Page 35 of The Darkest Knight

Gone.

The word knocks the air out of me, and I collapse onto the edge of the bed, gasping like I’m the one who can’t breathe.

Because she’s really gone. And there's nothing I can do to fix it.

Sobs wrack my body, each one a fresh wave of pain crashing over me. The enormity of it all threatens to swallow me whole. This has been the darkest night of my life, and I can't quite comprehend this reality, this impossible idea, this cruel fact, that my mom has left this world. I'll never hear her voice, never see her open the door to me, never feel her arms around me, never see her smile light up a room. Never hear her laughter.

She was the kindest person and she had the biggest heart. I hate this cruel, cruel world so much.

The room blurs around me as the tears fall harder. Outside, life goes on. People talking, moving, walking, laughing. Clocks ticking. The sun setting, rain falling. It will all go on, like nothing’s changed.

Buteverythinghas changed.

My world is shattered. And I have no idea how to begin picking up the pieces. The door suddenly bursts open, and I look up sharply, expecting Aunt Scarlett.

But I don’t see her.

I see Jett.

His eyes sweep the room, taking in the silent monitors, the stillness. Without a word, he crosses the space between us and pulls me into his arms. I bury my face in his chest, my tears soaking into his shirt.

“Cari,” he murmurs, his voice rough. “Cari, I’m so sorry.” He looks awful. His warmth surrounds me, and he holds me together while I fall apart.

His body is warm, his scent familiar and welcome in this cold, sterile room. "I'm here," he whispers. "I've got you."

He holds me tighter, his embrace the only thing keeping me from collapsing entirely. I let myself lean into him, grateful for the support, for not having to bear this alone. I clutch him as if he’s the only thing stopping me from shattering completely.

Aunt Scarlett appears in the doorway, a coffee cup slipping from her grasp as she takes in the scene. She lets out a wretched sob, and Jett gently releases me so I can go to her. We cling to each other, our grief a shared burden.

Eliana and Bianca arrive shortly after, their faces etched with concern. Jett steps back but stays close, his presence a steady anchor in the storm of emotions swirling around us.

"I have to ..." I start, and try to pull myself together. There's so much to do, so many things that need attention, but I can't think straight.

Jett meets my eyes, his gaze steady. "Whatever you need, I'm here for you.”

Chapter 18

JETT

Knight Enterprises Finalizes Landmark Deal with Vanhelm—A Strategic Win for Both Giants.

The headline flashes across my screen, neatly packaged and polished, courtesy of our PR team. It’s out there now—public knowledge. A job well done.

The SEC officially confirmed that the issue was resolved with no lingering concerns. After one last review and signature, the deal closed this morning. It’s over. It’s done.

Ordinarily, Cari would’ve handled most of the last-minute back and forth, but I did it myself.

For once.

I lean back in my chair, staring blankly at the press release. My office is silent except for the occasional creak of my leather chair.

The door opens. My father.

He sticks his head through, expression unreadable as always. “I see it went through, finally.”

No congratulations. No pat on the back. Not even a smug I-told-you-so for the last-minute hiccup.

“It did,” I reply.

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