psing onto the floor. She clutched her hand, whi

They saw Jayden on the floor, crying, and Kaci

"It wasn't me," she whi

voice choked with fake tears. "It was an acc

t damning accu

shing to cradle Jayden. "First a car crash,

ce. "Kacie, you are Mrs. Mo

for Cedric's. This was her last hope. She

Jayden into his arms. "I'm taking you to the hospital," he said softly t

ght out of her world. The last ember of h

r stomach from the soup. She cleaned the wound herself, the physical pain a dist

It was Jayden, wrapped in Ced

ays," Jayden said, her voice small and tim

hreat. "Jayden was kind enough to bring you some takeout," he

tainer of soup

then at him. "I'm

the container. The soup was full of

lying to her mouth. "I think I ate your por

dismissing Kacie's needs. "She won't mind.

fectly matched set of liars. The absur

ed into the bedroom

ric finally came in, i

o put aside your feelings. You'll apologize to her tomorrow and take car

vy pain. Her husband was bringing another woman into their ho

was done. She wouldn't spend the las

reak up,

kened. "What

ad the ceremony. We're just boyfriend and

ie?" he demanded, his voice r

about your child

our parents! It meant nothing!

not even allowed to call you by your first name. But Jayden can sit on your desk, touch you, and you leave your

d. He remember

rything but disappointment. "I have my pri

impering sound came from the doorway. Jayden

?" she cried. "I'm so sorry. I'

her sobs echoing i

bbed his car keys and, without a se

ming shut was the sound of her h