The Uninvited
His words touched something deep inside me, making my eyes sting slightly with emotion. "I'm trying," I whispered honestly.
"I know," he said gently, stepping a bit closer, his voice softening further. He reached out carefully, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. His fingers lingered briefly against my skin, warm and gentle, and I didn't pull away. "But you ever think… maybe the safest place for you is with someone who’s never left?"
My breath caught sharply, heart pounding against my ribs. I stared up into his face, my voice coming out quieter than intended. "Asher…"
He smiled faintly, sadly, drawing back slightly, dropping his hand back to his side. "I had to say it, Remi. Just once. But I understand—really, I do."
I took a shaky breath, suddenly unsure of what to say or how to respond. "I appreciate that, Asher. Truly. And I hope you find that happiness too."
He nodded, looking off into the distance, the sunlight catching his eyes. "I hope so too."
We stood quietly together, the gentle sounds of the garden surrounding us. A soft breeze rustled the leaves overhead, breaking the stillness.
"Thank you," I finally said, voice steadying. "For everything you've done, for caring enough to try even if it went wrong. You're still important to me, Asher."
His eyes softened, a quiet gratitude shining through his expression. "That means more than you know."
I glanced down, breathing deeply, gathering myself. "I should probably head back now."
"Of course," he murmured, stepping aside slightly. "Take care, Remi."
"You too," I whispered, turning to leave.
But as I moved away, something made me pause, glancing briefly back over my shoulder. Asher stood exactly where I'd left him, watching me quietly, a gentle sadness still in his gaze.
I turned forward again, continuing on slowly, my heart heavy yet lighter somehow, knowing we’d finally said all that needed to be said.
I took a deep breath, letting it out as if I was letting go of the past. Of our friendship.
But I wasn't. We would still be friends but unfortunately things would not be the same.
I hope you find your happy ending Asher. I really hope so.
*****
I laughed at Rowan’s funny copying of a movie star character on our phone call. I adjusted my AirPods as I turned my steering wheel.
"That's the most ridiculous impression I've ever heard," I said, still chuckling as I merged onto Rowan’s street.
"You wound me," Rowan said dramatically. "I worked hard on that."
"Please," I teased. "You sound like a dying goat."
He gasped. "Wow. The betrayal. I open my heart, I showcase my talent—"
I snorted, easing the car to a slower pace as I neared his house. "Stick to being a CEO, Rowan. Hollywood isn't ready for you."
"I'll have you know," he said in a faux-serious tone, "my shower concerts have standing ovations. Very exclusive."
"Yeah, from yourself."
"Still counts," he shot back.
I laughed again, my heart feeling lighter than it had in days. It was strange how easily he pulled laughter out of me now. Strange, and dangerous.
"I’m almost at the house," I said, smiling to myself. "You want me to pick up anything?"
"No, just yourself," Rowan said. His voice grew softer, more genuine. "Drive safe, okay?"
"I’m literally two minutes away," I said, rolling my eyes affectionately. "You’re acting like I’m crossing a warzone."
"You’re precious cargo," he said easily, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Something warm bloomed in my chest. I shook my head, hiding my grin even though he couldn’t see it.
"I’ll see you soon," I said.
"Counting down the seconds," he replied before hanging up.
I tucked my phone into the cupholder, smiling as I turned into the driveway of Rowan’s mansion.
And then I hit the brakes without meaning to.
There—sitting right at the edge of the curb, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, her head bowed—was someone I recognized instantly.
My door was open before I could even think.
I stepped out quickly, heart racing.
“Aunt Victoria ?” I called out, voice high with shock.
The woman sitting there lifted her head slowly and sure enough, it was her.
My blunt, sharp-tongued Aunt Victoria. I haven't seen her in years. And here she was in front of me.
It felt surreal like a dream.
But now… she didn’t look like the composed, fiery woman I remembered.
She looked broken.
I froze, completely unsure what to do, the late afternoon breeze lifting strands of my hair as I stared at her, completely thrown off.
What the hell was happening?
Why was she here?
And why did she look like the world had crumbled around her?
I took a cautious step forward, calling out again—this time softer, confused, worried.
“Aunt Victoria ?”
Her red-rimmed eyes lifted to meet mine fully now, and even though she managed a faint, tight smile, there was something fractured in it. Something that made my chest tighten painfully.
I opened my mouth to speak again, to ask what happened, but the words caught in my throat.
I didn’t know what was waiting for me in that conversation.
Aunt Victoria wiped at her face with shaking hands, tears streaking down her cheeks. Her hair was messy, her clothes wrinkled like she hadn’t slept properly in days.
“I feel awful,” she rasped out finally, her voice thick and broken. “God, Remi, I feel so damn awful.”
I stood there frozen, not sure what to say. Seeing her like this—crumbling and vulnerable—was something I never expected. Not from Aunt Victoria . Not after everything.
“I treated you like shit,” she continued, her voice cracking even harder. “All of us did. I can’t... I can’t even make excuses for it.”
I swallowed hard, my heart twisting painfully even as my guard stayed firmly up. "Why are you here?" I asked quietly.
She wiped her face again, struggling for composure she clearly didn’t have. "Your uncle..." She choked out, breaking down again. "He’s gone, Remi. He died. Cancer. It was fast. So fast."
I sucked in a sharp breath, shock rattling through me. No matter how badly they treated me, hearing about death still left a hollow feeling deep in my chest.
"I'm s
orry," I said stiffly, because it felt like the right thing to say—even though part of me wasn’t sure if I truly meant it.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
