로그인“Not yet,” Adrian replies. “She’s got a lot going on right now, but once things settle, I’ll tell her… I’m not about to let her slip through my fingers.”His words land heavier than they should. It’s just a simple confession, but it hits me like a two-edged blade, slicing somewhere in my heart.I do
NOAH.I’m sitting across from Adrian and Gunner, my mind still reeling from the hard truth they just hit me with.I can’t deny it. Back then, I would’ve shut down anyone who dared to speak against Chloe. I would’ve defended her without question. But now, after reading that entry, after the illusion
He studies me, waiting for the rest.“I kept my mouth shut because you were happy,” I continue. “And it wasn’t my place to blow up your marriage just because I thought she was two-faced.”His jaw tightens and silence settles over the table, but for once, Noah actually listens instead of snapping bac
ADRIAN.I walk into the private whiskey lounge after dropping Sierra at home, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still riding that high, especially when I remember her beautiful smile.This has been our favorite place for years. Inside, warm amber light washes over dark mahogany walls and deep leat
“Inhale through your nose,” she continues. “Slowly. Deeply. Let your ribs expand.”I breathe in.“For four… three… two… one. Hold. And release.”The room fills with the sound of synchronized exhaling and honestly, it’s strangely powerful.We move through gentle stretches, supported child’s pose with
Then I see it. A low, cream-colored building tucked into the greenery. Large windows. Wooden accents. A stone pathway leading up to double glass doors. There’s a small wooden sign near the entrance with delicate script burned into it.Willow Grove Prenatal Wellness.I blink at it.“Adrian…”He parks
“You tried to kidnap her,” I murmur. “Tried to take her, why?”My voice stays calm, too calm for the storm I feel inside.He looks at me, as if challenging me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”I stop behind him and lean down close to his ear. “Lie again, and you'll regret it.”I walk to the
SIERRA.I walk away from Adrian with a smile on my face… but the moment I’m away from him, my smile slips and my heart starts pounding again.Not from fear. Not from what happened. But from the possibility that he might look back and see the car waiting for me, sleek and black and unmistakably expen
I’m still smiling by the time I leave the clinic. The sun has climbed higher and the world somehow feels different.As I walk toward the car, my smile grows until I can’t help the quiet laugh that escapes me.The driver spots me from the parking lot and hurries to open the car door. “All done, Miss
The hot chocolate arrives. She wraps her hands around the cup… or tries to, but they still shake so badly she can barely hold it steady.“Here,” I murmur, sliding closer.I cover her hands with mine just enough to hold the cup for her. Her breath hitches, and her shoulders drop a fraction.“It’s oka







