Once we’re several miles away from Zane’s home, I gather the courage to ask, “How did it go?”
Ivy’s gaze shifts from the road to me for a beat before she replies, “It was awful, Vi. Zane was burning with fever. His dog was wailing. Tassels was barking. It was horrible. It was the saddest farewell I’ve ever been to.”
My throat chokes, and silent tears run down my cheeks just imagining all that. Tassels is still whining in the back seat, as if asking why the hell I took him away from his brother.
“Are you sure this was the right thing to do?” Ivy asks carefully, and my head spins.
“I don’t know. Maybe not. But this was how it was planned.” I run my clammy palms over my jeans. “Zane and I lied to everyone because of me. If we decide to tell them the truth, it has to come from him.” Something like hope crawls up my twisted, scared heart. “Otherwise, all my life I’ll worry that he’s with me not out of love but pity. Like it’s not something he wants but he thinks I do.” The ache in my chest returns, piercing through my heart.
* * *
It’s been two weeks since I’ve moved to Ivy’s family’s holiday home in the hills of Cherrywood. I look out at the clear sky. A small fire burns in the firepit, and Tassels is curled up on my lap, but as usual, I can’t help feeling incomplete. I can’t stop wishing that Zane will walk out of the main door, holding two cups of coffee, followed by Mystery.
I rest my head against the throw pillow and look up to the stars. I don’t know if it’s my imagination or if the stars really form a clover shape, reminding me of Mom’s necklace. Is Zane still wearing it?
I’m lost in my thoughts when the alarm on my phone dings, alerting me of someone’s arrival. I sit upright when a car stops in the carport. The car’s interior light turns on when the front doors open. My heart thrashes when Zander and Zach step out. My gaze stays glued to the car, hoping that the back door will open. But with every passing second of them walking closer to me, that hope dies.
Tassels barks and jumps out of my lap, recognizing them. He doesn’t know we’re no longer a part of their family.
“Hey, boy.” Zach bends down and ruffles his fur before pulling a bone-shaped dog toy from his pocket.
I can’t hold back my smile. If there’s anyone who would have a dog toy in their black formal jacket, it’s definitely Zach Teager.
“How are you?” Zander takes a step onto the small front porch, his careful gaze never leaving my face.
“I’m okay.” What are they doing here?
“I heard you missed your last appointment with Dr. Allen.”
My breath hitches at his remark. I didn’t have the courage to go to the hospital alone, without Zane. “How did you—”
“The hospital called Zane.” Zander’s flat voice somehow irritates me.
“I’m so sorry. I’ll inform them that in future, they should only contact me and not Zane.” His name feels like a drop of sweetness in my parched mouth. I’ve imagined him, but his name hasn’t touched my lips since I left his cabin.
“Zane hasn’t filed for a divorce, Vi. You’re still covered by his insurance.”
My gaze drops at Zach’s remark. His tone is understanding, but it hurts to know what they think of me.
“It wasn’t about the money.” Am I talking about the appointment or telling them about everything else?
“I didn’t say it was.” Zach peers at me, and there’s isn’t any accusation in his eyes. Even Zander seems more calm tonight.
“I’m sorry…that I lied.” Embarrassment and shame hit me hard. My cheeks burn, and even the cold air doesn’t help my hot face.
“So, everything was a lie?” Zander asks and the two brothers, now sitting on the rattan chairs across from me, focus on my face.
My heart stings, and the pain I’m trying to avoid comes back in full flow. “What are you asking? Zane told you why we got married.”
“Yes, but we want to know what happened after that. Was everything else a lie too? Or were we all delusional to think you two were head over heels for each other?” Zander leans back.
“I—I…” I stammer.
“If lies continue for a long time, they start feeling real. Don’t hide the truth for too long, Vi. Don’t forget the difference between the truth and a lie,” Zach says as I struggle to find the right words.
My gaze jerks up to his face. “What if the truth isn’t just mine to share?” My voice trembles.
“We just want to hear your story,” Zander says carefully.