LOGIN“Why wouldn’t they want you back?” Lilly scoffs, waving a dismissive hand. “They’d be idiots to let your talent go and besides, with that million-dollar compensation, you’re set for a while. You don’t have to rush back to work.”“You’re right.” I smile faintly. “Especially now with the baby so close
SIERRA.I run my fingers gently through Nolan’s soft hair as he sleeps across my lap. He’s completely knocked out after Aunt Ava gave him some medicine for a stomach ache.He refused to sleep anywhere else and insisted he’d be most comfortable on my lap even after I told him my bump would get in the
The pain is consuming watching her now while knowing I’m the reason she once looked hollow… it’s unbearable.“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, gripping the glass so tightly it digs into my palm.I used to think it was her loss... That hurting me and losing me was her punishment... And I clung to tha
When I pulled back, I scanned the bleachers smug and proud and that’s when I saw Sierra sitting there, frozen.Lilly’s hand wrapped tightly around hers as tears slid down her cheeks silently as she watched me celebrate with someone else.I remember that look. The look of someone who had been broken,
NOAH.I stand at the far end of the backyard, a glass hanging loosely from my fingers as my eyes lock onto Sierra.The garden is strung with warm lights, laughter floating through the air as family and close friends mingle.This is a little celebration her mother arranged to celebrate Sierra winning
Jocelyn’s attorney stands. “Objection. There is no proof that this dinner had anything to do with proprietary information.”Kerry turns slightly toward him. “You’re correct, counsel. A dinner alone proves nothing.”She clicks again and the screen changes.“Which is why we obtained the corresponding
We continue in that same tension and I hate it. Hate that it seems I can never relax around Noah.There was once upon a time when I could. Where I felt so comfortable, so seen, and so taken care of that for a moment I thought things would work out for us. I thought that finally things were falling i
I laugh nervously, the sound too high. “Uh, I just came to see the twins.”Aunt Ava gives me a look so knowing it makes sweat bead between my shoulder blades.“You do realize I know when you’re lying, right?”I swear my soul tries to flee my body. My heartbeat spikes so fast I’m genuinely concerned
SIERRA.I don’t sleep. I think I do, for maybe an hour, but when I wake, it’s with my heart pounding against my ribs and the memory of a hand over my mouth replaying in my head like a glitching film.It’s morning, and soft light filters through the curtains, but my body feels like it hasn’t rested a
Silence settles between us as Lilly continues to drive, but it’s the kind that doesn’t demand words. My mind, however, won’t rest. Lilly has given me a lot to think about. Secrets don’t stay buried forever and after everything Aunt Ava and Uncle Rowan have done for me. After the kindness and love







