GOLDEN HEADLINES

20: Old Friend

"DINNER OR MORE?"

It was a quiet evening at Alessia's family home, the warm aroma of home-cooked food filling the air as laughter echoed softly from the dining room.

Alessia sat with her parents and Mabel, sharing stories from her day, though her mind kept drifting to the case that seemed impossible to crack.

Just as she was about to take a bite of her meal, the doorbell rang. Her mother stood to answer it, but a voice from the doorway called out,

"I hope I'm not too late for dinner!"

Alessia froze, her fork hovering mid-air. That voice was unmistakable.

She turned toward the door, her eyes widening as a tall, handsome figure stepped into the room. Kairan Ryder.

"Kairan?" Alessia exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and joy. She shot up from her seat and ran toward him, her chair screeching against the floor.

He opened his arms wide, and Alessia hugged him tightly, feeling an overwhelming wave of nostalgia wash over her.

It had been years—far too many—since they'd last seen each other.

"Look at you," Alessia said, stepping back to take him in. His warm smile, boyish charm, and familiar twinkle in his eyes were just as she remembered.

"You haven't changed a bit."

"And you've grown up into a fine woman," Kairan teased, ruffling her hair like he used to when they were kids.

Her parents beamed from the dining table, clearly thrilled by his unexpected visit. "Kairan! It's been ages. Come, sit with us," her mother said warmly.

Mabel, sitting to the side, raised an eyebrow as she observed the reunion. "So, who's the charmer?" she whispered to Alessia when she returned to the table.

"Kairan Ryder," Alessia whispered back with a grin. "Childhood friend, practically family."

As the night went on, the room buzzed with chatter and laughter, the weight of the unsolved case momentarily forgotten.

Kairan fit right in, charming Alessia's parents and making everyone laugh with his wit.

Yet Alessia couldn't help but wonder if his sudden arrival was truly a coincidence—or if it somehow connected to the storm brewing in her life.

As the dinner went on, Alessia found herself stealing glances at Kairan, memories of their childhood flooding back. He was the same charismatic, easy-going person, yet there was a hint of something different—an edge to him she hadn't noticed before.

"So, what brings you back after all these years, Kairan?" Alessia's father asked as he poured more tea.

Kairan leaned back in his chair, his smile unwavering.

"I've been traveling a lot for work. But no matter where I went, something kept pulling me back here. Thought it was about time I checked in on my favorite family."

"Favorite family, huh?" Alessia smirked. "More like you ran out of people to annoy."

"Guilty as charged," Kairan quipped, flashing a grin. "But seriously, I missed you all. Especially you, Alessia." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary.

Both Alessia mom and dad looked at each other and smiled.

Mabel cleared her throat, cutting the tension. "Well, isn't this heartwarming?" she teased, a sly smile on her face. "Childhood friends reconnecting—it's like a movie. Should we expect fireworks or what?"