Page 74 of A Sinful Gravity

Chloe came early to help. There wasn't much—two suitcases, Laila's toys, and that blue marble from the windowsill.

"You're sure?" Chloe asked.

I nodded.

She said nothing more, just patted my shoulder.

The car started, heading toward the place I once lived.

I watched the streets slide past, a strange feeling rising inside me.

Six years ago, I ran from here.

Six years later, I was back.

Only this time, not as a wife.

That was fine.

When the car pulled up to the house, Laila shrieked from the back seat.

"Mommy! Look at that yard!"

These years, Laila had moved around with me, completely unfazed by changing homes. I'd made her suffer. She deserved a stable childhood. My heart ached.

The yard was planted with hydrangeas, pink and purple blooms everywhere, and a small swing set—not like the old one at the apartment. This was new, the wood still gleaming pale.

Cassian stood at the door waiting. He wore a simple white shirt and casual pants, looking gentler than usual.

"Welcome," he said, stepping aside.

I carried my luggage in. Chloe had to leave early for something.

The living room looked familiar, but things had changed—colorful cushions on the sofa, padded corners on the coffee table, a small child gate at the stairs.

"Second floor is yours," Cassian said. "I'm in the first-floor guest room."

I went upstairs and pushed open that familiar door.

Then I froze.

The bed and nightstand hadn't changed. Even the curtains were the same color. On the windowsill sat the plant I'd kept years ago—a small succulent. I thought it would be long dead.

But it was alive.

The leaves were thick, green, clearly well cared for.

"I water it once a week." Cassian's voice came from the stairs. He stood there, not entering. "It's pretty easy to care for. Never died."

I faced away from him, silent. The familiar scene made my eyes sting.

Six years. I thought everything here would be cleared out, forgotten. But he'd kept it.

"Thank you," I said quietly, voice rough.

He didn't respond. After a moment, footsteps sounded—he went downstairs.

Laila had already rushed into her room.