Cole Harrington I groaned, letting my head fall onto the kitchen table, utterly defeated. The weight of everything was pressing down on me, and I couldn’t seem to shake it off. Mrs. Kinsley’s voice cut through my self-pity like a sharp knife. “Okay, either tell me what’s wrong or get out of my kit
With a deep breath, I began the process of packing away the things that had once meant so much. The wedding photos, the little trinkets she’d loved, the carefully folded clothes—all of it was a part of our past, but it didn’t need to dominate my present. As I worked, I thought about Nicola—her laug
Nicola Taylor I came home very late, the clock already ticking past 9 PM as I unlocked the door and stepped inside. Exhaustion weighed on my shoulders after a long day of back-to-back classes, but a strange, persistent noise pulled me out of my weary daze. It sounded like construction—hammering, d
Cole looked at me with a calm expression, as if the answer should have been obvious. “Bella’s room is too small for her now. I think she wants a bigger one.” His tone was so nonchalant that it only made my confusion and frustration grow. “So you’re just… demolishing your old room? Just like that?”
Nicola Taylor As I stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel, I felt the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me. It had been a long evening, dinner out with some friends, and I was more than ready to collapse into bed. I slipped into my favorite nightdress, a soft, comfo
“Finn, I’m hanging up now,” I repeated, firmer this time. “Go home. Sleep it off.” Before he could protest further, I ended the call, letting out a long, exasperated sigh. I stared at my phone, half-expecting it to buzz again, but thankfully, it stayed silent. Shaking my head, I placed the phone b
Nicola Taylor As I stood in line at my favorite café, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries enveloped me, providing me with comfort. I was there to pick up my usual—an indulgent caramel macchiato—and the drinks for my family: Cole’s strong, black coffee and Arabella’s sweet straw
Cole’s frown deepened as he glanced at me, his eyes searching mine for an explanation. I could see the hurt and confusion swirling in his gaze, and it only made the knot in my stomach tighten. I knew this conversation was inevitable, but I had hoped we could avoid it, at least for today. We walked