The soft laughter echoing from the kitchen faded the moment the front door creaked open.

Aliyah turned first, frowning when she saw the familiar tall figure standing by the entrance. Her heart stilled for a second. That face, those storm-grey eyes and confident smirk. It was impossible to mistake him for anyone else.

“Ace,” she breathed, eyes wide.

Marion froze too, instinctively stepping closer to her.

“Hey, Alie,” Ace said casually, as though he hadn’t vanished from her life ...