Forsyth's home was beautifully decorated for Isabella's birthday party. They lined the grand entrancewith white and lilac balloons and fairy lights that hang down from the white walls. The car park was already full of lavish automobiles that were escorted by valets while three men in black tuxedos, led by Potter, greet guests by presenting them with a welcoming cocktail.

Jack stops the car. "I always forget how fancy these things can be."

"Are you sure you guys are not coming?" Aimee asks.

Jack shakes his head. "Just give my apologies."

Aimee stares at the house, her mood contrasting with her morning emotional state. "Where do you think he's gone?"

Jack inhales sharply. "I'm going to find him and bring him back home."

"Thank you, uncle Jack," she whispers in response.

"Aimee, I intend to keep my promise to him."

Aimee exhales. The thought of meeting the woman that turned them away, makes her stomach turn. "I wish I never had read that stupid letter." She thinks back to the 6 months prior to their journey to Australia, where a hidden letter revealed a new world to the twins and opened old wounds.

"Josie is taking his ticket and going with you. She needs a holiday anyway, and I don't want you alone. Just take this time away from your brother. He needs to be on his own, and I'll be here to help him pick up the pieces." He peeks at the entrance and spots Charlie, that waves to him with a warm smile. "Just tell them something came up at the restaurant, okay?"

Aimee nods almost imperceptibly.

"Now go and have some fun."

Aimee exits the car and walks towards the main entrance.

"Miss Adams," Potter greets her with a warm smile and offers a drink, which she happily takes.

"Thank you, Ben," she responds and makes her way to the inside of the house, along with the other guests.

On the left-hand side of the main door, a table covered in a silky white cloth harbours Izzie's birthday gifts, that are deposited by every passing guest. Aimee sets her gift on the table, a biography about Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman astronaut, hoping this will tickle further Isabella's love for science.

"You're here!" Isabella runs towards Aimee and encapsulates her in a tight embrace. "Do you have your swimsuit?"

Aimee smiles at her eagerness. "Yes, I'm ready to chaperone the teens."

"I'll take you to my bedroom. You can change there."

Isabella takes Aimee's hand and leads her upstairs. When Aimee enters Izzie's bedroom, she changes into her bikini and puts back her flowery summer dress. Even though she has spent her fair share inside Isabella's room, this is the first time she notices the beautiful scenery and takes in the landscape outside the double glazed sliding door with a stretch of mountain and greenery, bathed by the ocean on the horizon.

"Are you ready?" Isabella's voice brings her back.

"Yeah, I'm coming," she replies.

The sun pierces the blue sky and Aimee squints at the sun's reflection in the swimming pool while laying on a white lounge chair and immersing her skin in the sun's kiss with Isabella by her side, clutching a book in her hands while staring at the groups of classmates that lazy about by the pool.

"Hang with them. It's your party, after all." Aimee asks for the third time since they arrived at the poolside.

Isabella's eyes lower back to the book.

"You can't keep hiding from them, Is. You are so awesome, I just wished you could see that too."

The teens laugh at some random joke, and Aimee gets up.

"Where you're going?" Izzie enquires.

"Be right back." She makes her way to the shed and retrieves a volleyball. "Anyone want to play a game of volleyball?"

The teenagers all cheer in unison and walk towards Aimee, while Izzie stares at the floor.

Aimee walks over to her and passes the ball. "I don't know how to play."

"Do you think I do?" she winks playfully.

"How do we divide the teams?"

Aimee stares at the girl that directs the question at one boy. The same one that Izzie has been staring at throughout the afternoon. This is the type of attention-seeking girl that would make all the boys swoon in school, making the sweet ones invisible.

"Well, Isabella is going to be the captain of one team, and I'll be the captain of the other. Is, you choose first." Aimee announces.

Isabella gets up and widens her eyes at Aimee, that gives her an encouraging nod to choose the cute boy that she had been looking at.

"I guess I'll choose Brian."

Aimee smiles and looks at the attention-seeking blonde. "You."

"I want to be in Brian's team." The girl pouts.

Aimee shrugs her shoulders. "Maybe next time."

The blonde girl rolls her eyes and trudges towards Aimee, that smirks in response and winks at Isabella.

"Can I play?"

His voice echoes and stops Aimee's brain momentarily. She turns around and sees Liam standing only with green swim shorts.

"I want uncle, Liam." Izzie smiles.

Liam walks by Aimee and shoots her a playful wink.

Three rounds of volleyball are enough to make Isabella bond with the clique of teenagers at her party. Aimee's playfulness and Liam's jovial presence make her comfortable and she breaks from her shell. The sun is now at its peak, and Aimee feels exhausted.

"Guys, I need a bit of a break." Aimee gets out of the water and makes her way to the lounge chair. She picks up the beach towel and dries her long hair.

"You gave up already?" his voice asks from behind.

"Yes, I'm beat, and clearly you guys have the upper hand." She rebuts playfully.

Liam comes closer to her and touches her hand softly. "It's nice to see you," he whispers.

"You know I was going to be here." She retorts and grazes her fingers on his.

Isabella squeals when Brian splashes her playfully and Liam's head turns to his niece. "It's nice to see her like a normal kid, with some friends around her." He takes a towel and pats himself dry. "Even though if my brother sees that boy get much closer to her, he might pull out his gun."

Aimee chuckles and takes a sip of water. "A gun, hey? From the little I know about your brother, he doesn't strike me as the gun-owning type."

They both chuckle and Liam sits down in one of the lounge chairs. "This was a good idea. She would have hated the affair inside. All suits and business. Shit, I was there for two hours and almost threw myself out on the balcony."

"What an exaggeration." She rolls her eyes. "Besides, if you hate it so much, why do you do it?"

"Because that's what they expect of a Forsyth..." He lowers his eyes to the floor.

Aimee walks over to the edge of the property and takes in the view. "This is such a beautiful view. I can't believe how I've never realised how you had such an amazing view from your house."

"My brother's house. I'm squatting here, remember?"

"Not a terrible place to squat."

"I suppose." He watches Aimee from the corner of his eyes. "I want to show you something."

Aimee hums, "I'm not sure," and glances at Isabella. "I promised I would look after her."

Liam watches his niece playing in the water. "Five minutes. She's fine, and we will be quick."

Aimee's heart quickens, and even though she has her doubts, she follows Liam. Liam grabs her hand and walks towards the left-hand side where there's a beautiful orchard. Aimee's eyes widen. This property seems a never-ending wonder of surprises. Liam takes her through the orchard and Aimee looks at the apple, orange and mango trees around her.

"Where are you taking me?"

Liam carries on pulling her. "Just a little further." The orchard ends and gives way to Byron Bay city.

"Wow." She can see parts of the town and in the background the sun setting on the horizon. "This is beautiful."

"It's my favourite part of the house. I think it's the reason I haven't left yet." He takes two steps towards her and redirects her body to the left. "Can you see that white house with the yellow borders?"

Aimee squints to discern the house in between the many below. Liam comes closer to her and points in a specific direction with his index finger, and within a few seconds, Aimee finds the small house Liam is referring to.

"That was our home growing up. Dad started his business in our garage. One time he almost blew the whole house."

Aimee giggles.

"It was one of the best times of my life. I still have fond memories of that house. Even though I quickly went from being a kid jumping around carelessly in the backyard to attending private school and attending boring events like the one upstairs."

She stares at him and listens intently to his earnest words.

"They don't tell you the price tag for success until you get it. And your parents never ask your children if that is what they really want for themselves."

Aimee lowers her gaze without knowing what to say to him. She has not led a life of privilege or wealth, but she knows what it means to disappoint a parental figure. "I think you should do what makes you the happiest... even if they don't comprehend it."

Liam tilts her chin up and stares at her. His eyes scan hers, darting to her lips every so often. They both stand trying to find out the thoughts of the other. Liam breaks contact and lowers his lips to Aimee's, which receives him eagerly. His hand lowers to her rear, and she grabs his damp hair and they kiss passionately until he breaks the kiss gently.

"I need to pick up my parents from the airport soon. They're coming for Izzie's dinner from Sydney."

Aimee nods, and he plants another steamy kiss on her lips.

"Maybe we can surf tomorrow, and talk?" he says in between kisses.

Aimee hums. "I'm leaving tonight for New Zealand for a week."

Liam stares at her momentarily.

"I'm going to see my friend from uni."

Liam caresses her cheek. "We'll talk when you're back then," and plants another soft kiss on her lips. "It can wait."

Aimee nods, and Liam grabs her hand and starts walking back to the swimming pool.

"You're going with your brother?"

Aimee's heart clenches at Liam's reference and her thoughts flood with memories of her fight with Callum. She clears her throat, avoiding her eyes spilling tears, "No, I'm going with Josie."

Liam hums. "I thought you would go with Callum. You guys seem so close."

Aimee stays silent.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"Can we not talk about my brother? It's just complicated with him right now."

Liam stops her by the house and cups her face in his hand and kisses her. Aimee captures his kiss fiercely and pushes him to the wall of the house, secluded from everyone's view. The sudden movement surprises Liam.

"You can talk to me..." he says in between kisses. "Always..."

Aimee's hand lies on his torso and her fingers graze his torso seductively. "No talking."

Liam plants kissed on her neck and nibbles on her ear. Aimee releases a moan that amps his desire.

Liam presses his crotch into her, his desire for her growing, his hands roaming her body unapologetically, his fingers twitching, craving to feel her.

"I want you so badly," he whispers in her ear.

"I want you too," she whispers.

Liam's fingers trail down her belly and graze the bottom part of her bikini. Liam takes her in his mouth and Aimee's hand travels down his torso to his crotch and cups his manhood.

"Fuck..." he says, clearly aroused at her audacity.

Aimee moans into his mouth, and he encapsulates her with his tongue. He pleasures her and watches with contentment. Aimee blushes, once she comes down from her euphoric state, aroused and embarrassed at what just happened between her and Liam in the back of the building.

He kisses her softly with a smile on his lips. "We should go back or Izzie might come around looking for us."

"What about you?" she asks timidly.

"Another time. More privately," he whispers in her ear and removes his fingers from inside her.

As soon as they turn a corner, Isabella waves at them with a broad smile on her face. She is sitting with Brad by the pool.

"She didn't even notice we were gone, did she?" Aimee asks.

Liam takes his hand in Aimee's and they sit by near the pool, while Izzie continues to speak to Brad by the pool.

The sun lowers on the horizon. Eva walks outside and sees her daughter happy and laughing with her friends, and her heart swells. She then stares at another girl laughing giddily while playing cards, and her face contorts with concern. She makes her way to the young coupling.

"Who's winning?"

"This cheater is," Liam says and smirks.

"I'm not cheating. I'm just very good at this." Aimee responds.

"You're definitely counting cards."

"That's not cheating!"

"Your brother asked me to remind you about your parents. They land in thirty minutes," Eva interjects.

Liam stares at his watch and notices the time. "Okay, I'm going now. Just a quick shower and be out in five." He gets up. "See you in a week's time?"

Aimee smiles and nods while Liam runs inside.

Eva sits downs by Aimee. "Thank you, Aimee. I can see Isabella is having the time of her life."

"My pleasure. I love her to bits." Aimee smiles at Isabella, giggling at something Brian said. "But do not blame me for that."

Eva stares at the two adolescents, making googly eyes at one another. "Her dad will have a heart attack."

"Liam said he might just get his gun."

Eva laughs softly. "He's not wrong." She squints and stares at her watch. "I need to tell her to get ready for her grandparents' arrival."

Aimee gets up. "I should also leave."

"Stay for dinner. Isabella will want you there when she plays the music you taught her. Besides, my in-laws are really looking forward to meeting you."

Eva's comment surprises Aimee.

"They know you've been tutoring Izzie and that you've been a very positive influence. I've been talking an earful about you." Eva clarifies.

"That is very sweet of you, but I'm travelling tonight. I still need to get my things, and Josie is travelling with me. She's probably turning our bedroom upside down as we speak."

Eva laughs. "Stay until Izzie's performance, at least. I'll ask someone to drive you back so you are at home early enough."

Aimee stares at her outfit. "I have nothing to wear, and I'm all icky from the sun and chloramine."

"I'll lend you one of my dresses, and you can take a shower in one of the guest rooms."

Aimee ponders the offer for a moment. It would give her a chance to see Liam one more time before going to New Zealand. "Okay."

The bathroom in the guest room is opulent. Aimee combs her hazel hair that reflects some specks of light, courtesy of the sunshine. Once she comes outside the room, her eyes land on the skater dress adorned with a jamboree print and a halter neck, on the bed and the black heals to match it that is near the bed.

Aimee dresses up and checks herself out in the mirror while smoothing the dress with her hands. She quickly texts Josie and her uncle before making her way downstairs. She comes down the stair hesitantly daunted with the prospect that she will meet Izzie's grandparents. His parents.

Eva's eyes land on her the moment she steps out to the courtyard and greets her warmly, introducing her to everyone in the room. The room is full of political and business personalities that are friends with the Forsyth's. Matt Forsyth takes centre stage with his wife while making passionate speeches about taxes and social affairs. Aimee scans the room and figures Liam is still out. She walks towards one of the large windows.

"I love it," Isabella says, beaming while holding the book that Aimee presented her with.

"I'm glad you did."

Isabella hugs her. "Thank you for everything today. Did you see Brad?"

"I sure did." She looks at the young girl and there's something about her enthusiasm that reminds her of herself at that age. "Are you ready for your debut?"

Isabella sighs, "You'll sit next to me?"

Aimee nods reassuringly.

"They're here," Eva announces.

Aimee suddenly feels nervous. To meet Izzie's grandparents, his parents tonight, and to surprise him with her presence at the dinner party, especially after the afternoon they shared. It's making her stomach full of butterflies.

A greyed hair man enters the room. He has the same baby blue eyes as the Forsyth siblings, and his distinguished good looks were comparable to Charlie's. Behind him, a distinguished blonde woman takes his side, her smile as warm as Liam's.

Aimee takes a deep breath, while Isabella runs towards her grandmother, who displays the affection she has for her only granddaughter. Eva and Charlie greet them warmly, followed by Matt and his wife. The couple quickly does the rounds while Aimee's gaze searches for him fruitlessly.

"This is Aimee. Isabella's piano tutor and our good friend." Eva introduces her.

Aimee takes her hand and shakes it softly. "It's so lovely to meet you, Aimee. Isabella speaks so fondly of you."

Aimee smiles gratefully.

"And you are so gorgeous."

"Thank you, Ma'am." Aimee feels her cheeks flush.

"She is an incredibly talented pianist." Eva brags.

"Oh, will you grace us with your talent tonight?"

"Sadly, no. Aimee will leave for a quick trip to New Zealand. She will be only until Izzie plays her song for us." Eva says and gives Aimee a reassuring wink.

"Next time then."

Aimee smiles and her eyes wander to a newcomer in the room. A beautiful, tall, slender, chic woman has entered the room. Beside her, is Liam. She wraps her hand around his arm, and he smiles at her while she cups his face tenderly. Aimee's face falters as she stares at the display.

"Oh, they are here. Grace insisted on having him all for herself." The Forsyth matriarch says.

"Oh, I didn't know Grace was joining us tonight." Eva scans Aimee's face, that is now devoid of any colour.

"I insisted. She will be part of this family soon as it is."

His eyes land on her, and his face contorts in shock. Aimee takes her hand to her stomach. Suddenly, she is sharply aware of the grave mistake she has made, and her insides crave to spill.

"Aimee, are you okay?" Eva asks, concerned.

"Actually, not really. I think it must have been the sun. I'm not feeling too well."

Liam's mother's hand grabs Aimee's arm. "The poor thing is pale. Let her rest for a bit."

"Come with me." Eva says.

Aimee passes by Liam and his date, and his eyes rest on Aimee, that avoids returning his gaze.

Once they reach the staircase, Aimee stops Eva. "I think I should head home."

"Just rest for a bit."

Aimee shakes her head. "No. I need to go home."

Eva rests her hand on her arm. "You're going to miss Izzie's song."

Aimee's eyes brim with tears that she can no longer hold. Eva looks up at her and embraces her tenderly.

"I'll ask someone to take you."

Aimee shakes her head, her head whirling at the thought she might ask Liam.

"I'll ask my uncle to come and get me. Or Josie," she whispers, no longer containing the tears in her eyes.

Eva's eyes turn wet at the sight. "I'm taking you home. Just go outside and wait while I get the keys. Isabella will understand."

Aimee nods gratefully and makes her way out.

Eva takes a set of keys from a bowl and walks over to the living room. "I need to take Aimee home. I won't be too long," she announces to the group.

"She's not staying to hear me play?" Isabella asks.

Eva cups her daughter's face. "She's not feeling well, my love."

Izzie nods disheartened.

"But, she told me to tell you, you'll be amazing."

Liam clears his throat. "I can take her."

Eva shoots him a frosty glare. "You have your hands occupied with Grace." She places a tender kiss on Chris's cheek. "I'll be back in ten minutes."

Aimee stands outside, clutching her hands to her stomach. Her heart clenches at the thought of seeing him with another... after the last few days... after this afternoon. She paces nervously, desperate to run away from the property.

In the background, a car comes to life. It revs up and makes its way to her. As soon as the car stops, Aimee runs to the car and opens the door.

"Aimee!" his voice stuns her. She turns around to see Liam standing at the doorway. His face is paralysed with regret.

Aimee wipes her tears and slides inside the car, while Eva drives away furiously.

The short drive is full of silence, and Aimee fights the urge to spill tears again while staring at the world outside passing by.

Once the car stops at the entrance of the farmhouse, Eva breaks the silence. "Enjoy your time away. I'm sorry about Liam."

Aimee's eyes are glued to the floor.

"I should have known better. I should have warned you. Call me if you need anything."

Aimee nods and leaves the car. Her feet run to reach the farmhouse, get her things and make her way out of that dreadful place.