Chapter 66
Panic coils tightly inside me, squeezing until I almost forget how to breathe. I drag in a shaky breath through my nose, trying to shove down the anxiety clawing its way up my throat.
Dinner. On the surface, it sounds innocent enough, but I know Aunt Ava. Nothing she does is without purpose. Yes, maybe she wants to apologize, to shoulder the guilt she feels because Noah wronged me, but deep down I know better. This isn’t just dinner. This is strategy. And sitting at her table will feel less like sharing a meal and more like walking straight into an ambush.
I can already picture the questions glimmering behind her kind, sharp eyes and hear the careful way she’ll lace her words with softness while digging for answers. She’ll smile, but she’ll press. And the worst part? I’m not ready. Not when lying has never been my strong suit, and she knows exactly how to read me.
I swallow and answer. “Aunt Ava p>
My mind scrambles for a way out, racing through excuses I know won’t hold. I could say I’m tired. Or that I’m not feeling well. Maybe claim I already made plans with Lilly. But even that’s useless. Aunt Ava would just insist Lilly come along too. 1
I press my palms against my thighs, trying to will some clever lie into existence, but nothing comes. Nothing I can use. My thoughts keep circling back to the same truth: there’s no easy escape from Ava Woods.
Her voice is warm and gentle. “Sweetheart, I know what you’re about to say, but listen to me first. I feel ashamed that Noah would treat you like that, knowing full well you’re like a daughter to me p>
“You don’t have to feel that way, and you don’t owe me an apology.” The words snag in my throat, making it hard to go on. 1
Aunt Ava is one of the kindest women I’ve ever known, a true blessing in my life. And hearing her carry guilt for something that was never her fault, something she couldn’t control, wrecks me in ways I can’t put into words.
“We owe you an apology for what he did to you, Sierra. We thought we raised him right, but now he’s proving we failed somewhere.” Her voice is small, laced with doubt and hurt, and it pains me to hear it. 1
I would never fault them. They are wonderful people and even more wonderful parents. I’m not defending Noah, but I can’t bring myself to place this at their feet either.
The truth is, I think the way he behaved isn’t something that came out of nowhere. It’s something that has been festering inside him for a long time–growing, building, waiting. He managed to keep it contained, but me… The pregnancy… it was the fuse. The spark that lit it up and blew that cage all to pieces.
I press the heel of my hand against my forehead. “You don’t owe me anything. You’re wonderful parents. Please, don’t feel p>
“No, Sierra, we are partly to blame. I should have done something all these years. Instead, I sat idly by and watched him bully you, and now look at the results.” 2
That’s absolutely not true. Aunt Ava tried everything she could, and so did Uncle Rowan. But warning Noah to treat me right was like arguing with a wall. He never listened. When they were around, he was mostly cold and dismissive, acting like I barely existed. But when they weren’t? Well… let’s just say he was far from pleasant
I swallow. “Auntie, you don’t need to apologize on Noah’s behalf. His actions are his own, not a reflection of you or Uncle Rowan p>
She cuts me off gently but firmly. “Sierra, his actions are absolutely a reflection of us. It’s a reflection of who we are and how we raised him. ”
I remain quiet, knowing full well I can’t win where Aunt Ava is concerned.
“Please, Sierra.” She pleads, her voice soft. “It would make us feel better if you came. And the girls have missed you terribly. They keep asking why you don’t come around anymore p>
That softens me instantly. Dann her, she knows my weak spots.
I let out a long breath. “…Alright.” (2)
A delighted squeal fills the line, making me wince and smile all at once. “Perfect! I’ll see you tonight p>
When the call ends, the silence returns heavier than before. My mind churns, running through lies and half- truths I could use to deflect Aunt Ava’s questions. None of them feel solid.
Damn it! How am I supposed to survive dinner with her prying? With her digging?
By the time I stretch out on the couch, my body is too strung tight to think straight. Eventually, exhaustion wins. I stretch out, telling myself I’ll think better after a nap.
The drive to the Wood’s mansion feels like heading straight into a storm. My fingers drum restlessly against the steering wheel, my thoughts a frantic loop. I still don’t have a story prepared if Ava asks why Noah showed up at my workplace. All I can do is pray she doesn’t bring it up.
The gates open, the sprawling house comes into view and my stomach knots so tightly I actually feel physical pain. Once, this place felt comforting. Tonight, it feels like a lion’s den.
Uncle Rowan answers the door before I can even knock, his familiar smile softening some of the tension in my chest.
“There’s my sweet girl,” he says warmly, pulling me into a hug that’s strong but comforting. His familiar cologne wraps around me like a blanket and I let myself sink into it, my worries disappearing for a second.
He breaks the hug and then takes my hand like he used to when I was younger, leading me inside.
“Come in,” he says warmly, before calling into the house, his voice ringing through every corner: “Sierra’s here p>
A flurry of footsteps and then Aunt Ava, radiant as always, sweeps me into her arms. The girls are right behind her. I’m smothered in hugs and kisses, their affection so genuine it brings a lump to my throat
Iris latches onto my arm and pulls me down onto the couch. “Mom told us you’re pregnant! I know the godmother title goes to Lilly, so I’m claiming the aunt position,” she says, eyes wide with excitement.
I laugh weakly, sinking down into the couch. For a moment, I almost forget why I dreaded coming here.
“It’s not like she can make you a godmother even if she wanted to.” Olivia rolls her eyes. “You’re not even eighteen p>
“It doesn’t matter,” Emery chimes in. “The godmother position is filled, but the aunts‘ position is open, so we get to fill that, right, Si p>
I open my mouth to reply but the sound of little feet pounding against the floor cuts through the room
“Grandma! Grandpa!” The twins burst into the room, laughter spilling after them.
And behind them–
My body goes rigid.
Because stepping into the room like a shadow I can’t escape… is Noah.
My breath stutters and my heart drops.
Aunt Ava didn’t tell me; she didn’t give me a heads–up.
I wasn’t prepared for this. And now, it’s too late. 3