INVISIBLE BOUND

SAFE PLACE

Connor finally returned home, his arrival unknown to most, Aria came back from new York, while James lived as Ms Marina's neighbor. Connor faced his parents and said, I've done everything you asked. I know Sofia graduated as well. I've tried to be the perfect kid as Liam, but I can't. I love both of you dearly, but I love her the most too, I've tried so hard to forget her, but I can't anymore, please let me marry her."

His father replied sternly, "If you want to marry her, you have to leave this house. And you can't be Liam because he died trying to save you."

Connor's expression turned upset, his voice heavy with sadness.  "You never loved me, dad," he said quietly. "I'm leaving."

Knocked on James door, James opened the door to find Connor standing there. Without a word, Connor hugged him tightly. "Connor,"  James  murmured.

"Come in," James said warmly.Connor proceeded to pour out everything to James. "Live with me, Connor ," James offered, giving him a warm brotherly hug.

Connor asked James about Sofia, and James recounted everything that had happened to her in the past. Connor's heart sank with sadness. "I wish I had never listen to my father in first place. I wish I could held her hand and never let go," Connor whispered, his voice heavy with regret.

James comforted him, patting his head gently. "Everything will be fine, Connor," he assured him.

Just then, there was another knock on James's  door.
He opened it to find Aria standing there. Memories flooded back, hitting James hard. Aria hugged him tightly and said tearfully,  "I'm sorry for leaving you behind. I tried my best to tell you that I love you the most, but I couldn't. You know I'm a mess."

James froze for a moment, then gently returned her hug, patting her head, he felt Aria's tears dropping on his shoulder, as she continued, "I know you probably hate me, but please don't tell me not to love you."

"I never stopped loving you, you little idiot," James whispered softly to her.

Connor emerged  from inside the house and saw Aria admitting her feelings to James. He smiled warmly and patted her head. Aria looked up,  wiping her tears away, and said,  "Connor," They all hugged and went inside the house.

Aria spotted Ms Marina in the garden from the window and hurried to Connor and James were. "Sofia is here!"  She explained joyfully. Connor's heart skipped a beat a beat as they all rushed to find Sofia.

"Sofia!"  Aria called out with happiness.  James and Aria embraced her warmly,  relieved to see her, Ms Marina smiled at the sight of them all together once again, feeling a deep sense of happiness.

Suddenly, Sofia saw Connor. The shadowy figure stood behind her, watching them closely. When he noticed Connor, he ran to Sofia and exclaimed, "Sofia!"

Sofia paused turning to look at Connor for a few minutes. Then she smiled gently and said, "Welcome home."

The shadowy figure saw Sofia smiling genuinely for the first time in a long while. He smiled at them both and vanished from there.

Connor felt a strong urge to hug Sofia, but held back.

Ms Marina noticed Connor and hugged him.
"I'm so relieved to see all of you together once again," Ms Marina said warmly.

"Come on, Sofia. You must be tired. Let me show you to your room first."

Page #2 title: PEACE

Connor felt a wave of happiness seeing Sofia again. He went inside the house and lay down on his bed, finally able to to sleep peacefully. James noticed Connor sleeping soundly and smiled with relief. He gently closed the door, letting Connor rest undisturbed.