Chapter 5

   After the jewelry store incident, Sadie arrived a few minutes later and asked Kya what happened. And instead of talking about it while walking, they have decided to get a bite to eat. 

  Kya slid into the booth across from Sadie. 

  “God, I missed this,” Kya said, stealing a chip. “Not the nachos—well, maybe the nachos—but us. Sitting here, talking trash about people who deserve it.”

  Sadie smirked. “You mean humiliating the bitches? I almost wish I’d been there to see Maya’s face when she realized she couldn’t afford the box the necklace came in.”

  Kya laughed, leaning back. “She looked like she swallowed a lemon whole. Her friend Addison wasn’t any better. Both of them thought they could drag me down, and instead they got dragged out by their credit limits.”

  Sadie raised her soda in a mock toast. “To humiliating bitches. May it always be this satisfying.”

  They clinked glasses, giggling like teenagers again.

  But then Sadie’s expression softened. “So… are you really getting married to Julian? I mean, Kya, you just got divorced. I’m all for second chances, but this feels like another reckless move.”

  Kya sighed, stirring her straw in her drink. “It’s not what you think. It’s arranged. No love involved. Just… conditions.”

  Sadie chuckled, shaking her head. “Girl, please. I saw him once at a gala. That man is hot. Like, burn-your-tongue-on-soup hot. Don’t tell me it’s impossible for you to fall in love again.”

  Kya rolled her eyes dramatically. “Stop. Don’t start writing romance novels about me and Julian. This isn’t that kind of story.”

  “Oh, it could be,” Sadie teased, wagging her brows. “You, him, candlelight dinners, whispered secrets—”

  “Sadie!” Kya tossed a napkin at her, laughing. “You’re ridiculous.”

  “Ridiculously right,” Sadie shot back, grinning.

  Their laughter filled the booth, the years of silence between them melting away. For the first time since their falling out, Kya felt the warmth of true friendship again. Sadie had been angry, yes, but underneath it all she had always cared.

  “You know,” Sadie said more softly, “I was upset with you for marrying Sebastian. I thought you were throwing your life away on a loser. But seeing you now… you’re stronger. And maybe Julian isn’t such a reckless move. Maybe he’s the start of something better.”

  Kya’s smile faded into something gentler. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

  Sadie reached across the table, squeezing her hand. “Then let’s promise—no more losers. Only hot guys with black cards.”

  Kya burst out laughing, the sound echoing in the empty diner. “Deal.”

  

  **

  

  The drive back from The Diamond Square was quiet, but Kya’s mind was anything but. The image of Maya’s pale face when the manager confirmed the black card was hers replayed over and over, a small victory that warmed her chest. For the first time in years, she had not been the humiliated one. She had been the woman with power.

  When she arrived at the Byrd estate, the foyer was already filled with boxes and bags from their shopping spree. Kate squealed as she darted toward the packages, pulling out blouses and dresses with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning. Rose laughed softly, shaking her head at her younger daughter’s antics.

  Patrick stood at the base of the staircase, arms crossed, his gaze steady on Kya. “You handled yourself well today,” he said. His tone was measured, but there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes. “Public victories matter, but remember— they’re only the beginning.”

  Kya nodded, her lips curving faintly. “I know, Dad.” 

  

  **

  

  The Byrd dining room glowed with soft light, the long mahogany table already set with silverware and crystal glasses. Rose fussed over the flower arrangement in the center, while Kate darted back and forth, sneaking olives from the appetizer tray. Patrick sat at the head of the table, his usual stern expression softened by the faintest smile.

  The sound of the front door opening carried through the hall. A moment later, Sadie appeared, her eyes wide as she stepped into the room.

  “Kya!” she exclaimed, dropping her purse onto a chair before rushing forward. “I can’t believe I’m actually here. It feels like forever.”

  Kya rose quickly, meeting her halfway. They hugged tightly, the kind of embrace that spoke of years of friendship and months of silence.

  Rose clapped her hands together. “Sadie, darling, welcome! We’ve missed having you around. Sit, sit—dinner’s almost ready.”

  Kate grinned, sliding into the seat beside Sadie. “Finally, someone who can help me gang up on Kya. She’s been way too serious lately.”

  Sadie laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve got years of teasing saved up. I plan to use every bit of it tonight.”

  Patrick cleared his throat, but his tone was warm. “It’s good to see you again, Sadie. You were always part of this family.”

  Sadie’s smile softened. “Thank you, Mr. Byrd. Honestly, I was nervous about coming, but… it feels like home again.”

  As the meal began, conversation flowed easily. Rose asked about Sadie’s work, Kate shared stories from school, and Patrick offered his dry humor that made everyone chuckle. Kya watched her friend, noting how comfortable she looked, how her laughter filled the room like it used to.

  At one point, Sadie leaned toward Kya, whispering with a grin, “Is your fiance joining us?”

  “Nope. Just us.”

  “You never know. He might just show up— with flowers.” Sadie winked.

  “You’re so silly.”

  Sadie chuckled, then turned to Rose. “Mrs. Byrd, what are we having for dessert?”

  “Key Lime Bundt Cake.”

  “I call dibs on the biggest slice of cake,” said Sadie.

  Kate groaned. “Not fair! I was going to claim that.”

  The table erupted in laughter, the sound echoing through the Byrd residence. For the first time in years, Kya felt whole again— her family around her, her best friend back at her side, and the promise of new beginnings lingering in the air.

  

  **

  

  Dinner that night was lively. 

  Patrick raised his glass. “To Kya. May this new chapter be wiser than the last.”

  Kya’s cheeks warmed. She knew his words carried weight— an expectation she could not ignore.

  Rose leaned closer. “Julian will take care of you. I can see it already.”

  Kate giggled. “And he’s handsome, too. Don’t pretend you haven’t noticed.”

  Kya rolled her eyes, but her lips curved. “He’s… alright.” 

  Sadie laughed. “Alright my a—“ She cleared her throat when she noticed Kya’s parents were all eye on her. “Uhm, I meant to say adorable. Julian looks adorable. Perfect for our Kya.” 

  They all laughed upon hearing that because everyone knew Sadie was going to say ‘ass’. She can be quite loud, and has a way of words with people she is comfortable with. 

  Later that night, as Kya prepared to retreat to her room, a knock sounded at her door. She opened it to find Julian, dressed simply, his expression calm but intent.

  “Walk with me,” he said.

  They stepped into the garden, where lanterns glowed softly among the hedges. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of jasmine.

  Julian stopped beneath a trellis of roses and handed her a small velvet box. “This is for you.”

  Kya opened it, expecting jewelry. Instead, she found a delicate charm bracelet, a single word engraved on the charm: Strength.

  Her breath caught. “Julian…”

  “I don’t want you to think this marriage is just about duty,” he said quietly. “I want you to remember who you are—strong, brilliant, and mine to protect.”

  The sincerity in his voice pierced through her defenses. For the first time, she felt seen—not as a pawn, not as a daughter, not as a disgraced ex‑wife, but as herself.

  She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, her fingers trembling. “It’s beautiful.”

  Julian reached for her hand, brushing his lips against her knuckles. The gesture was simple, respectful, yet it sent a shiver down her spine.

  Kya smiled, a genuine, radiant smile that surprised even her.

  As they stood together beneath the roses, lantern light casting a soft glow around them, Kya realized her heart was racing—not from anger or revenge, but from the unfamiliar warmth of hope.

  For the first time since Sebastian, she felt the possibility of something new. Something real.

  

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