I adjusted my position as the estate came into view. I tried not to blink or breathe so hard as the SUV slid gently in front of the thousand year old mansion. The mansion was a history itself, worth more than billion but that wasn't what matters now.

“I’m counting on you” Eli said just in time for the SUV door pulled open to reveal sways of strangers. What if our lie suddenly gets exposed the moment my feet touch the ground? I turned over to Eli who had his gaze diverted from me but I was rest assured that he'd be the first to let me know if anything was wrong.

“Follow me" The servant spoke strictly as he pulled the door open and waited for me to step out. No one was giving me any special treatment yet, I could read that in all their faces until Eloise said so. For now, I was just an imposter in their home or will I say mansion.

I had been away for seven good years, I mean the real Ember so I wouldn't blame them for acting sketchy in my first arrival.

“Do I have a whole ballroom waiting on my arrival" I spoke out as I tried to distract myself at the appealing entrance I was led into, the foyer, chandelier ceiling. The spotless ceramic ground and many artifacts that are worth more than my life.

“Eloise wouldn't break a leg for a stranger” The word stale in the air just as I quickly halted behind her.

“You think I'm a stranger ... .an imposter” I completed the rest of the statement which was very much unsaid between us but I could see his cold unsure expression. He didn't think so, in fact he believes that I was the long lost daughter of seven years I could tell from the look in his expression.

But no one was to be said till Eloise made the final statement.

“Eloise would have to say so” He replied coldly, sparing me a pleading look to tell me it wasn't for him to decide.

“Just as I thought" I smiled back at him, for what I've read and studied, Ember was sassy especially with her words so I was trying my best to be. The next route was an elevator that would take us to Eloise room and I tried to fill the dread silence with questions. At least I would have something to tell the rest of the servant that was stuttering around the house but far away from my view.

“How has the old woman been? I asked if he pressed the third floor and I watched the door shut.

“Ma’am Eloise had given the order that none should engage you till she makes the final decision…” There was a long minute silence before he spoke again. “She hasn't been so strong over the years especially after your disappearance" That was all I needed, to be believed and he believed me ... .that was all the assurance I wanted.

The elevator door binged and pulled open to reveal the marble hallway, and as I followed the name servant whose assurance has boosted my faith I noticed how plain and simple the walls on this floor were. It wasn't built with priceless artifacts but a simple wall decoration that left me thrilled.

I was tempted to ask about the decorations, the artist who created this beauty but that would instantly rat me out so I smiled and walked on.

“I know you're surprised? Ma'am Eloise decided to use your suggestion over the years on those walls. That was the only change she had agreed to make after you….I mean Ember disappeared….she said it reminds her of you”

He added as we came, stopped abruptly at the door and with one final look he left me with my palm pressed on the knob.

“It's now or never!" I whispered to myself as I pushed the door wide open to reveal the wide cozy room and the first person I noticed was the woman sitting up on the bed with much effort with two young men standing beside each other.

I saw her mouth slightly moved, my name threatening to leave her lips while she resisted the urge that stretched the silence between us.

“Come in" Her low cracky voice beckons and I found myself moving in an impulse towards the bed and the two ironic men. One was older, while one was strikingly beautiful and I could recognize them without being told that one was Mr. Benson, Eloise most trusted lawyer and the other was Damien Blackwood, Eli’s son who was 25 of age.

And the moment our eyes locked, I felt this stillness that I couldn't read.

“Come!" Eloise's voice came again, saving me from Damian glare. Maybe …he too thought I was an imposter, he couldn't believe Ember was back, not just back but alive too. I swallowed as I watched the old man shakily take my hands in hers, I still bracing myself for the worst.

“Ember?! She called after a long, daring silence that made me think I was so stupid for thinking I'll be able to deceive a whole family.

“It's me ... .grandma” I answered, as I kept my tone low and neutral while faking the tears in my eyes.

" It's actually you…. Ember …" Her voice cracked and she suddenly broke into a hiccup cry that made me tremble on my feet. And before any other word, she pulled me into her arms and wept.

“I'm sorry Grandma, I was so stupid for leaving you. I'm so sorry Grandma" My gripped tightened around hers as I wept, pouring my heart out for an emotion that was all built up.

“I thought I've lost you ... .Emm. I thought I'd lost the only surviving Blackwood” She wept, while I cradled her gently like she was a baby. And when I looked at her face, which seemed to have aged more than the picture Eli gave to me. I couldn't help but to smile that I had actually brought a smile to the old woman's face before she died.

But that didn't stop the note I saw laying neatly on top of my bed when I got up to my room.

“You're doing well…. but don't forget that this life isn't yours”