Chapter 78

Jackson's POV

I hesitated at Vera’s door before finally pulling it shut. I made my way to Nathan’s sitting room. He needed to watch over her now.

“You don’t have to worry about her. That’s why I came back, right?” Nathan said as soon as I entered. His voice was calm but firm.

He stepped out of the kitchen with a glass of iced tea. I knew that’s exactly what he’d do, and I wasn’t going to stop him, I needed it. I took the glass and emptied it in one gulp, handing it back.

Nathan watched me carefully. “Is something wrong?” he asked, his tone full of concern.

“I’m losing my mind trying to figure out what’s happening in my life. One moment of happiness, then a flood of problems comes crashing down.” I struggled to say the words out loud.

“Hey, man. It’s one of those days. Feels like the whole world’s sitting on your chest and every bright thing turns dark. But you know as well as I do, it’s just temporary,” he encouraged.

“I don