(Allison's POV)

"Stefan!" Aunt Hilda exclaimed as she stood up from the couch to give Stefan a warm embrace.

"How have you been, Stefan?"

"I've been good, Aunt Hilda," Stefan replied with a smile. I stayed where I was, unsure of what to say to him. Alex leaned against the wall, clearly unhappy to see Stefan.

"I thought you'd be back soon, but you were gone for too long. I know New York is your home, but you shouldn't have taken so long to come back," Aunt Hilda said, caressing his palm.

I could see the genuine love she had for Stefan—she didn't just love him as a son, but...