All Chapters of The Us Between Chaos: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

I must’ve rechecked our luggage for the hundredth time that morning, pacing in the living room while waiting for Patricia. Hank had introduced her to me—licensed caregiver, six years of experience both local and abroad. We’d spoken over Zoom last night, and thankfully, she was available for the week I needed her.I glanced toward the kitchen, where Paris and Mom were perched on the stools, eating the breakfast Shiloh had prepared: chicken salad for Mom, pizza for Paris, and a clubhouse sandwich for me.“How many more times are you gonna check that, Sydney? I’m getting tired just watching you,” Paris complained, her mouth half full.I shot her a look and raised a brow. “Then stop staring at me, dumb.”After confirming Mom’s luggage was fine, I zipped it shut and pulled Paris’s suitcase next. The moment I opened it, my jaw dropped at the disaster of half-folded clothes shoved inside. “Seriously, Paris?”She darted over, snatched it away from me, and huffed. “Let it be.” She yanked the zi

Hank and Sydney went back to Europe last week. We decided to work separately. Hank went with Sydney—it’s safer that way. I can’t argue; she’s his responsibility now, and it’s about her and her family, after all.I tried dialing Ricci’s number for the nth time. “The number—” I stopped imitating the automated voice when it suddenly rang.“Hello?” I stood up, almost jumping.“Ricci?” I gasped.The call turned static.“I’m being tapped,” he said quickly, then the line went dead.“Hello? Ricci, wait!” I shouted, but there was nothing but silence. “Damn it!” I stomped my foot. They’re all on the run.I immediately called Hank while grabbing my keys and running toward the garage. He answered just as I started the car.“I got a lead that matches Sydney’s,” he greeted.“Oh, well, no more ‘hello’s or ‘what’s ups’?” I joked.“You still have time to joke around?”“Of course. What if I suddenly die?”“Shut up.”“Oh, I got a hold of Ricci for like three seconds. He said he’s being tapped.”“It’s n

Hade's P.O.V.I stood up from the wooden chair and paced back and forth, biting the nail of my right thumb. I crossed my arms over my chest and bit my lower lip as I stared at the door, waiting for the footsteps to grow louder. As the sound of steps increased, the tempo of my heartbeat synced with it. I gasped the moment the door opened wide. My mouth hung open as I stared at the man in front of me. He looked down, sighed, and shook his head. He looked defeated."I'm sorry, Hade. Haris still doesn't want to meet you," the chief of the ward said. I sighed and let both of my arms fall to my sides. I didn’t know what pained me more—was it because Dad kept trying to escape our reality, or because I already knew why he had done this to me?I let out a loud sigh and forced a weak smile at the chief. "Please tell him I'll be back. I won’t stop coming here unless he shows himself. Thank you, sir." I didn’t let him cut me off, so I watched his mouth hang open, his eyes filled with panic. I’d he

I clicked my car keys as I walked toward the café’s entrance. The warm lights spilled through the glass walls, and there they were — Hade and Jarred, sitting in our usual spot, sipping their coffee as if nothing else in the world mattered. I pushed the door open, and the tiny bell above it chimed softly.Jarred noticed me first and waved, his grin wide. Hade looked back, and when our eyes met, he smiled — that kind of smile that pulls your heart before your body can even react. He instantly stood up and sat next to Jarred. I took the seat he’d just left, the warmth of it still clinging faintly to me.“What’s up?” I asked, trying to sound casual. Jarred pouted his lips toward the four empty glasses in front of us.“That’s a lot.”“You’re way too late, Ms. Soriano,” Jarred teased. I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes before sighing in defeat.“You’re right. Traffic,” I said, my tone flat, though a small smile tugged at my lips. As I glanced down, I noticed something that made me smile

Sydney put five more books in the cart as we wandered around the floor. I decided to just give up — no more recreating those little scenes I imagined earlier. Maybe it’s better to just let things happen on their own, unforced and unplanned. That way, they’ll mean more… right?I sighed and looked down. I didn’t want to feel sad, not today, but the ache was there — a quiet heaviness sitting somewhere in my chest.A tap on my back pulled me back to the present. I turned around, startled, and saw Sydney. She looked worried.“Why?” I asked, facing her fully.“Why do you look so down? Are you getting bored?” she asked gently, her eyes searching mine. Then she smiled — that kind of smile that could make sadness shrink for a moment. “Let’s go check this all out.” She stepped beside me and grabbed the cart’s handle, ready to head to the counter.“But we haven’t checked the other sides yet,” I protested.She glanced at me with a small smirk, then looked away. “I can go back here with Paris, you