Page 35

His words and actions weren’t about support or love.
They were designed to keep me isolated, trapped in a version of life that revolved only around him.
Marcus made me doubt my strength, made me question if I could even stand on my own without him by my side.
I’d been convinced he wanted what was best for me.
But in reality, he only wanted me to be reliant on him, bound by his needs and his twisted sense of “family.”
Being here with Cole’s family, feeling laughter and lightness fill the space around me, I realized just how much I’d lost.
This was what family was supposed to feel like—a place of warmth and acceptance, not a tool of control.
After breakfast, I noticed that everyone started packing up their things.
That was when I realized they’d all be leaving for the weekend. My heart did a small, unexpected flip.
“You’re all heading out already?” I asked, glancing at Cole with a raised brow.
“Just you and Cole here from now on,” Lacey said with a little smirk.
She leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Don’t havetoomuch fun, alright?”
Lacey winked and nudged my shoulder, her mischief sparkling in her eyes.
A heat crept up my cheeks. I forced myself to keep a cool expression, but Cole noticed.
A faint smile curled up at the corners of his mouth as he pretended not to hear.
I waved goodbye to everyone, hugging Lacey, who squeezed me tightly, and giving a small wave to Christian, Keir and Maxwell.
It was strange—I hadn’t expected to feel so welcomed, and it was both overwhelming and heartwarming.
I let out a breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as the realization sank in.
Just Cole and me, alone in the lake house for the weekend.
We decidedto go hiking after breakfast, and I found myself enjoying the fresh air as we ventured onto a nearby trail.
It was lush, with trees shading us from the morning sun, and the quiet of the woods brought a calmness I hadn’t felt in ages.
I kept stealing glances at Cole, noticing the way his features softened in the sunlight.
The way his gaze would turn towards me every now and then, his expression warm and open.
“Everything alright?” he asked, catching my stare.
I blushed slightly, laughing it off.
“I was just thinking… Thank you. For inviting me here, letting me meet your family. I was a little intimidated at first, but…they’re wonderful,” I admitted.
“They’re crazy, you mean,” Cole laughed, but there was a warmth in his eyes. “They can be a lot, but they mean well.”
“I get that. They remind me of the friends I grew up with.” I hesitated. “I didn’t realize how much I missed this feeling.”
He was quiet for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he watched me.
Then he nodded, taking my hand as we continued up the trail. The way he held onto me was gentle, reassuring.