled without me!”
Adrian looked down at his stepbrother.
“You had a concert.”
Ryan slowly released him.
“I…”
He paused.
“I…”
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
Ryan sighed.
“You’re right.
That’s true.”
Adrian’s lips curved slightly.
Ryan frowned.
“But you still could have waited.”
“You were working.”
“I’m your brother.”
“And?”
Ryan stared at him.
“You’ve become mean.”
“I’ve always been like this.”
“No.”
Ryan pointed at him.
“You’ve become worse.”
Adrian shook his head.
Nothing had changed.
Ryan was still the same loud, dramatic younger brother he remembered.
A few steps behind them, an elderly man walked toward the entrance.
“Are you two planning to stand outside all afternoon?”
Ryan immediately turned.
“Grandpa!”
Edward Sterling smiled.
Ryan rushed over and hugged him.
Adrian followed more calmly.
“Grandpa.”
Edward looked at him for a moment before pulling him into a warm embrace.
“Welcome home.”
“Thank you.”
Edward patted his shoulder.
“You’ve grown thinner.”
Ryan immediately interrupted.
“See?
I told you.”
Adrian looked at him.
“You weren’t asked.”
Ryan laughed.
Inside the living room, everyone settled down.
Ryan sat opposite Adrian, staring at him.
Adrian noticed.
“What?”
“What did you bring me?”
“Nothing.”
Ryan’s mouth dropped open.
“What?”
“You already have everything.”
“I don’t.” Adrian looked at him.
“You have three gaming consoles.”
“Three isn’t enough.”
Edward laughed.
“Enough for what?” Edward sterling asked smiling
“For Gaming.” Ryan replied
“You have enough toys to open a store.”
“Those aren’t toys they are special figures young boys keep toys I keep special mystery figures as a collection,.
Ryan looked betrayed as he explained.
“A grown up man keeping toys, tsk I wonder if your fans will unfollow you if they knew,.
Adrian retorted
“Grandpa!” Ryan shouted
Edward shrugged.
“I’m telling the truth.”Adrian leaned back.
“He’s right.”Edward said teasingly
Ryan pointed at both of them.
“You two are against me.”
“No one is against you,” Adrian said.
“You’re both against me.”
Adrian smiled.
“Then eat something.”
Ryan crossed his arms.
“I’m angry.”
“Be angry.”
“And hungry.”
Adrian laughed.
“You can be both?”
“Of course.”
Edward shook his head.and said to Adrian “You’ve spoiled him.”
Ryan immediately smiled.
“You did.” Adrian replied
“I regret it.” Edward sighed
“No, you don’t.” Adrian commented
Dinner that evening was lively.
Ryan talked almost continuously while Adrian mostly listened.
At one point, Ryan suddenly asked,
“How long are you staying?”
“I haven’t decided.”
Ryan’s smile disappeared.
“You’re leaving again?”
“Not immediately.”
“Then stay.”
Adrian looked at him.
Ryan’s expression softened.
“Stay for a while.”
Adrian was silent for a moment.
“Fine.”
Ryan’s face immediately brightened.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Then tonight we’re going out.”
Adrian looked at him.
“I never agreed to that.”
Ryan froze.
“But you agreed to stay.”
“Those are different things.”
Edward burst out laughing.
Ryan looked at his grandfather.
“Grandpa, help me.”
Edward shook his head.
“You’re on your own.”
Ryan groaned.
Adrian smiled quietly.
The evening continued with more laughter and teasing.
For the first time in a long while, Adrian felt completely at ease.
He had spent years focused on business, investments, and responsibilities.
Coming home reminded him that he still had a family.
And Ryan, despite being annoying, he had missed him more than he wanted to admit.
Later that night, Adrian stood near the window in his room.
The city stretched out below him.
His phone vibrated.
A message from Lucas.
Lucas: tonight.
Don’t forget to come.
Another message followed.
Marcus: We’re expecting you.
Adrian smiled faintly.
He replied.
Adrian: I’ll be there soon.
He placed the phone down.
From the hallway came Ryan’s voice.
“ADRIAN!”
Adrian closed his eyes.
“What now?”
“Are you ready?”
“almost.”
“Good!
I need to ask you something.”
Adrian sighed.
“What?”
“Can I drive your car tonight?”
“No.”
“But you are going with me”
“No.”
Ryan became silent.
Fine let’s go I will seat in the passenger seat.
he replied lowering his head.
Adrian shook his head.
“ok come let me get dressed.”
Three seconds later, Ryan shouted from the hallway.
“YOU’RE SO MEAN!”
Adrian laughed.
For once, he didn’t mind.
He had returned home.
And for the first time in a long time, home felt good.