Chapter 215
The twins are at a playdate at one of their friend’s houses. Before leaving, they came to find me, breathless and excited, to let me know they wouldn’t be around today and would probably be back in the evening.
I wanted them to stay. Not just because I love spending time with them, but because I desperately needed the distraction.
Of course, I couldn’t say that. I couldn’t ask them to stay when they were so excited, especially not with Noah standing in the doorway, arms folded, watching me like yesterday he hadn’t accused me of hurting him.
So now here I am, bored out of my mind and alone with thoughts that refuse to settle the fuck down.
All I want is a moment of reprieve. A moment where my mind isn’t running a thousand miles a second. A moment where I don’t have to think about questions I don’t have answers to.
I could ask Noah what he meant, but am I ready for the answer? Am I ready for the truth?
I’m one hundred percent sure I didn’t hurt him. I know that in my bones. What scares me isn’t guilt; it’s the possibility of uncovering another betrayal. Another truth that reopens wounds I barely survived the first time. The thought alone makes my chest tighten.
Fed up with the suffocating quiet of my room and the chaos in my head, I push myself off the bed and leave. I’m not sure where Blackie is, but I know she’s somewhere in the house, probably in the kitchen.
I grab my phone, and within minutes I’m outside. The air is fresh and cool, carrying the scent of cut grass. My feet sink slightly into the plush green lawn as I walk toward the small pond tucked away on the far–left side of the estate.
When I reach it, I sit on a wooden bench facing the water. A bench that was made for Chloe, given the intricate carving, the delicate curves and the initials etched discreetly into the wood.
Even out here, away from the house, she’s everywhere, and once again, I’m reminded that no matter where I go, I’m walking through a life that was never meant to include me.
I breathe out slowly, but it doesn’t help. A sharp pang slices through my chest anyway.
The twins showed me this place barely a week after I arrived. I remember how it fucking hurt back then seeing the bench, the pond, and the small waterfall feeding into it. The aquatic plants swaying beneath the surface. The koi fish gliding through the water like living brushstrokes.
They were so proud. They told me Noah had created this place for Chloe. That she’d wanted somewhere peaceful, somewhere she could come to relax. That water and greenery always calmed her.
What they don’t know? What he doesn’t know is that Chloe lied.
This was never her dream. It was mine. Everything here; The way the bench is designed, the curve of the pond, the fish, and the plants. Every single detail was another idea I once shared with Chloe. Another thing she took and made her own… Just like she took him.
Her wedding was the last time I ever believed she was pure. Back then, I thought I was just unlucky. I told myself she must be a good person, good enough that Noah chose her. I swallowed the pain and accepted it because I believed love couldn’t be forced. Because I believed she deserved happiness, even if it broke me.
It wasn’t until after their wedding that the cracks started to show. That I began to notice the manipulation. Her cruelty. The selfishness hidden behind her smiles.
Chapter PR
Only then did everything start to make sense. Only then did I realize the lengths she went to, not just to win Noah, but to hurt me. To make sure I knew, over and over again, that he loved her and not me.
I sigh and look back at the water, at the fish moving peacefully through a dream that was never meant to be hers and I’ll admit it, it still fucking hurts.
But what good does knowing do now? She’s gone. There’s no one to confront. And even if she were here, Noah would never believe a word I said. Not that I want him to believe me anyway.
The ping of my phone cuts through my thoughts. I unlock it and freeze when I see the sender.
Aunt Harper: What is this I’m hearing about you and Noah?
My stomach drops… So much for peace.
I groan softly. “Fuck. I knew Aunt Ava wouldn’t keep her mouth shut p>
I stare down at the message, thumbs hovering uselessly over the screen as I try and fail to come up with an answer.
I sigh. “Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut p>
“Who are you talking about p>
My heart nearly launches itself out of my chest.
I clutch my chest and whirl around, glaring at Noah. “You scared me, you weirdo. Who walks so silently they’re barely heard p>
He steps out from behind me and moves toward the bench. “You’re calling me a weirdo when you’re the one talking to yourself p>
I open my mouth to fire back, but my phone vibrates again. Then again and again.
My attention snaps back to the screen as messages flood in.
Aunt Letty: It’s finally happening, isn’t it? followed by a row of celebratory emojis. 1