By the time I reached the hospital, it was just past six. Sylvie’s suite looked more like a luxury hotel than a medical room—complete with kitchen and dining nook. But only four chairs.
I already knew which one wouldn’t be for me.
Sylvie lit up when she saw the cake. She even insisted on sticking a candle in the center and making a wish before blowing it out. Then she cut a slice, took one bite, and her entire face lit up like a sunrise.
“So sweet! So perfect!” Sylvie beamed.
I smiled but didn’t say a word. Just cut myself a sliver of cake, grabbed a fork, and drifted to the sofa.
“I’ll eat over here.”
Jace threw me a look sharp enough to draw blood. “Someone knows her place.”
Asher blinked, surprised for half a second, then went right back to fussing over Sylvie.
“I heard France is extra beautiful during Christmas,” Sylvie chirped, slicing another bite of cake. “What if we all went once I’m out of the hospital?”
Asher chuckled, brushing a hand through her hair, “Anywhere you want,.”
Sylvie turned to me with wide, hopeful eyes. “Kaia? Are you coming with us?”
My grip on the plate tightened. I was nervous enough that my hands trembled, the cake nearly tumbling to the floor. “Probably not. I’ll be leaving soon. I have to… sample some new products.”
“New products?” Jace snorted. “Even working through the holidays. Guess we should hand you a medal or something.”
“I just thought—”
“It’s fine,” Asher cut in, voice sharp. “Might be better if Kaia stayed away a while. Wouldn’t want Sylvie getting pushed into another pool.”
The air went cold.
They didn’t know this little ‘trip’ of mine was permanent or I’d be gone in a week, with no forwarding address and no intention of looking back.
“Well, if you’re leaving,” Asher said coolly, turning back toward his plate, “do you mind if Sylvie moves into your old room at the mansion?”
I looked at him. There was no affection in that stare. Just a formality, like he was speaking to a stranger.
Jace chimed in again, eyes glinting. “She was always petty about sharing her room with Sylvie.”
“It’s fine,” I said. “She can have it. I’ll clear my things out tomorrow.”
All three brothers looked at me then. Like I’d grown a second head.
Because I’d never agreed before—not once. And they’d resented me for it. If Sylvie couldn’t have my room, their golden girl had to settle for the guest suite.
Asher narrowed his eyes. “Don’t agree to things that you will change your mind about it later, Kaia.”
“I’m not,” I said quietly. “I’ve just come to terms with a few things. It’s better if Sylvie takes my room. That way, you can all take care of her properly.”
Asher’s lips curled into a frosty smile. Jace rolled his eyes. Noah stayed silent, staring down at his untouched fork.
The rest of the evening slipped by in a blur.
Sylvie announced she was tired. That was my cue.
I picked up my purse, stood, and gave them one last look.
For a second—just one—I felt the sadness I’d been holding down for years crack open inside me. Once, I’d belonged here. I’d been cherished. Loved. Held.
Now, I was just a guest. One who’d overstayed her welcome.
“Bye,” I said.
None of them replied.
