Can I ever move on?

Chapter Five

“I picked this room especially for you. I hope it is to your liking. Here’s a little gift for you. Love, May.”

I smiled as I read the note. Opening the small box beside it, I found a brand-new phone nestled inside. My heart warmed. Aunt May had truly thought of everything. I set the phone aside for later, right now, all I wanted was some sleep. I lay down on the soft bed, pulling the covers over me. My heartbeat slowed, a mix of emotions swirling inside me, but none of them sadness.

I was living in a mansion. I could eat whatever I wanted, do whatever I pleased. Despite the coldness from Theodore, this place offered something I hadn’t had in a long time—freedom. If he wanted me to stay away, I would. No problem. I was used to surviving on my own.

It didn’t take long before sleep embraced me.

I woke up around 6:00 a.m., stretching as I sat up. It was the best sleep I’d had in ten years. I climbed out of bed and straightened the sheets before heading into the bathroom—my second favorite part of the room after the bed.

After brushing my teeth and taking a hot shower, I changed into a black shirt and a pair of blue jeans. I tied my hair into a ponytail, took a final look at myself in the mirror, and headed downstairs.

I wasn’t the best cook, but I could manage breakfast. Being locked up for so long had left little room for refining culinary skills, but I had learned a few things. I whipped up some pancakes, eggs, and bacon. I was just placing the food on the dining table when the doorbell rang.

Curious, I walked over and opened the door.

Standing there was Aunt May, flanked by two girls one about sixteen, the other maybe ten.

“Aunt May! It’s so good to see you,” I greeted with a smile, stepping aside so they could come in.

“Layla, how was your first night here?” she asked, her eyes full of concern and warmth.

“It was amazing,” I replied honestly.

“That’s good to hear. These are Andrea and Samantha, Theodore’s younger sisters. They’ll be staying here for a while. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. I could use some good company,” I said with a chuckle. Truthfully, I’d been wondering how I would manage alone in this giant house.

“You’re so sweet.” Aunt May turned to the girls. “Alright, I have to go. Bye, girls give Mom a hug.”

Both girls hugged her tightly.

“Can’t we come with you?” Samantha, the younger one, asked in the cutest voice I’d ever heard.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Aunt May said gently. “Layla’s amazing. She’ll take good care of you, and I’ll visit often. I promise.”

They both nodded, reluctantly letting her go. “Bye,” she said once more before stepping out.

The door closed, leaving me alone with the girls. I turned to them with a welcoming smile.

“Hi, I’m Layla. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you two.”

“So, you’re my brother’s new wife. I’m flattered,” Andrea said, rolling her eyes before walking away with her luggage.

Ouch. 'Okay, rude,' I thought silently.

“Don’t mind my sister Andrea,” Samantha said sweetly. “She’s like that with new people. She’ll come around.”

I smiled at her. She looked so much like Theodore. Both girls had beautiful features, long, silky black hair and striking green eyes. It was clear beauty ran in their family.

“It’s okay. Are you hungry? I made pancakes.”

Her face lit up instantly. “Pancakes? My favorite!”

She dropped her bags and dashed toward the dining table. I followed her, amused.

“Hold on,” I said gently. “You need to wash your hands first.”

“Oops! Okay!” she replied, quickly going to wash up before returning to the table.

I served her, then sat down with my own plate. We ate quietly for a few moments until she looked up at me.

“Are you really my brother’s wife?” she asked curiously.

“Yes, I am,” I nodded.

“Cool! I finally have someone to play with besides Andrea. She’s always on her phone doing boring teen stuff. She says playing is childish.”

I chuckled softly. “That’s normal. Girls that age can be sensitive. Don’t take it personally.”

“Were you like that when you were her age?”

“A little,” I admitted, smiling at the memory of a version of me I barely recognized now.

We continued our breakfast in silence.

Andrea’s POV

I walked into my room and dropped my bags. Everything was still the way I left it, which was nice. I decided to go see Theodore. Pushing open the door to his room, I found him sitting at his desk, working, of course.

“Hey, brother. We’re back,” I said, stepping in.

He turned to look at me. “Andrea. When did you get here?”

“About five minutes ago. Mom dropped us off. You didn’t tell me you were getting married.”

“It happened last minute,” he said with a sigh.

“Last minute, huh? Cool.” I shrugged. “Well, I’m going to my room. I need a beauty nap.”

With that, I turned and left.

Layla’s POV

After helping Samantha settle into her room, I returned to mine. Neither Theodore nor Andrea came downstairs for breakfast. I sighed, sitting on the edge of my bed. I was always the unwanted one, the girl no one liked. Was there anyone as unlucky as I was?

I picked up the phone Aunt May had given me. I decided to explore it, do something fun. Surprisingly, I still remembered all my passwords. I logged into my social media accounts.

On I*******m, I saw posts from old classmates. Most had moved on, college, careers, traveling. Serena stood out. She had been an influencer even back in high school. Her feed was filled with smiles, designer clothes, tropical vacations. She had lived her best years while I was rotting in a prison cell because of her lies.

A tear rolled down my cheek.

Could I ever move on? Could I be happy again? Make friends, go to parties, pretend everything was normal? Could I?

My fingers tightened around the phone.

I didn’t know the answer.

But maybe, just maybe, I could try.