Chapter 2
I woke up to the warmth of his arms wrapped around me, his breath brushing against the back of my neck. Jayson’s voice was soft, a low whisper in the dim morning light.
“I missed you” he murmured, his grip tightening slightly as if afraid I’d slip away.
For a brief, fragile moment, I wanted to sink into him. To pretend that everything was fine–that the words I’d overheard the night. before hadn’t shattered my heart into pieces. But the memory hit me like a tidal wave…
The ache in my chest grew unbearable. I turned sharply, pushing him with all the strength I could muster. He stumbled backward, falling onto the bed with a surprised grunt
His brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing my expression to stay neutral “I just…” I searched for an excuse, my heart pounding thought I heard someone outside. What if our parents saw us?“!!
That was the rule, after all. The unspoken agreement we made to keep our secret hidden–to avoid suspicion, to keep pretending we were just family
Jayson relaxed slightly, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. “They’re busy. Anastacia. Stop worrying. I just missed you, you disappeared from the party last night, and I couldn’t find you”
I forced a smile, my heart cracking with every beat. “I was tired Ineeded some air
He reached for me again, but I shifted away think I rest a bit more.”
“Alright: We have a family dinner later. Don’t forget.
I didn’t respond as he left the room, closing the door softly behind him. The moment I was alone, I slid out of bed, my hands trembling as I reached for my suitcase.
I started packing I needed to leave before the walls of this house suffocated me
The door creaked open, and my mother stepped inside, her eyes narrowing when she saw the mess. “What are you doing?”
1 zipped the suitcase with shaky fingers. I’ve decided to accept the research project Professor Valenti offered me
She blinked, then broke into a bright smile “That’s wonderful, sweetheart! I always knew you’d go for it. This is your dream, after all.
It was. But I had almost given it up for him. Thad turned down that opportunity because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Jayson for three years. But now? Now, I couldn’t leave fast enough
“I didn’t want to tell anyone yet I said quickly when she suggested we announce it at dinner. “Not even Jayson.” Her brows lifted “Why not?”
I forced a light smile. “I just don’t want anyone to feel sad about me leaving. I might change my mind if they do
She nodded slowly, accepting my excuse. “Alright, but at least join us for dinner tonight. Your stepfather has an announcement to make”
I nodded, though dread settled like a stone in my stomach
Later that evening, dressed in a simple black dress, I sat quietly at the long dining table, surrounded by smiling faces. My heart wasn’t in it I just needed to get through the night.”
Until I saw her
Fiona
She walked into the room like she owned it, her smile radiant as if she hadn’t left Jayson shattered all those years ago.
And then–like a cruel joke the announcement came.
“We’re thrilled to share that Jayson and Fiona are getting marned!”
The room erupted in applause. Everyone cheered. Everyone except me
I excused myself, fleeing to the bathroom, my chest tightening with every step. I splashed cold water on my face, gripping the sink, trying to steady my breath.
The door creaked open, and I didn’t have to look to know it was her!
Fiona’s reflection appeared in the mirror, her smile gone. “Stay away from Jayson”
I turned slowly, forcing an innocent expression. “Why would I do that? He’s my brother. We’re family”
She stepped closer, her eyes sharp and knowing. “Don’t play dumb, I know everything. Jayson told me how you’ve been flirting with him, how obsessed you are. If you don’t back off, I’ll tell your parents,”
Her words were knives, but I refused to let them see me bleed. I tumed to leave, but she grabbed my arm. I yanked it back instinctively, and she slipped–her heel catching on the wet floor.
She crashed down hard, letting out a dramatic scream
The door burst open, and there he was
Jayson.!
“What is happening here?” His eyes darted from Fiona on the floor to me standing above her.!!
“She pushed me!” Fiona sobbed “I don’t know why–maybe she hates me. I was just trying to be friendly.”
“That’s not true!” I snapped, my voice trembling with rage. “She’s lying. I didn’t-”
But Jayson didn’t even look at me
He rushed to Fiona’s side, lifting her gently in his arms like she was fragile glass. As he passed me, our shoulders brushed, and the force of it sent me stumbling.
I hit the floor hard, the sharp sting of pain radiating through my arm. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the ache in my chest!
Jayson didn’t even look back..
And that hurt more than any wound ever could.
