Annie had expected the Starks residence to be impressive. She had not expected it to resemble a private palace. The gates opened as Brian’s car approached, revealing a long driveway lined with neatly trimmed trees and elegant lights. At the end stood a magnificent mansion built from pale stone, with enormous windows and balconies decorated with flowers. Annie pressed her face closer to the window. “Does your family actually live here, or do you rent it for special occasions?” Brian, seated beside her, glanced in her direction. “We live here.” “All of you?” “Some of us.” “Then why does the house look like it could accommodate an entire village?” Brian said nothing. Annie turned toward him. “You’re not very helpful.” “I’ve noticed you don’t need much help speaking.” She scoffed. “Your personality is getting worse.” “And yet you keep talking to me.” “Because silence around you is depressing.” The car stopped at the entrance. Brian stepped out first, and Annie followed without waiting for assistance. She adjusted her dress and looked up at the mansion. Several staff members stood near the entrance. Annie immediately lowered her voice. “Why are there so many people waiting?” “They work here.” “Do they also watch people eat?” Brian looked at her. “Probably not.” “Good. I don’t like being judged while chewing.” Brian’s lips twitched. Annie pointed at him. “I saw that.” “Saw what?” “You almost smiled.” “You’re imagining things.” “Your face must be exhausted from all that denial.” Before Brian could respond, the front doors opened. A woman in her early fifties stepped outside. She was elegant, with shoulder-length dark hair, a warm expression, and eyes that immediately softened when they landed on Annie. “Brian.” “Mother.” Mrs. Starks walked past her son without hesitation and approached Annie. For a moment, she simply looked at her. Annie stood still, suddenly uncertain about what to do. Then the woman smiled. “Annie, welcome.” “Hello, Mrs. Starks.” Mrs. Starks shook her head gently. “Please, call me Margaret.” Annie hesitated. “Are you sure?” “Of course.” “Alright, Margaret. But if I accidentally call you Mrs. Starks again, don’t take it personally.” Margaret laughed. Brian glanced at his mother. “You seem pleased.” “Of course I am.” Margaret turned toward Annie. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” Annie looked at Brian. “Did he tell you terrible things about me?” “No.” “Then he left out the interesting parts.” Margaret laughed again, and Brian’s expression became slightly resigned. From inside the house, a young man’s voice called out. “Is she here?” A moment later, Jude Starks appeared in the doorway. He was twenty-two, tall, casually dressed, and had the relaxed confidence of someone who had never been afraid of his older brother. His eyes immediately settled on Annie. He smiled. “So you’re the famous Annie.” Annie looked at him suspiciously. “Famous?” “Brian has mentioned you.” She turned toward Brian. “You talked about me?” “Not much.” Jude grinned. “He complained about you.” “Jude.” “What? You said she was troublesome.” Annie placed a hand against her chest. “I’m hurt.” “You don’t look hurt.” “I’m very good at hiding pain.” Jude laughed. Margaret looked delighted. Brian looked as though he was reconsidering bringing Annie to the house. “Come inside,” Margaret said. “Everyone is waiting.” Annie followed her through the entrance. Then she stopped. “Everyone?” Brian looked back. “Yes.” Annie slowly turned toward him. “You said this was a family gathering.” “It is.” “How many people are in your family?” “Not many.” From the living room, several voices rose at once. Annie stared at him. “Your definition of ‘not many’ concerns me.” The living room was filled with people. A man in his late fifties sat in the center, reading a newspaper. His silver hair was neatly combed, and his sharp features gave him a stern appearance. Beside him sat an elegant woman wearing a pale blue dress. Two other men occupied the sofas, while a young woman stood near the window, scrolling through her phone. Margaret gestured toward the older man. “This is my husband, Richard Starks.” Richard lowered his newspaper. His gaze settled on Annie. He studied her for several seconds before standing. “Annie Samson.” Annie straightened. “Sir.” Richard’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Sir?” Annie glanced at Margaret. “Should I call him something else?” Margaret smiled. “Richard is fine.” Annie turned back to him. “Richard.” Jude covered his mouth. Richard stared at Annie, then gave a short laugh. “Come here, child.” Annie approached him cautiously. Richard placed a hand on her shoulder. “Welcome to our home.” “Thank you.” His expression softened. “Your mother has spoken about you for years.” Annie glanced toward Margaret. Margaret smiled, but her eyes were slightly moist. Annie did not know how to respond, so she nodded. The man seated beside Richard rose next. “I’m Daniel Starks, Brian’s uncle.” Daniel was in his forties, with a calm voice and an easy smile. Unlike Richard, he seemed more interested in making Annie comfortable than examining her. “This is my wife, Clara.” Clara stood and offered Annie a welcoming smile. “We’re happy to meet you.” Annie shook her hand. “Thank you. I hope I don’t disappoint anyone.” Daniel laughed. “You won’t.” The young woman near the window finally looked up. “I’m Sophie.” She was nineteen, fashionable, and visibly curious. She glanced at Annie’s hair, then at her dress. “Your hair is real?” Annie touched one purple strand. “No. I stole it from a very unfortunate grape.” Sophie stared. Then she burst out laughing. “I like you.” “Good. One person approved.” Brian passed behind them. “Don’t encourage her.” Sophie looked at him. “You’re the one who brought her.” Brian ignored her. Annie watched the exchange carefully. The Starks family was different from what she had expected. They were wealthy, yes. But they were also loud, curious, and far too comfortable teasing Brian. She had assumed everyone would behave like him. She was beginning to think Brian was simply the strange one. Dinner was served in the formal dining room. Annie sat between Margaret and Jude, while Brian sat directly opposite her. She noticed immediately. He had chosen a seat where he could see her. She decided not to comment. For the first ten minutes, everyone asked her questions. Where had she grown up? What did she study? What did she enjoy? Was she comfortable in the city? Annie answered most of them honestly, although she occasionally added unnecessary remarks. When Daniel asked whether she enjoyed cooking, she nodded. “I can cook.” Jude looked impressed. “Really?” “Yes.” “What can you make?” “Many things.” “Can you make noodles?” Annie turned toward him. “That’s your question?” “I like noodles.” “I can tell.” Brian placed his glass down. “Jude, stop interrogating her.” Jude leaned back. “I’m getting to know my future sister-in-law.” The table fell silent. Annie slowly turned toward Brian. “Future what?” Jude’s eyes widened slightly. Margaret closed her eyes. “Jude.” “What? I was joking.” Annie looked at Brian. “Is he always like this?” “Yes.” “Then I understand why you’re so quiet. You’re conserving energy.” Daniel burst into laughter. Brian gave Annie a long look. She smiled sweetly and continued eating. Margaret watched the exchange with growing amusement. She had never seen Brian engage with someone this naturally. Usually, he avoided family gatherings or left before dessert. Tonight, he had remained seated. And he kept looking at Annie. After dinner, Margaret led Annie toward the garden. “I want to show you something.” Annie followed her through the glass doors. The garden behind the mansion was beautiful, filled with roses, lavender, and tall trees illuminated by soft lights. A small wooden bench stood beneath a flowering tree. Margaret sat down, and Annie joined her. For a while, they remained quiet. Then Margaret spoke. “When Brian told me you had returned, I was very happy.” Annie looked at her. “Why?” “Because I knew he would finally have someone who wouldn’t be impressed by his reputation.” Annie laughed. “His reputation is mostly exaggerated.” Margaret raised an eyebrow. “You think so?” “He’s rude, but not terrifying.” “Give it time.” Annie smiled. Margaret looked toward the mansion. “Brian has always been responsible. He carries too much on his shoulders and rarely allows anyone to help him.” Annie listened without interrupting. “He forgets to rest. He skips meals when he’s busy. Sometimes, he believes he can solve every problem alone.” Annie frowned slightly. “He skips meals?” “Frequently.” “That’s stupid.” Margaret smiled faintly. “I agree.” Annie looked toward the house. Brian stood near the glass doors, speaking with Richard. He appeared composed, as usual. But Annie remembered how he had barely touched his food during dinner. She turned back to Margaret. “Does he always do that?” “Yes.” Annie sighed. “Then someone should force him to eat.” Margaret looked at her with sudden interest. “Would you?” Annie immediately regretted speaking. “I didn’t say that.” “But you thought it.” “Thinking is not a contract.” Margaret laughed softly. “You and Brian are going to be interesting.” Annie stood. “Please don’t say things like that. People will misunderstand.” Margaret looked up at her. “And if they do?” Annie hesitated. She glanced toward the house again. Brian’s eyes had shifted in their direction. Their gazes met. For a brief moment, neither looked away. Then Annie turned back to Margaret. “Then they should find a better hobby.” Inside, Brian watched Annie laugh with his mother. He had no idea what they were discussing. But he already knew one thing. His mother liked Annie. His family liked Annie. And, despite himself, he was beginning to understand why. When it was time to leave, Margaret hugged Annie. “Come visit again soon.” Annie returned the hug, slightly awkwardly. “I’ll consider it.” Margaret smiled. “That means yes.” “Don’t put words in my mouth.” Jude appeared behind them. “See you soon, sister-in-law.” Annie pointed at him. “Call me that again and I’ll tell everyone you cried during a children’s movie.” Jude froze. “How do you know that?” “You have the face of someone who cries during children’s movies.” Sophie laughed from the doorway. “He actually did!” Jude turned toward her. “You promised not to tell anyone!” Annie smiled proudly. “Excellent. I’m already making progress in this family.” Brian opened the car door. “Get in before you start another argument.” Annie entered the car but leaned toward him before he closed the door. “Your family is strange.” Brian looked down at her. “You fit in.” She paused. It was the closest thing to a compliment he had given her all evening. Annie smiled. “Don’t sound so disappointed.” Brian closed the door. As he walked around to the other side, Annie looked out the window. She had arrived at the Starks residence expecting an uncomfortable evening. Instead, she had been welcomed, teased, fed, and treated as though she belonged. She did not know whether she was ready to become part of Brian’s world. But she had to admit one thing. The family was not bad. Brian entered the car and fastened his seat belt. Annie turned toward him. “Your mother is nice.” “Yes.” “Your brother is annoying.” “Yes.” “Your father looks like he could sentence someone without a trial.” Brian glanced at her. “He probably could.” Annie nodded thoughtfully. “And you?” “What about me?” She smiled. “You’re still under investigation.” Brian started the car. “Take your time.” Annie looked out the window, hiding her smile. Neither of them noticed the way the other had begun to look forward to their next meeting.

Welcome to the Starks Family