Chapter 67
My heart beats so frantically it feels like it’s trying to claw its way out of my chest. The air in the Wood family dining room suddenly feels thinner, heavier. My fingers tighten against my dress as if that will steady me.
And then it happens.
Noah’s eyes sweep the room, sharp and cold, and when they land on me, his jaw clenches so hard I think it might crack. The sight sends a ripple of dread down my spine. I wince inwardly, trying not to show it, but my stomach.
twists into knots.
He knew.
The realization crashes over me like cold water. He knew I was coming. His posture, the lack of surprise, and the faint edge in his gaze. It’s all there. He was prepared for this. Meanwhile, I’m the fool sitting here blindsided. I was the only one who didn’t know he’d be here,
The silence between us stretches like a taut wire, but before it can snap, Olivia breaks it. She squeals and rushes toward her brother, throwing herself into his arms. Noah’s icy expression melts instantly. His features soften, his mouth curves into a genuine smile, and he catches her easily, spinning her once before setting her down.
I watch, caught off guard. That smile. The warmth of it. It’s not one I’ve ever received from him. It’s always been cold looks for me. Something about that brings a pang to my chest.
“Sierra.” A hand squeezes mine gently. I turn, and Iris is leaning closer, her face full of quiet reassurance. “Don’t worry. He got scolded. Mom and Dad really let him have it p>
Her attempt at comfort draws a small, reluctant smile from me.
She shakes her head with a sigh and adds, “I’m sorry… on behalf of my idiot brother p>
My chest tightens at her words, at the simple sincerity in her eyes. I squeeze her hand back, my voice dropping to a whisper meant only for her. “It’s nothing. You don’t need to apologize for him. None of this is your fault p>
Her lips twitch like she wants to argue, but she lets it go. She starts talking about something else. School, the girls, her latest plans, but my attention drifts to them.
No matter how hard I try to focus on her words, on the conversation, I can’t. My mind keeps circling back to the twins, the children I’ve only ever seen in photographs.
Now, watching them with their grandparents, it’s like the pictures have come to life. Their bright laughter rings through the room, their bubbly personalities filling every corner with warmth. And I can’t look away.
It’s as though an invisible thread tugs at me, pulling me closer with every giggle, every sparkle in their eyes. I should turn, I should listen, but instead I find myself drawn to them in a way I can’t explain, like a moth being drawn to a flame. 5
I stare at them, unable to pull my eyes from them. Nolan, with his dark hair and serious little frown, is his father’s reflection, right down to the way his brows crease. Nova, lighter and softer, carries Chloe’s essence in the curve of her smile. They’re beautiful. A perfect mix of Noah and Chloe. For all their faults, those two produced beautiful and lively children.
I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t even notice Nova has wandered closer until I feel the tug on my sleeve. I look down, startled, and find the little girl peering up at me with wide, curious eyes.
“Hi,” she says softly.
My throat goes dry. My heart pounds as if this moment means more than it should. I force a gentle smile. “Hi p>
I’ve faced all kinds of people in my research work–brilliant minds, intimidating personalities, and even the occasional skeptic ready to tear my work apart. Yet I’ve never felt as nervous speaking to any of them as I do now. She’s only five years old, just a little girl… and still, for some reason, she makes my heart stumble and my hands unsteady.
She tilts her head. “Who are you p>
The innocence in her voice undoes me. Swallowing hard, I manage, “I’m… a friend of the family p>
Her brows pinch together. “How come I’ve never seen you before p>
Well… probably because your mom and I had a falling out (That’s a mild way of putting it) And your dad is the biggest asshole alive, so I preferred to stay away.
The simpler truth is I just avoided them. I always kept my distance. I avoided Chloe and Noah like the plague. If I knew they were going to be at an event or gathering, no matter how much Aunt Ava or Uncle Rowan wanted me there, I stayed away. 2
I swallow again, feeling heat creep up my neck. “I’ve been busy with work,” I say, my voice careful.
“So, are you not busy now?” she asks, her tone curious but steady.
Her gray eyes–so much like her father’s–study me with an intensity that makes me feel as if I’m being measured, weighed, and judged on whether I’m good enough to stand in front of her.
“Something like that,” I answer with a gentle smile.
“Does that mean you can come have tea with me?” she presses. “Daddy says I’m queen, so you have to do what I say p>
A laugh escapes me, soft but genuine. The way she says it, so matter–of–fact and so regal. Like she truly is queen and I’m simply one of her subjects expected to obey. It’s really cute and amusing.
I glance toward Noah. He’s standing at the threshold, legs braced apart, arms folded tightly across his chest, his gaze locked on us with an expression I can’t read.
“That’s not up to me, sweetheart,” the words slip out before I can stop them, but when they do, they feel just right.
My words land heavy, especially in the silence of her dad.
Before Nova can press further, Nolan steps in like a tiny knight at her side, his little chest puffing out proudly. The room fills with laughter. And to my disbelief, Noah’s hard gaze softens.
“I’m Nolan,” He declares and then points at his sister. “And this is Nova p>
For a moment I even forget he’s a kid, because he carries himself so maturely. It’s amazing to watch him. To watch both of them.
My lips curve despite the storm inside me. “It’s very nice to meet you both. I’m Sierra p>
Nova beams. She shifts closer, and without warning, she climbs onto the chair beside me. Her tiny hand slips into mine like it belongs there.
“Now we’re friends,” she says with all the certainty of a queen making a decree.
Something stings in my chest. Something I can’t find the right words to name. This is the first time I’m meeting her. Meeting them. I wasn’t there when they were born. I never held them, never got the chance to know them… yet somehow, in this moment, it feels like this is where she belongs. With me.
I force my smile to stay, though my eyes blur faintly. I steady myself, swallowing hard, keeping my emotions locked tight where they can’t spill over.
From the corner of my eye, I catch him watching. His expression is unreadable, and a frown tugs at his mouth. Almost as if he’s displeased with what he’s witnessing. a