Chapter 49. Silent Apology

S:

The house is too quiet.

Too still.

My chest tightens as I step inside, each breath heavier than the last. My boots echo against the marble. The air smells like coffee. Warm pastries. Butter. Rae.

Laughter.

Eliza.

Kieran.

They’re in the kitchen.

I follow the sound, but each step feels like I’m walking into a war zone—except the bombs have already exploded. The wreckage just hasn’t reached me yet.

I stop at the doorway.

She’s there.

Rae.

Her back is to me. She’s pouring orange juice into a glass. Her hair is down. Her posture relaxed.

But I know better.

Kieran glances at me. His jaw locks.

Eliza goes quiet.

Rae doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t turn. Doesn’t even react to the weight of my presence.

I’m not used to that.

She always senses me. Feels me.

But now… it’s like I’m not even here.

I swallow the lump rising in my throat.

She turns around, finally.

A smile