Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
｡☆✼★━━━ Sisters Reclaimed and Healing Hearts
Aphrodite stepped inside the manor, feeling the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh flowers wrap around her, but it felt different now—hollow, like it was swallowing her whole. She hadn't even taken a full breath before Love appeared, her eyes lighting up when she saw Aphrodite.
"There you are! I was just starting to worry—" Love began, moving forward, but stopped short as Aphrodite's composure shattered.
Tears spilled down Aphrodite's cheeks, each drop carrying a weight too heavy to hold in any longer. She clutched her hand to her mouth, stifling a sob that felt as if it had been waiting there for hours, demanding to be released. Love's eyes softened, and without hesitation, she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around her friend and boss.
"Aphrodite..." Love murmured, her voice gentle, as she held her close. "It's okay. Let it out."
Aphrodite clung to her, almost like a lifeline, her breath shuddering as she tried to speak through the tears. "I... I didn't know, Love. I didn't know that it was—" Her voice broke, unable to finish, and she shook her head in despair. "I thought it was just an accident."
"I know," Love whispered, rubbing her back soothingly. "No one could have known."
Aphrodite pulled back slightly, her hands trembling as she wiped her face. "They were my parents, Love. And I didn't... I didn't even get to say goodbye. I didn't get to... make things right."
Her friend gave a sad, understanding nod, her expression soft but pained. "You did what you had to, Aphrodite. And if they could see you now, I think they'd understand. You have nothing to feel guilty for."
Aphrodite pressed her fingers against her temples, trying to collect herself. "But the questions—Love, the FBI thinks there's more to this, and they don't even know who might have... They have no idea. I don't know what any of this means, and it's terrifying." Her voice fell to a whisper, raw with grief. "I have to tell Isadora something, but what? How do I tell her everything's okay when I don't even know if it is?"
Love took Aphrodite's hands, her gaze unwavering. "Then just be honest. She doesn't need answers right now, just you. She needs you, Aphrodite."
Aphrodite managed a small, wavering nod, letting Love's words settle over her like a balm. "I just... I just wish it hadn't come to this. Everything is falling apart so fast. The press, the investigation... our family's name, everything feels so fragile."
"Then we'll face it one piece at a time," Love assured her. "Whatever's coming, you're not alone. Ahuna and I are here, and Isadora is going to be okay because she has you. That's what's important."
