I haven't gotten over the shock of seeing Nolan standing at the door. Questions plague my mind: What is he doing here? Why is he coming out of Josh's mother's room? "What are you doing here?" I ask again as he engulfs me in a hug and starts crying. For a second, I stiffen, unsure how to react to this new Nolan. I rest my hand on his back and hug him, soothing him gently.My thoughts are everywhere. Why is he here? Is he related to Josh’s mom? Why is he crying? I haven't registered these questions for long when I hear the door open. I look up to meet Josh’s penetrating eyes staring down at me like daggers. If looks could kill... "Shit," I mutter as I hurriedly release myself from Nolan.Josh stands there, his jaw clenched, shoulders tensed, and hands formed into fists. I can feel his rage from where I stand. I am stuck in place, unsure whether to move closer to him or let him walk away with the anger I see in him. But my legs move on their own as I slowly make my way to him. Watching h
I suck in my breath, not wanting to make it obvious what I'm feeling. Ava and Amelia walk up to me. "What's up?" they both ask as they engulf me in a hug.Ava, being observant, searches my eyes for any emotion on display between Josh and the so-called Trisha. Nolan leaves my side to be with Axel. Jane just gives Nolan a wave, which he returns. Josh and Trisha go inside to see his mom.I should be the one with Josh, not the other way around. This attitude from Josh won't be accepted or overlooked.Amelia holds my hand without saying a word. I can feel her sympathy. I give a weak smile. I'm angry as I make my way out of the hospital. I can't stay where I'm not needed.Walking out of the hospital, the cold hits my face. I shiver and curse inwardly for not taking a coat. Then I see someone coming toward me. He has a broad smile, but I know it doesn't reach his eyes."Hello, my Harper. How are you doing?" Josh's father asks, opening his arms in invitation. I rush in and hug him, my throat
Amelia's POVSeeing the way Josh behaves when he sees Harper makes me want to grab him by his collar and knock some sense into him. How could he treat Harper in such a shabby manner?The height of disrespect is bringing his ex-fiancée to the hospital. I am about to march down to him and give him a piece of my mind, but Axel holds me back, his eyes pleading.I huff, and he brings me into a hug. I inhale his manly scent, and gosh, that seems to calm me a bit. I raise my head and look into his eyes. He gives me a small smile and kisses my forehead.Gosh, this man makes me feel so many emotions I can't put into words—the way my heart skips whenever he steps into the room, the way he looks at me like I'm the only girl that matters, the way my whole being flutters whenever he is near."What?" he asks me since my eyes are fixed on him without saying a word.I can't tell him how he makes me feel. It's too early. We just met, and I don't want to get my hopes high thinking something will come o
Amelia's POV"Hello, Harper," I say into the phone, trying to steady my breath so she won't know I'm panting. "Are you okay?" Her voice calls out to me."Y-yes, I'm okay," I stutter."Where are you, Amelia? You are making me scared with the way you sound."Trust Harper to notice everything about her surroundings. "Chill, Harper, I'm fine. I'm with Axel.""Oh," she says. I know many thoughts are running through her mind, and I trust she will call me out on this when we eventually see each other.Axel uses that moment to bring a wet towel and wipe his cum from my stomach. I shiver and am lost because he does it in a way that makes me want him more. I moan, forgetting I'm on a call with Harper."Amelia, you are a slut," Harper's voice calls out."I'm following your footsteps, Harper, and you know I learn from the best," I say with a giggle. "Why are you calling me at this time, Amelia? You know your girl will be busy with the dick."That earns a laugh from her. "You see why I call you a
Axel's POVAmelia has cornered me, and I don't know how to tell her without jeopardizing my friendship with Josh. I know Harper deserves to know the truth; she's been kept in the dark for too long. Josh has been childish in his approach, and Trisha clings to him like a pest. Sometimes, I wish I could just punch some sense into him."Axel, start talking," Amelia's impatient voice cuts through the silence.I sigh deeply, trying to gather my thoughts. I'm picturing her reaction when she eventually hears the truth. "Okay, Amelia, you need to calm down and not freak out," I say, stalling."Okay, I promise I won't.""Trisha was Josh's ex-fiancée until he caught her with another man," I say, looking at Amelia.Her eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected to hear that."Okay, that's not the catch," I say, sitting in a more comfortable position. "The catch is Trisha came back, telling Josh they had a son together."I sense a wave of shock crossing Amelia's features as she stares at me, speec
Axel's POVJosh sits alone, hunched over with his face buried in his hands. The moment he senses my presence, he looks up, revealing eyes red and puffy from crying. The raw pain etched on his face is unmistakable."Josh," I call softly. He stands up slowly, and we meet halfway. Without a word, we embrace tightly. I can't find the right words to comfort him, but I feel his tense body relax slightly in my arms. He clings to me as if trying to convey a silent plea. I let him hold on, knowing he needs every ounce of support. After what feels like forever, he pulls away."Thank you, man," he says, his voice hoarse.I nod. "It's a pleasure, man. What are friends for? Have you informed the rest of the family?""Seriously, man, I don't know how I'm going to relay the news. Jane has been devastated since she saw Mum in that state.""I can tell. But you have to inform them," I say gently."I will," Josh replies. His eyes flicker to Amelia, standing a few steps behind, giving us space but stayin
Harper's POVI burst through the hospital doors, the cool night air hitting me like a shock. Tears blur my vision as I run, my chest heaving with each breath. The world outside is a blur of streetlights and shadows, but I don’t slow down. I just need to get away, to find some space to breathe. I find it suffocating staying around Josh.“Harper, wait!” Axel’s voice calls out behind me, but I don’t stop. I can’t.Lost in my turmoil, I don’t notice the approaching headlights until it's too late. The screech of tires on asphalt pierces the night air. I turn, eyes wide with shock, but there’s no time to react. The impact throws me to the ground, the world spinning around me. Pain radiates through my body as I lie on the cold pavement, struggling to make sense of what just happened.Everything is a haze of noise and confusion. I hear the frantic shouts of bystanders, the blaring of a car horn, and the approaching footsteps. Faces loom over me, concerned and panicked. I recognize one—it’s Am
Ava’s POVAmelia's call jolts me awake, my body aching from a restless night. I haven't slept well, feeling on edge, like something bad is about to happen, but I can't quite figure out what it is."Ava, hurry! H-Harper's been in an accident. She's unconscious," Amelia's voice trembles, choking on her words. My heart races, erratic and wild, as I jump out of bed, fumbling and disoriented. I can't seem to gather my thoughts, moving from one spot to another, unsure what to do next.Harper was home with us—when did she leave? I rush to her room, hoping against hope that I've misunderstood. My heart sinks when I find her room empty, her bed neatly made, no sign of her at all. Panic rises as I dash back to my room, trying not to wake Mom. I quickly throw on some clothes, my mind racing with fear and questions.Her car is still in the driveway, so she must have taken a cab, just like I plan to do. How is she? Is she getting the help she needs? I hope she's okay. The thoughts swirl as I rush