LOGIN“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
“Mom…” My throat burns. “I don’t want anything happening to you. Why can’t you understand that?” “And why can’t you understand,” she whispers, tears thickening her voice, “that I would gladly lay down my life if it meant keeping you safe?” Something in me breaks then. My breath catches as tears sl
Sierra freezes while my chest tightens with disbelief.“I didn’t! I wasn’t even in the house until this afternoon,” she says, calm but tense, her voice steady with anger.Brook sneers, taking a couple of steps down, her presence like a live wire. “You’re lying. If I hadn’t been quick enough, I would
I’m still vibrating with anger when I reach the hallway. Anger at Brook’s lies, at myself, at Chloe for dying, and at the whole fucking situation. I’m so angry it almost feels suffocating.That first time, I thought that maybe it was a one-time thing. I thought that maybe it was the shock of finding
I should be used to it. After all, I’ve heard those words said to me so many times. Even Noah himself has said them to me, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. It still fucking hurts like a bitch to hear them. “He belongs to Chloe—” “Stop,” I say, venom curdling into my throat. “Don’t use her a







