POV: Hex
The gates opened slowly.
Big. Clean. Expensive.
Trisha parked and smiled. "We're home."
I nodded, stepping out, glancing around. Everything screamed wealth—too clean, too sharp, too… controlled.
A man stood in the doorway, arms crossed. Sharp suit. Sharper glare. I recognized him instantly.
"This is Jayden," Trisha said softly. "My husband."
Uncle Jayden looked me over like I was a puzzle piece forced into the wrong box. "So… this is Charles," he said flatly.
I didn't answer. Words felt useless here.
"Don't mind him," Trisha whispered. "He's just… not used to surprises."
I followed her upstairs. She showed me my room.
It was small. Plain white walls. A bed, a desk, a wardrobe that looked untouched.
"This isn't how I wanted it," Trisha said quickly. "I didn't have time to design it. I'll fix it later, okay?"
"It's fine," I said. It wasn't. But I didn't need to explain that.
Then Marco appeared in the doorway. "Hey," he said.
"Hey," I replied.
He smiled, easy and genuine. "By the way… our family has a company. Reyes Global Ventures. Thought you should know."
I blinked. "Wait, you mean the whole family… owns that?"
"Yeah," he said with a shrug. "Dad, mom… I just help out sometimes. Don't worry, it's nothing to stress over."
It was a lot to take in, but at least Marco was normal. He never treated me badly for now. That made it unease to breathe in the strange house.
Dinner came.
Trisha helped Marco with his plate. Jayden barely looked at me. Marco chatted quietly about school.
"Eat, Charles," Marco said. "Don't just sit there staring."
I nodded. Ate in silence. Trisha smiled softly at me.
Jayden sighed. "I don't know why you're here."
"Ignore him," Trisha whispered.
Marco leaned over. "He's always like that. Don't mind him."
I didn't say anything. It wasn't worth it.
Night came. Sleep did not.
I slipped out for water. The living room lights were still on.
"Charles," Trisha called gently. "Why are you up?"
"Couldn't sleep," I said. "Just getting water."
She followed me upstairs. Jayden stayed in the living room, arms crossed, scowling.
"Lie down," she said softly once we reached my room.
"I'm not a kid," I muttered.
She smiled, brushing my hair back. "I know. But I'm still your mom, and I'll take care of you anyway."
Her voice was warm, familiar, comforting.
She started humming.
"Mom," I said quietly, "I'm too old for lullabies."
"I know," she whispered. "But I'll sing anyway."
I didn't fight it. Her song wrapped around me like a blanket. Slowly, the tension melted. I didn't remember falling asleep. I just did.
Somewhere far away, I thought about Jay. Wondered if she was sleeping safely, too.
End of Chapter 🌙