𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 // 𝗖.𝗙

𝖤 𝖯 𝖨 𝖢

SYLVIA WOKE to the saccharine scent of banana nut muffins, a fragrance that usually wraps her in a cocoon of comfort. But this morning, it felt cloying, almost suffocating.

As she stretches, the events of the previous night replayed in her mind, each moment a sharp shard of glass reflecting her own vulnerability.

She was already giving in to Conrad, wasn't she?

The realization settles like a stone in her stomach.

How pathetic was she?

To be so easily swayed, so readily drawn back into the orbit of his charm—love.

She was here for him, and that was that.

A firm line drawn in the sand.

No more feelings were going to be involved, not again.

She had her heart to protect, a fragile, battle-scarred thing she couldn't afford to break again.

The muffins' aroma now seems like a cruel mockery, a reminder of the sweetness she couldn't allow herself to taste.

Descending the stairs, she halts at the sight before her. Julia and Skye stood in the kitchen, an awkward tableau with Belly lingering by the counter.

What a pleasant morning this was going to be.

"Morning." Skye greets, her voice carrying a hesitant warmth as Sylvia finally enters the room.

Sylvia offers a small, tight smile, her gaze drawn to the muffins displayed on the counter. "Can I have—."

"Those are for the open house." Julia interrupts, her tone sharp and dismissive. "Good morning."

"Seeing you doesn't make my morning good at all." Sylvia retorts, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips.

Julia, unfazed, turns back to the sink, resuming her chore of cleaning dishes.

Sylvia's patience was wearing thin.

"Mmm." Jeremiah hums as he, Beau, and Conrad saunter into the house, their bodies glistening with water.

A morning swim, no doubt.

"Did somebody get muff—."

They stop short, their eyes landing on Sylvia, who pointedly ignores them.

Skye offers a tentative smile. "Hi, Jeremiah."

"Hi."

"Conrad."

"Skye." Conrad's gaze flickers to his younger brother. "You didn't tell me she was here, too."

"It's they. Not she." Skye corrects softly, their eyes fixed on the counter. "God, I guess it's been like a decade since I saw you guys. Um, how are you doing since your mom?"

"Are they serious?" Sylvia mutters to Beau, who simply stares at Skye, echoing her sentiment.

"It's been rough." Jeremiah admits, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Rougher now that our aunt's stealing our house." Conrad adds, his tone laced with bitterness.

Julia ceases her dishwashing, turning to face them, her eyes fixed on Conrad. "I'm not stealing anything, Conrad. Like it or not, I get to choose what happens to this house, and I choose to put it on the market."

"To get yourself some extra cash, huh?" Sylvia tilts her head, her gaze piercing.

Julia ignores her, addressing the boys once more. "You boys should get on the road. Beat the traffic back to Boston."