Merri

didn't care. With my small carry-on slung over my shoulder, I navigated the opulent corridors, my footsteps light. The thou

ark contrast to their son and his chosen companion. They had always treated me like a daughter, showering

s from the informal dining room. They were conce

d, her arms extended for a hug, her eyes worried. "Are you alright? We heard... Kade said s

rose from the table, his gaze sharp and assessi

e feel. "I'm fine, Glennie. Kyla will be fine too. I called for help.

ting. Glennie frowned. "Kade wasn't here when you called, was he? He we

refully. No need to add more fuel to their already strained

years, he'd realize what he has right in front of him." He looked at me, a soft, encouraging smile on his face. "But never m

to me. It felt like a betrayal to lea

le shaky, but firm. "I'm not go

his hand halfway to his water glass. The silence in the room was deafen

p, disbelieving tone. "What? Harper, what are you saying? Yo

all your hard work." My eyes began to well up, but I fought back the tears. No more tears for what was lost. Only for wh

aid you wanted to stay here, build your life with him!" Her voice turned shrill. "Is this about Kyla

about me." I pulled a thick envelope from my bag, sliding it across the polished table. It contained my acceptance l

a long moment, then looked up at me, his gaze softening with understanding.

ng. "More than anything, Bishop

ove you, Harper. You're like a daughter to us. We thought you'd be part of

unshed tears. "You've been more of a family to me than anyone else." I knelt beside Glennie's chair, taking her hand. "But I can't stay here and be half of what I was m

her shoulder, his eyes still on me, filled with a deep, qu

ttled everything. I' ve signed the papers, canceled the wedding a

es was almost unbearable, but underneath it, I saw a flicker of pr

with a bittersweet ache in my chest. The thought of Kade' s reaction when he realized I was trul

ition settled over me. This wasn't truly over. Not yet. The final, explosive c