I'd rather be with you.

She is their sister.

Hailey’s Bakery>

“Come again next time,” Hailey said as the customer pushed the door open.

“Of course, Hailey,” the woman replied with a wave before leaving.

The moment the bell above the door jingled shut, Hailey let out a long breath. Her back ached from standing, and she could still smell butter and warm pastries clinging to her clothes. She wiped the table clean and returned to the counter.

“Hey, sugar.”

Hailey turned to see Darcie walking in, glossy lips, bright smile, and a confidence Hailey wished she had half of.

“Welcome, Darcie,” Hailey said, forcing a small smile.

Darcie slid onto the stool. “You look wiped out.”

“I am,” Hailey admitted, brushing her hands over her apron before sitting beside her.

“What about the interviews? Anyone call?”

Hailey’s shoulders dropped a little. “No. They already filled the positions for residents.”

Darcie’s face fell even though she was happy to hear the news. “Seriously? That’s messed up.”

“It is what it is,” Hailey murmured, though disappointment pressed heavily on her chest.

“Try online,” Darcie said. “Some of those places don’t bother putting openings on their doors.”

“Online?” Hailey hesitated. “I’m tired of getting disappointed.”

“But you’ll get something. I know you will,” Darcie said gently. She reached out and squeezed Hailey’s hand. “And… about what happened at the party last time… I’m sorry.”

Hailey chuckled faintly. “Don’t worry. It wasn’t your fault.”

Darcie glanced at her phone and suddenly stood. “Gotta run.”

Hailey raised a brow. “Where to?”

“A date,” Darcie announced proudly.

Hailey stared at her. “Girl, don’t you work?”

Darcie flipped her hair. “My daddy is loaded.” She winked and strutted out the door.

Hailey laughed quietly, watching her leave before the silence of the bakery closed in around her again.

---

“Travis, Trevor! Your wives are ready to leave!” Mrs. Drew called, her voice echoing across the wide living room.

Ramona, seated neatly on the sofa, rolled her eyes. “They’re always late.”

“You two should stay a little longer,” Mrs. Drew insisted. “It’s been so long.”

“Honey,” Mr. Drew said, adjusting his glasses, “they have their lives to live. Let them go.”

Lisa hugged her. “We’ll visit often, Mum.”

“You’d better,” Mrs. Drew said, kissing her cheeks and making her chuckle.

Travis and Trevor finally came downstairs.

“About time,” Ramona teased.

Travis laughed, leaning in to peck her cheek.

Trevor turned to their father. “Dad, have you still not found our sister?”

The room went still.

Mrs. Drew blinked. “Your… sister? What are you talking about?”

“Mum, come on,” Travis said, sitting beside Ramona. “We’ve known for years. You don’t have to act surprised.”

Mr. Drew shifted uncomfortably.

“You said you’d find her before we got back,” Trevor added.

Mrs. Drew’s eyes snapped to her husband in warning.

“I did look,” Mr. Drew said slowly, “but I couldn’t find her.”

“How? You have people everywhere,” Trevor said. “Why is it taking so long?”

Mrs. Drew forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You boys don’t need to worry about her. I’m sure she’s fine.”

“But she’s our sister,” Travis insisted. “At least tell us her name, or—”

“It’s fine,” Mrs. Drew cut in sharply. “Your father and I will continue looking. Let us handle it.”

The brothers exchanged frustrated looks but eventually nodded.

“You should head out,” she said, ushering them gently. “It’s getting dark.”

Warm goodbyes followed, and then the front door shut behind them.

The moment it did, Mrs. Drew turned on her husband.

“You told them?” she snapped.

“I didn’t,” Mr. Drew said calmly. “They overheard us years ago.”

“And you didn’t shut it down? You even offered to search for her?”

“She is their sister,” he said firmly.

Mrs. Drew’s expression hardened. “I have two children. That girl, your mistress's child, is not their sister.”

“Hailey is my daughter,” he replied quietly.

“My ultimatum still stands,” she said, voice cold as ice. “The day you bring that child into this home is the day I leave it.”

She didn’t wait for an answer before walking upstairs.

Mr. Drew sank into a chair, rubbing his temples.

He knew exactly where Hailey was.

But he couldn’t risk losing his family like he almost did years ago.