Weight of The Untold

Chapter 35

Running to get the door, I almost tripped over my own feet. My heart was already racing, excitement bubbling under my skin before I even saw who was standing on the other side.

“Meeeeg!!”

The second the door opened and I saw her, everything else disappeared. I practically launched myself at her, wrapping my arms around her like I was afraid she’d vanish if I didn’t hold on tight enough. She hugged me back just as fiercely, warm and familiar, like home.

“I missed you so much, Ky,” she said while we were still in each other’s arms.

“I missed you too.” I finally pulled back, pressing a kiss to her cheek, my smile uncontrollable. “Come on in.”

I led her inside, walking us toward the living room, watching her eyes flicker over the space like she was reconnecting with a place frozen in memory.

“So where is Hazel?” she asked casually.

“Do you like her that much?” I teased.

She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes.
“Well she’s cute.”

We both giggled, the sound light and easy, just like it always used to be.

“Right. Well she’s at home. She’ll join us when we go out later,” I said as we sat down.

“Oh okay, so where is Rose? God, I’ve missed her food.”

The words landed softer than they should have, but they still stung. I swallowed it down—I had to get used to this.

“You have forgotten?” I asked gently.

She frowned.
“I told you she retired two months ago, Meg.”

“Ohhh!” Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I forgot. That explains why she hasn’t come out to greet me yet.”

“We have Brie, Olivia, Michael, Landon, Maria, Chad, Larry, Jada and Natasha now.”

She gasped.
“Jerry left too?”

I chuckled.
“No, I was talking about the new ones.”

She giggled, clearly relieved.

After Rose left, Caleb and I decided to hire more staff. The manor was massive, and it only made sense—to help Brie, to keep everything running smoothly, to make sure no one was overwhelmed. It meant the house was always taken care of… and that I no longer cooked the way I used to when Rose would leave early.

“I’m sorry to disturb, Kyla, but can I get you two anything?” Brie asked politely.

“I’m good, Meg?” I turned to her.

She shook her head.

“We’re okay for now, Brie. And by the way, this is my best friend Megan. Meg, this is Brie.”

“Nice to meet you, Megan,” Brie said respectfully.

“Nice to meet you too, Brie.”

Once Brie left, Meg leaned forward immediately, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Soooooo, I’m finally back home and you promised to finally tell me who it really is that melted your heart.”

I giggled, covering my face, heat creeping into my cheeks.

“You just got here.”

“You are the one that made me wait for the past month,” she said dramatically, “so it’s been one of the things I’ve been looking forward to.”

I opened my mouth, genuinely shocked.

“We haven’t even talked about your flight or how lovely it is in Italy. Are you that eager to know?” She laughed, shaking her head.