45
Kaida
The morning sun filtered through my curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as I got dressed. I had an appointment to get my nails done–a small thing, but I needed something to take my mind off everything that had happened yesterday. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, trying to focus on the simple act of preparing for the day, but the memory of Kaelen’s face when he saw me at the beach was still fresh in my mind. I shook my head, determined not to let it ruin my morning.
Just as I was finishing up, there was a knock at the door. I paused for a moment before going to answer it, knowing instinctively who it would be. Bastian stood on the other side, his eyes filled with concern the moment he saw me.
“Kaida,” he greeted me, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “How are you feeling today?”
I forced a smile, though I could see the doubt in his eyes. “I’m fine, Bastian. Really.”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “You sure? After what happened yesterday at the beach, I wanted to check in on you.”
“I appreciate that,” I said, grateful for his concern but also not wanting to dwell on it. “But honestly, I’m okay. I’m going to get my nails done, actually. Something to take my mind off things.”
Bastian frowned slightly. “Do you want me to come with you? I can keep you company.”
I shook my head, already knowing where this was going. “I’ll be fine on my own, Bastian. It’s just a nail appointment. You don’t need to worry so much.”
He sighed, clearly reluctant to leave me alone, but after a moment, he nodded. “Alright. But if you need anything, call me. Okay?”
“I will,” I promised, giving him a reassuring smile. “Thank you.”
With that, he left, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced. I couldn’t blame him for worrying, but I needed a moment to myself. Being around Bastian, with his constant vigilance, was starting to feel suffocating. I needed space to breathe, to figure out how I felt about everything without someone hovering over me.
After gathering my things, I headed out to the nail salon. The drive was quiet, which I appreciated. It gave me time to clear my head, even though the lingering anxiety from seeing
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time to focus on myself and the twins.
control what had happened, but I could take this
The bell above the door chimed as I entered the salon, the familiar scent of polish and the soft hum of conversation greeting me. I checked in at the front desk and was shown to a seat, where the nail tech began setting up her tools. It felt nice to sit back and let someone else take care of me for once.
Just as I was starting to relax, the door chimed again, and the last person I wanted to see walked in.
Alara.
I stiffened immediately, my heart sinking as I watched her glide into the salon like she owned the place. She spotted me right away, her eyes narrowing slightly before a smirk spread across her lips. My stomach twisted in knots, but I forced myself to stay composed, hoping she would just ignore me.
Of course, that wasn’t going to happen.
“Kaida,” she greeted me in a saccharine–sweet voice as she made her way over to the seat beside me. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I bit back a groan, keeping my eyes focused on the nail tech who was already working on my nails. “Alara.”
She sat down, casually crossing her legs as if she were settling in for a long chat. “So, how are things? I hope you’re doing okay after yesterday. It must’ve been quite a shock to see Kaelen again.”
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to remain calm. “I’m fine.”
“Good to hear,” she said, though I could hear the smugness in her tone. “You know, Kaelen and I are having the best time on our honeymoon. Crestwood City is beautiful, and he’s been so attentive. It’s really been a dream come true.”
I clenched my fists beneath the table, trying not to react. She was doing this on purpose- rubbing her happiness in my face, knowing exactly how it would affect me. But I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break.
“That’s nice,” I said flatly, not bothering to look at her. “I’m sure you two are very happy.”
“Oh, we are,” Alara continued, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I mean, after everything we’ve been through, it’s wonderful to finally have everything fall into place. Our
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a better mate.”
I could feel the anger simmering just beneath the surface, but I kept my expression neutral. Alara’s words stung, but I wouldn’t give her the reaction she was looking for. She didn’t deserve to know how much it hurt.
“I’m sure it is,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m not really interested in hearing about it.”
Alara’s smirk faltered for a moment, clearly not expecting my indifference. “Oh? I thought you might be curious. After all, you and Kaelen were married once.”
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. “That was a long time ago, Alara. It doesn’t matter anymore.”
Alara let out a soft laugh, clearly amused by my attempt to brush her off. “Well, I just thought I’d let you know how wonderful everything is. You know, since you’re going through such… difficult times.”
The jab was clear, and it took everything in me not to snap back at her. Instead, I stared straight ahead, refusing to engage any further. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me crack. She could brag all she wanted, but I wouldn’t let her get under my skin.
Eventually, Alara grew bored with the lack of reaction and stood up, her smirk returning. “Well, I should get going. Kaelen’s waiting for me, after all. Enjoy the rest of your day, Kaida.”
With that, she walked out of the salon, leaving me sitting there with my fists clenched so tightly that my nails were digging into my palms.
The second she was gone, I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. I tried to hold them back, tried to keep my composure, but the moment I left the salon and got into my car, the dam
broke.
I cried.
I cried for everything I had lost, for the life I had once imagined with Kaelen, for the twins growing inside me who would never know their father the way I had hoped. I cried for the fact that Alara had won, that she had taken everything from me and was now living the life I had once dreamed of.
And I cried because no matter how much I tried to move on, Kaelen’s presence in my life still had the power to tear me apart.
I wiped my eyes, trying to pull myself together, but the ache in my chest wouldn’t go away. I had thought I was over him, thought I was strong enough to face whatever came my way. But
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C
seeing him with Alara, hearing her gloat about their perfect life together, it was all to I leaned my head against the steering wheel, letting out a shaky breath.
I wished Kaelen had never walked back into my life.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
