CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE: NIA

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Jonathan stood in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The house felt unusually quiet without Oliver's presence, and though he and Ariana were adjusting to this new chapter, the silence often felt heavy. Jonathan was lost in thought when the doorbell rang, jolting him from his reverie. He wiped his hands on a dish towel and headed to the door, his curiosity piqued. As he opened it, he was greeted by the sight of a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Ariana. Her eyes, however, carried a different weight, a blend of concern and determination that immediately put Jonathan on alert. "Hello," the woman said, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of urgency. "I'm Nia, Ariana's sister." Jonathan blinked in surprise. Ariana had mentioned her sister in passing, but he had never expected to meet her under such circumstances. "Hello, Nia," he replied, opening the door wider to let her in. "Please, come in." Nia stepped into the house, h