Chapter 61
tcould still smell the stone scent of antiseptic that clung to my skin even after I had changed into my clothes. I ran a hand over my face as I stepped out of the clinic. The doctor’s words were still echoing in my mind.
‘s stressolated fatique. You need to rest eat property and take care of yourself.”
had nodded at the time. But I knew rest wasn’t something I could afford right now. My life had been unraveling, thread by thread, and stopping to mend it felt impossible
By the time lamed home exhaustion tugged at every muscle in my body. My legs felt heavy. My arms were weak. And my head pounded from the lingering dizziness. Igripped the doorknob for a second before turning it, bracing myself for whatever awaited me
What I didn’t expect was to find my personal nightmare standing in the middle of my kitchen.
Katel
In my apron
Acting as if she owned the place
She moved around the space like she belonged there while humming an upbeat tune as she stirred something in a pan. The scent of butter and cinnamon filled the air. And it was cloying rather than comforting.
Jairus stood beside her. He was leaning against the counter while looking as comfortable as ever. My eyes locked onto the fabric tied around his waist. Our old couple’s apron. It had been a silly thing we’d bought together. Something that once held meaning. Something we used to joke about. Now seeing him wear it while standing next to her made my stomach churn.&
Neither of them had noticed me yet. And for a moment, I debated leaving. Turning around, walking away, pretending I hadn’t seen this display of domesticity in my own home. But something in me snapped. I let my bag drop to the floor with a deliberate thud. The sound cut through the cozy little scene they had created. And finally, their heads turned.
Jairus barely glanced at me before shaking his head. “You look terrible.”
My lips parted slightly as disbelief coursed through me. That was the first thing he had to say? Not ‘Where were you?‘ Not ‘Are you okay?”
Just another complaint. Another jab.
Katie turned with a practiced look of concern, though the smirk tugging at the corner of her lips betrayed her. “Vanessa! You’re finally back. We were just talking about you. “N
I clenched my jaw as I resisted the urge to snap at her. “Clearly.”
Jairus exhaled sharply. Then he set his coffee down. “You didn’t tell me you were going anywhere.“N
I crossed my arms. “Didn’t realize I needed permission.“N
His eyes narrowed slightly. But he didn’t press the issue. He probably assumed I had gone off to sulk somewhere. He had no idea I had spent the night in a doctor’s office, exhausted, and lightheaded because of the near–death experience that I had yesterday.N
Katie wiped her hands on my apron and shot me a bright smile. “We were just making breakfast. I thought I’d do something nice.”
“In my kitchen?” I asked coldly. “In my apron?“N
She glanced down at herself. Then she let out a soft and airy laugh. “Oh, this? I just grabbed the first thing I saw. Hope you don’t mind.”
Mind?
I wanted to rip it off her and throw it in the trash.
Jairus sighed as if my presence alone was exhausting. “Vanessa, can you not start? She’s trying to be nice.”
I scoffed while looking between them. “You really don’t see how this looks, do you?“N
Katie clapped her hands together suddenly. “Oh! That reminds me. Vanessa, you should come to my birthday party next week.“N
I stared at her. “What?”
She nodded. She was all too pleased with herself. “I insist. It’ll be a great night. We’ll celebrate, have a few drinks, and just enjoy ourselves. Right, Jairus?“%
He barely looked at me before taking another sip of his coffee. “It’s up to you.”
Up to me.
As if my decision mattered at all.
I should have said no. Should have told her exactly where she could shove her invitation.N
But something about the smug way she looked at me and the self–satisfied glint in her eye, made me pause. She wanted me to refuse Wanted me to storm out and prove, once again, that I didn’t belong in this picture they were painting.
So I smiled, tight and thin. “Fine, I’ll come.”
Katie’s expression flickered for the briefest moment before she recovered. “Perfect.”
Jairus glanced at me then. I couldn’t read what was running on his mind. But he said nothing. He had no idea what he had just agreed to
Neither did Katie.
