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
“It’s okay, Dad. We know it’s too painful for you,” Nolan adds, his voice steady but soft in that way that always knocks the wind out of me. “That’s why we’ll talk to Aunt Sierra about Mom. She told us we can.”Nova nods enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. “She told us stories about Mommy when the
When the timer on the oven beeps, Nova squeals, dropping her rag. “They’re ready!”She rushes to the oven, standing on her toes. I pull out the tray carefully, the scent of sugar and vanilla filling the air.“They look perfect,” I tell her, setting them down.Nolan immediately reaches for one, but I
Laughter fills the air. The sun is warm on my face as I push the small swing, my hands steady on the back of a little boy with messy golden-brown hair and chubby cheeks. His laughter rings across the yard, a sound I could live in forever.“Higher, Mommy! Higher!” he squeals, kicking his tiny legs wi
Sierra.I kill the engine and just sit there, gripping the wheel. My breaths come slow and shaky,in the silence of the car. For a few minutes, I do nothing but stare at the black SUV, my mind racing with all kind of possibilities.Finally, I decide I can’t just sit here. Either I face this or I leav







