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Chapter 27

POV Felis

The next morning, the house was unusually quiet. The kind of quiet that settles after a storm. Sunlight streamed through the windows, painting golden streaks across the hardwood floor. I was already up, sitting at the kitchen table with a half-empty cup of coffee. Sophia already left for work.My mind had been racing all night, ever since Estella had shown up on my doorstep.

She looked exhausted, her face pale, her movements slow.  She barely made it to the couch before she fell asleep, curling into a ball like she had when we were kids.

Now, as I sipped my lukewarm coffee, I tried to prepare myself for what was coming. I knew Noah was on his way he’d texted me late last night, asking if he could come by.

The knock on the door came earlier than I expected, sharp and deliberate. My chest tightened as I stood, setting the mug down. I crossed the living room, glancing once at Estella, who was still fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady. She looked so peaceful, so untroubled. But I knew better.

When I opened the door, there he was Noah. But he wasn’t alone.

In one arm, he held a baby. A tiny little thing wrapped snugly in a pink blanket, her small face peeking out, her cheeks round and rosy. For a moment, all I could do was stare.

“Noah” I said finally, my voice quieter than I’d expected. “Come in.”

He nodded, stepping inside, shifting the baby slightly in his arm as she made a small, contented noise. As I closed the door behind him, I found myself glancing at Estella again, trying to piece together what the hell was going on.

Noah stopped just short of the living room, his eyes immediately landing on her. His entire expression softened, the tension in his shoulders easing as if just seeing her brought him some kind of relief.

“How is she?” he asked, his voice low, careful not to wake her.

“She’s still out” I replied, folding my arms across my chest.

He nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before the baby shifted against his chest. His attention snapped back to her, his hand automatically adjusting the blanket, soothing her with practiced ease. That’s when I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Noah” I said, my tone sharper now. “Who’s the baby?”

He blinked, startled for a second, as if he’d forgotten I was there. Then he looked down at the baby, almost as if to remind himself she was there too.

“This is Eden” he said softly, his voice steady but cautious.

“Eden” I repeated, the name unfamiliar on my tongue. “And... whose baby is Eden?”

There was a flicker of hesitation in his expression, but he didn’t falter for long. He straightened, meeting my gaze head-on. “She’s mine and Estella’s.”

I stared at him, the words not registering at first. I glanced down at the baby—at Eden—and then back at him. My mind struggled to keep up.

“Wait, hold on” I said, holding up a hand. “You’re telling me my little sister has a baby?"

Noah’s jaw tightened, but his tone remained calm. “Yes” he said. “It wasn’t my place to tell you. I figured Estella would, when she was ready.”

I let out a sharp breath, rubbing a hand over my face. My little sister—my baby sister—had a baby of her own. The thought felt surreal, like I’d been cut out of a whole chapter of her life.

“So, you’re the father” I said slowly, my voice cooling as I locked eyes with him.

“Yes” Noah said firmly, without hesitation. “We’ve been together for a while now. Eden’s four months old.”

Four months. That number hit me hard, like a punch to the gut. Four months of her life, and I hadn’t even known she existed.

“She probably didn’t know how to bring it up. Or maybe she didn’t want to worry you. Estella... she tries to carry everything on her own. Always has.” Noah said gently.

I nodded faintly, still processing. “Yeah, I know. She’s been like that her whole life.”

For a moment, we stood in silence. The only sounds in the room were the faint rustle of the baby’s blanket and Estella’s quiet breathing. Then Noah spoke again, his voice uncertain.

“Should I wake her?”

I shook my head. “No. Let her sleep. She needs it.” Then, after a pause, I added.

Noah nodded, his focus shifting back to Eden. He cradled her close, his movements careful and instinctive.

As I watched him sit down in the armchair, holding his daughter like she was the most precious thing in the world, I felt the weight of my anger ease slightly. It wasn’t gone—not completely—but looking at him now, I could see how much he cared. About Estella. About Eden. About making this work.