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Chapter 8

POV Noah

I was in the kitchen waiting for Estella to come back when I heard muffled voices near the front door. At first, I thought it might be Kennedy or Austin , but the voices were unfamiliar, and there was something tense in the tone. Then I heard Estella’s voice, low and strained. Something was wrong.

I stepped out of the kitchen, making my way to the hallway. As I turned the corner, I froze.

Estella stood at the open doorway, her face pale as she stared at the men standing there her brothers. The years of absence, the pain, it was all etched in her expression, her eyes wide and vulnerable.

I felt a surge of protectiveness rise within me. This wasn’t what she needed, not now, not when she had just started to find her peace.

Slowly, I walked up behind her and placed my hand gently on her back, letting her know I was there. She looked up at me, her eyes desperate and uncertain. I could feel her silent plea she couldn’t face them right now.

I gave her a small nod, a silent promise that I’d handle it. She seemed to understand, her shoulders relaxing just a bit as she turned back into the apartment, her steps slow and heavy.

“Estella, please,” Orion’s voice broke through, thick with emotion. “Please don’t walk away.”

But she kept going, retreating to the kitchen. Once she was out of sight, I took a steadying breath and stepped forward, facing her brothers fully.

“I think it’s best if you leave,” I said, my voice calm but firm.

Felis took a step closer, his face filled with pleading. “We just came to talk, to explain ourselves,” he said, desperation clear in his voice. “We want to make things right with her.”

I shook my head slowly, keeping my gaze steady. “You had years to make things right,” I replied, my tone unwavering. “She needed you, and you left her. And now, when she’s finally found some peace, you just… show up? Do you have any idea what that does to her?”

They exchanged glances, as if realizing for the first time how deep the wounds ran. I could see the remorse there, even a genuine desire to make amends. But it was too late for that. At least, for now.

After a moment, I let out a sigh. “Look, I’ll give you my number and you guys send me yours” I said, my voice softening slightly. “If she ever decides she wants to talk, I’ll let you know. But that has to be her choice. For now, give her the space she needs.”

They nodded slowly, accepting this small offering. I took a pen and paper from the counter, scribbling down my number, then handed it to Orion, who took it with a look of gratitude mixed with lingering regret.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice heavy with unspoken words.

Without another word, they turned and left, each one casting a last, hopeful glance over his shoulder, as if waiting for her to reappear. But she didn’t, and I was relieved for that. I closed the door quietly behind them, leaning against it for a moment before heading back to the kitchen.

When I stepped inside, I found Estella at the table, her shoulders hunched, her head bowed as silent tears slipped down her cheeks. My heart ached to see her like this, knowing how much it cost her to relive the pain they’d left behind.

Crossing the room quietly, I knelt beside her, reaching out to gently brush away a tear from her cheek. “They’re gone,” I murmured softly. “They wanted to talk, to explain… but I told them now wasn’t the time. I gave them my number, though. If you ever feel ready… the choice is yours.”

She nodded slightly, still too overwhelmed to respond. I took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently, letting her know she wasn’t alone in this. She looked up at me, gratitude and relief in her eyes, and I felt a swell of warmth in my chest.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice shaky but sincere.

I managed a small smile, my thumb tracing gentle circles over her hand. “I’m always here, Estella,” I assured her. “Whatever you need.”

As we sat there, her breathing began to slow, and I could feel some of the weight begin to lift. I knew this wasn’t the end of her struggle, but as long as I was here, she wouldn’t have to face it alone. I’d be with her every step of the way helping her heal, on her own terms.