m," Cedric said

... Cedric and I are like brother and sister. He left his wedding because he heard

ling numb. "A car accident? You do

red for a second. She loo

ional distress. That' s why she' s here." He looked directly at the camera. "I'm warning e

aman to stop the stream.

Her touch felt like ice. "Kacie, I'm so

and let out a dry, humorles

Wrong to trust you. Wrong to belie

e," she said,

ic offered, a flicker

in. "Miss Moore, it's ti

the pillows. "Oh, no. Cedric, you know

cie and Jayden. The choice was clear

his decision. "It's f

behind her, she caught a final glimpse of Cedric, sitting on

if it was pain or just disappointment

is life she had fought so hard for. She would di

nce the wedding. It was supposed to be a ce

Moon were laughing with Jayden, who sat between them on the sofa. Ce

e saw Kacie. Her smile vanished. The wa

ic explained, not looking up. "Her leg is sore." He glan

Kacie sai

ffection was directed at Jayden. Cedric peeled shrimp and cracked crab claws for Jayden, p

ite but cold, their disapproval a tangible thing in the air. She had thought they were just

her mouth, each bite a struggle. The pai

ng everyone some soup?" Carro

ooked fish soup just for her, telling

edric, you promised that your f

id patiently, his voice impossibly gentl

ughtless intimacy, the gentle tone, the exclusive promises. That was h

acie!" Jayden said, standing

Kacie said, tr

his house better than anyone," Jayden sa

strong smell of fish broth waft

, her voice low and meant only for Kacie, "that Cedric and I had

acie' s already

dded with a smirk, "they'r

ugh Kacie' s chest. Ac

r expression one of mock concern. "You

ere shaking. The hot soup sloshed over the side, spilling all