Chapter 86
-Chloe p>
“Dear Sierra,
I was surprised when you finally called, even though you went back to ignoring my calls and texts. Thank you for the congratulations. I named the twins Nova and Nolan. I know you once dreamed of giving those names to your children with Noah, but since that will never happen, I might as well use them. They’re beautiful names, after all. It would be a waste not to use them. 1
-Chloe p>
The memory sears me. I’d reached out after close to two years when I learned she had the twins. I expressed seeing her and the babies but she shut me down. She cut the call after informing me that Noah didn’t want me anywhere near the twins. The letter came soon after. A cruel reminder of everything I’d ever wished for. As if she wanted to dig the knife deeper.
Those two names were my choice. I had shared them with her when we were younger, explaining that I loved how perfectly they matched Noah’s. I never thought she would take even that from me.
“Sierra,
I thought I’d write to tell you how well we’re doing. Noah has been working so hard, and the twins are growing so fast it amazes me. We just returned from a trip for their first birthday, and it was beautiful. Family trips are so important, don’t you think? Children deserve memories with both of their parents, not outsiders. I know you understand.
-Chloe p>
My throat goes dry. That was one of my other dreams. I’d always imagined taking a family trip to celebrate our children’s first birthdays, turning it into a tradition, something sacred. But even that, she took.
It feels like everything I ever desired, everything I ever imagined, everything I ever planned… Chloe did, just so she could rub it in my face.
“Sierra,
The twins started school this month. They’re thriving. Noah is such a wonderful father, and I’m blessed to have him by my side. We’re building such a strong family unit, but you wouldn’t know about that, would you? Anyway, I hope you’re okay, even if we don’t talk anymore.
-Chloe p>
The words blur as my eyes fill with tears. I still don’t understand. She had it all. Noah, the children, the family I once dreamed of. So why did she feel the need to boast? Why did she have to twist the knife with every letter? 3
My hands tremble as I clutch the bundle against my chest. I remember those nights too well–alone, crying, whispering “why me?” into the darkness. And every time I thought I’d finally healed, Chloe’s words would arrive like a fresh blade, cutting deeper than before.
The tears come fast, spilling hot down my cheeks. As I remember everything she put me through. I want to blame her, and I do. But I can’t lie to myself either. I share some of the blame, because I knew those letters were poison. I knew they were meant to break me. And still, like a fool hungry for pain, I read every single one.
Blackie nudges my knee, curling against me, but it doesn’t ease the ache. My heart feels raw, like it’s been ripped open.
Chapter Ba
My phone buzzes, pulling me from my downward spiral. I wipe my cheeks with the back of my hand before grabbing it with trembling hands.
The screen flashes with the Director’s name, making my stomach dip.
“Hello?” My voice comes out hoarse.
“Sierra,” his tone serious. “I wanted to give you a heads up. The police will be coming by your house. They want to ask you a few questions regarding… the incident at work p>
The words slam into me hard; I suck in a deep breath.
“The police?” I repeat, my throat is as dry as sandpaper.
“Yes. Don’t panic. Just answer what they ask, and be honest. Everything will be fine p>
Fine? Then why does it feel like the complete opposite?
I swallow hard. “O–okay p>
“Good. I’ll be in touch with you later p>
The line clicks dead.
I lower the phone slowly, my fingers numb. My heart races as panic starts bubbling inside me until I can barely breathe.
Why me? Why would the police need to speak to me?