Page 112 of Sweet Madness

“See, I told you!” she claps happily, bouncing with excitement. “It’s also Dad’s favorite.”

The mention of her makes my heart sink and shifts my mood. I’m just thankful she doesn’t notice my reaction.

Not wanting to give the asshole another thought, I manage a wide smile for her. “You did great, baby.” I take another bite of the delicious cake. “And the heart-shaped pizzas are cute and delicious, too.”

She chuckles softly, clearly relieved that I enjoy the food she so sweetly prepared. “I thought you might like it,” she says, offering me another slice of pizza.

As we continue to eat, I can’t help but save every smile and every sweet gesture she makes, knowing I’ll need these memories when she’s no longer by my side. When she leaves my life, taking with her the light and color she brought, my world will slowly fade to black.

Space Note

“The most famous star in our sky is the sun.” — E

Chapter

Thirty-One

BROKEN HEARTS

Ella

“I’ll love you till my dying day.” – S

You know that gut feeling that something’s off? It’s a sinking sensation that keeps you preoccupied with worry. I’ve had it since I woke up this morning, but I push through the odd feeling and focus on the day ahead, not wanting to ruin a good day with Shaw.

It might be my mind playing tricks on me; that sometimes happens. But then I think back to last night and how different Shaw was acting. He says he can recognize a fake smile from me, but I can do the same with him. He was forcing his smiles, and I feel helpless.

He says that if something is wrong, he will tell me, and while I trust him, I also know he keeps a lot to himself. He’s been doing it for a really long time because of the pain he’s endured.

Now it’s the next day, and I wake up alone in bed with Shaw nowhere to be found. I shouldn’t worry since he usually wakes up at the crack of dawn, yet the feeling in my gut intensifies. Poppy is also missing; lately, she’s been Shaw’s little shadow.

After a quick shower, I dress and descend the stairs two at a time, eager to find my grump and see his beautiful dimpled smile that makes me feel like everything is right in the world.

Instead, I find him standing near the main door, his expression unusually stoic, almost mechanical. He looks lifeless as if he is holding his breath. He looks just like he did the first time I saw him when he took me out of Uncle Benji’s hands. Even when he looked so cold, he was still the most beautiful man to me.

Confusion pricks at me as I approach him. “Hey…” I say softly, searching his eyes for the love I know is there. His usually warm brown eyes hold no emotion. “What’s wrong?” I ask, feeling anxious and… afraid.

He remains quiet, then looks away from me toward the other end of the room. I follow his gaze and see my twin brothers, Kael and Kyrin, standing next to Uncle Benji.

No. Please, lucky stars… let this be a bad dream.

But deep down, my heart knows.

While my uncle looks remorseful, my teenage brothers look angry. The atmosphere in my blissful bubble suddenly feels tense, heavy with unspoken words, grief, and anger.

I break the silence first, directing my words to my family. “Why are you here?” I know why. Of course, I know. Yet I still hope it isn’t what I think.

Kael speaks up, his voice monotone but laced with simmering displeasure directed at the quiet man behind me. “It’s time for you to come home,” he states bluntly, his eyes not leaving Shaw.

My heart sinks at my little brother’s words, but I put on a brave face and smile. “I am home,” I reply calmly, my voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

My other brother, Kyrin, who is a replica of our mother, shakes his head sadly at me. His emerald eyes, although angry, still hold a tinge of worry.

Confusion and hurt etch across my features as I turn back to Shaw, my voice barely above a broken whisper. “This is my home, right?” I walk closer to him. “We’re each other’s galaxy…” I choke out.

He meets my gaze, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions — guilt, regret, and an unspoken plea for forgiveness. But his silence speaks volumes, confirming my worst fears.

He is giving up. He is letting go of us.

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