Chapter 79
Ciel
Nolan is different.
A good kind of different.
It's like someone quietly lifted the weight he's always carrying. He smiles more now, and when he does, it softens his whole face—makes him look younger, lighter. Freer.
And I love this version of him.
Which is exactly why it hurts.
Because deep down, I know that the only reason he was ever so weighed down in the first place… was me.
Out on the water, Jack floats in the pool, lazy and content, with Lanny stretched across his chest like a tiny sunbathing prince. They're wearing matching shades—ridiculous, adorable, heart-achingly cute.
That's his son.
I pull out my phone and snap a picture from the balcony. One. Then another. And another. I can't seem to stop. It's a small, simple moment, but it feels precious. Like I want to keep it tucked in my chest somewhere safe.
When I finally put my phone down, I return to my chair.
