HEIR~HIZZIE

1

EDITED

Hope had just arrived back from England. As she drove through the quiet streets toward home, excitement bubbled in her chest. Three years. Three long years away. She couldn't wait to see her parents again.

She pulled into the driveway and frowned when she noticed the house was completely dark.

Maybe they're at the Mikaelson mansion, she thought. That's where they usually are.

Hope stepped out of the car and grabbed her suitcase from the trunk.
"Okay, maybe they just forgot I was coming back today," she muttered to herself. "That's fine."

She walked inside, pushing the door open slowly. The house was silent-too silent.

"Yep. They definitely forgot," Hope said, rolling her eyes.

She headed upstairs to her old bedroom and dropped her things onto the bed. Even though she had her own place now, this house would always feel like home.

"Guess I'll just go back to my place," she said, turning and walking downstairs.

The moment she reached the living room, the air cannons exploded.

"WELCOME HOME!"

Hope froze, then burst into laughter as familiar faces filled the room.

"Little wolf," Klaus said warmly, pulling her into a tight hug. "Did you really think we would forget you were coming home after three years?"

Before she could answer, Hayley gently pulled her away.
"Hope," she said, smiling through tears. "Did you honestly think I'd forget my baby coming home?"

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter, hugs, and stories. Hope reunited with family she hadn't seen in years, and for the first time in a long while, her heart felt full.

Later that evening, Hope sat curled up on the couch beside Rebekah, a drink in her hand.

"So," Rebekah said casually, smirking, "are you ready to take over the business?"

Hope groaned softly and took a sip of her drink.
"I start tomorrow, so I don't really have a choice."

Rebekah laughed. "You'll do wonderfully, darling. You're a Mikaelson."

Hope smiled at that.

Rebekah studied her for a moment. "So... anyone special you're planning to introduce to the family?"

Hope let out a small laugh and shook her head.
"Auntie Bex, I don't do relationships anymore. Not after Landon."

Rebekah's expression softened. "I know you loved him, and I know he hurt you. But not everyone is like him, sweetheart."

"I don't care," Hope replied quietly, looking down at her hands. "I'm not ready."

Rebekah nodded, offering a gentle smile. "Alright. Just don't let 'Landon the Lame' ruin your love life forever."

Hope chuckled despite herself.

"I love you," Rebekah said, standing up.

"I love you too, Auntie Bex," Hope replied as she watched her walk away.