Chapter 1

“I’m done getting the guestroom ready,” Alexis said.

“Thanks, but you didn’t have to. Your couch would’ve been fine.”

“Nonsense. There’s an extra room with a bed that’s more comfortable than a couch. I’ll go get dinner ready.”

“I can do it. You’ve done more than enough.”

“No, you’re my guest, and I insist. You need to get some rest.”

“Why is she like that?”

“She’s always been the type who does as she pleases, but I honestly don’t know why.”

“I bet she would’ve gotten some sort of satisfaction from me being dead.”

“Don’t say that. I’m sure she has some goodness in her, even if it’s the tiniest of specks.”

“I find that hard to believe. She only needs me to keep her position as CEO.”

“I thought it was odd that she found someone out of the blue and was in a rush to get married. I just assumed that she found her soulmate, but the way she treats you makes more sense now.”

“You have too much faith in her.”

“Although she doesn’t like me very much, she’s still my big sister, and I love her.”

He couldn’t believe his ears. Was it really possible for someone to be that loving and accepting? He didn’t think anyone could be so heartless to the point where it seemed inhuman, but his wife proved him wrong, so it could be that the opposite was true as well.

“Why doesn’t she like you? What’s there not to like?”

“This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I don’t remember. Our relationship has been like this since we were kids. I don’t understand why because she’s our parents’ pride and joy.”

“And you’re fine with it?”

“Well, if I fight with her, she’ll do the same, and we’ll just go back and forth. Someone has to keep the cycle from starting. Besides, I’m quite happy with my life as it is, and I mean, what you put into the world is what you get out.”

He knew she had a big heart, but sometimes it seemed too good to be true. As much as he liked that about her, he felt a little sorry for her because she’d come across as being a naïve pushover and therefore attract the wrong guys.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that you’re siblings.”

“You’re not the first person to say that. You’re more than welcome to stay here for as long as you want.”

“I can’t do that. What about Andrew?”

“Don’t worry about him. I’m sure he’ll understand. You should be asking about Lia.”

“I doubt she’ll even notice.”

She instantly noticed the changed atmosphere, and it reminded her of what he had said earlier. She wondered how he was able to suffer in silence for two years and still act like everything was fine until that night. As much as she admired his resolve, it made her feel sorry for him, especially because he never complained. But it also made her sad that he kept his problems to himself. She knew his life at home wasn’t the best, but she didn’t think it was this bad. Had she known, she could have tried to find a way to help.

The damage may have been done, but luckily, it wasn’t too late to start doing something about it.

“Nic, promise me that whenever you feel everything is becoming too much, you’ll call me.”

“Why?”

“So I can come to get you, and you can spend a few days here.”

“That would be too much.”

“It wouldn’t. You almost killed yourself, and as your friend, it wouldn’t be ok for me to know something’s wrong and not do anything.”

“I don’t want to drag you into my problems.”

“You’re not if I’m willingly making myself part of them. And I’m not going anywhere whether you like it or not.”

“I don’t think Andrew will like that.”

“I told you he’d understand, so don’t worry about it.”

“What about Lyra?”

“You said it yourself that she won’t notice.”

“Will you at least let me think about it?”

“You can, but you’d be wasting your time because I won’t take no for an answer.”

“I don’t know…”

“Please.”

“Alright, fine.”

“Now that that’s settled, I’m going to get dinner ready. You’re not starving on my watch.”