: : : Kieran : : :
I stand in my study, staring out the window at the garden below. Jayden and Sophie are out there, playing with the dogs like they don’t have a care in the world. Sophie’s laughter drifts up to me, light and free, and it warms my heart despite everything.
Jayden then leans in close to her, whispering something in her ear, and she laughs again, the sound carrying through the air like a melody.
“Kieran—”
Leon calls for my attention, but I keep gazing at the window. I can’t tear my eyes away from them. There’s something so natural about the way they’re together, so easy and carefree. It’s a sight that stirs something deep within me, a mix of emotions I can’t quite untangle — happiness for her, jealousy, and a gnawing sense of dread.
Leon clears his throat behind me, p
