Chapter 226: The Perfect Place (2)
Georgia’s POV
The moment we stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma. My stomach gave a little growl, reminding me that three hours on the road had worked up quite the appetite. If the scent alone was this heavenly, then Nick’s mom had to be an amazing cook.
"At last! You two are finally here—can we eat now?" Vicky’s cheerful voice carried across the room. She rushed over, wrapping us in a welcome hug before pressing a neatly wrapped box into Nick’s hands.
"Happy birthday, brother," she teased with a mischievous grin. "I expect a niece or nephew by your next one."
Heat rushed to my cheeks as everyone chuckled, and Nick embraced her in return, his grin wickedly boyish. "Well, I hope this gift comes with a bank account that has at least a million. That way, your future niece or nephew will be set for life."
The room erupted in laughter, the kind that immediately melted away any nerves I’d carried with me. Gift after gift was handed to Nick, each wrapped with care, each accompanied by laughter and embraces.
While they were busy, my gaze wandered. The house felt like something out of a dream, light wood and airy whites filled the space, softened by pops of cheerful color here and there. It was warm, lived-in, and inviting... just like the people who filled it.
"Come on, dear," Prudence said, coming to my side with that radiant smile of hers. "Let’s get you settled. You must be tired from your trip."
"Not really," I answered honestly, smiling back. "It was actually exciting. I’ve never been to this part of the country before."
"Then you’ll just have to come more often," she said warmly, giving my arm a little squeeze before guiding me toward the dining table.
The food was already waiting for us, spread out like a feast, steam still curling into the air.
"I re-heated everything while Mom and Dad were waiting for you outside," Vicky chimed in as we all took our seats. She leaned toward me conspiratorially. "You’re going to fall in love with Mom’s cooking, Georgia. Trust me, she’s the best."
I glanced at the dishes, golden, glistening, each plate looking more delicious than the last, and had to bite back a little laugh. "I believe you," I said, my eyes wide with awe. "I smelled it the second we walked through the door."
Nick chuckled beside me, sliding his hand against mine under the table, as though silently agreeing.
"Georgia!" Ella called out, her voice bubbling with excitement as she pointed toward the glass doors. "Look! Prudence has her own vegetable garden. All of these veggies came straight from there!"
I followed her finger, and my eyes widened in awe. Just outside, the raised beds overflowed with vibrant greens and bursts of colorful blossoms, a picture of life and care. A smile tugged at my lips before I even realized it.
"Wow," I breathed, leaning forward a little. "Can I take a closer look later?" My voice carried the same excitement that made my heart feel like it was skipping.
"Of course, dear!" Prudence beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "And you can bring home as many vegetables as you like. Vicky told me you love gardening, too. That means we’ll surely get along."
Her warmth made me feel instantly at home, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly. "Yes, I do. If I had it my way, I’d be a farmer already. But right now... It’s just a hobby I squeeze in when I can."
Before I could say more, Nick leaned over, sliding some food onto my plate with that protective, almost mischievous tenderness he had. "Why can’t you be?" he countered smoothly.
I blinked at him, caught off guard by how serious and supportive he sounded. His gaze lingered on me, like he was already picturing it.
"Let’s talk about that later," he whispered, giving me a playful look. "For now, let’s just enjoy mom’s food."
Lunch was nothing short of heavenly. Every dish was bursting with flavor, the kind of cooking that carried love in every bite. I couldn’t help but eat more than I planned, and by the way everyone else kept reaching for more, I wasn’t the only one.
As always, Vicky took charge of the conversation, bouncing between Prudence, Liam, and Ella, her laughter ringing through the table like music.
The rest of us chimed in when we could, except for Benjamin, who mostly stayed quiet, offering only a few smiles or chuckles at the right moments. It was strange to see him like that, reserved. Every time I’d encountered him before, he always had something sharp or commanding to say. But here, he looked... different. Almost softer. He looked normal, not even a slight hint of the stern chairman who owns the Knight Group of Companies.
After the plates were cleared, Nick and Vicky immediately stood to help their mom in the kitchen, and to my surprise, even Benjamin joined them. The sight of the three of them moving around the sink and counters together was oddly heartwarming.
I had tried to step in, but both Prudence and Vicky shooed me away, insisting with playful waves of their hands that I was a guest and should just relax.
So I slipped out onto the back porch, where Liam, Ella, and Oliver were already gathered. The view stretched wide—lush greenery, sunlight spilling across the fields, and a gentle breeze that carried the scent of flowers.
"Good thing you’re here," I told Liam as I settled down beside him.
He gave me a small smile, patting the empty seat next to his. "Yeah. I’m on good terms with Prudence ever since. When I was younger, I used to envy Nick and Vicky whenever they went to stay with her on weekends. My mom never allowed me to go with them." His voice softened, tinged with nostalgia.
"But when they bought this place, I was already working and started visiting too. Prudence welcomed me like I belonged here. Even though I’m not her son, she treats me as if I am."
I followed his gaze and noticed how it lingered on Ella, who was laughing at something Oliver said while leaning casually against the porch railing. A tender look crossed Liam’s face, one I didn’t miss.
Still, I couldn’t ignore the thought pressing on me. "I didn’t expect your father to be here. Honestly... I don’t think he’s happy about me being around," I admitted.
Liam let out a quiet sigh. "It’s complicated, Georgia. Our father lives two lives. The Knight in him—the businessman, the public figure—might be against your marriage with Nick. But the real Benjamin?" He paused, his expression softening. "The real Benjamin is happy Nick found someone who truly makes him happy."
My chest tightened at his words.
"Sometimes, I pity him," Liam continued, his eyes still fixed on Ella, though his thoughts were far away. "I see how alive he looks whenever he’s here... and how empty he seems when he goes back to the city. Everything he does—the pretending, the choices—it’s all for us. And I’m grateful, I really am. But part of me just wishes... he’d let go of the act, and finally allow himself to be happy."
There was a quiet ache in his voice, and I felt it settle in my chest too. The porch was alive with chatter and laughter around us, but in that moment, it felt like Liam had let me glimpse the truth behind the family’s walls.