The Silent Half

Chapter 11

Conner's POV:

Conner was the first to wake. He padded downstairs, the scent of coffee already drifting through the air. In the living room, Mr. Smith sat with a tablet in one hand and a steaming cup in the other.

“Good morning, where's aunt Laur?” Conner greeted.

Mr. Smith looked up briefly, nodding. “Morning. Laurel’s in the kitchen.”

Conner grinned and made his way there. The kitchen was massive, gleaming with equipment, though most of the chefs stood idle at the side. In the center, Laurel stood at the counter, humming softly as she stirred a pan.

He slipped behind her and hugged her from the back. “Good morning!”

She smiled warmly. “Morning, dear. How was your night?”

“It was great—better than great. You even made the room exactly like ours at home.”

“I wanted you to feel at home,” she said, turning to look at him. “Did it work?”

Conner laughed. “It worked too well. I don’t want to go back home again.”

Laurel chuckled but her gaze softened. “I could talk to your father, but I doubt he’d agree. How about this—you come by every weekend?”

“Deal,” Conner said quickly, his grin widening. “But why are you making breakfast yourself? You have chefs.”

“I wanted it to be perfect for my boys. So I’m doing it myself.”

They both laughed, the sound light and easy.

“Where’s Conrad?” she asked after a moment.

“Oh, still sleeping. He hasn’t slept well since… you know, since Mum. I was surprised I got up before him.”

Laurel’s smile faltered, sadness flickering in her eyes. She had seen it last night too—how Conrad carried his grief in silence. He reminded her so much of his mother.

“Then let him sleep,” she said gently.

“I’ll help you instead. It’ll be faster,” Conner suggested, brightening the mood again.

“Alright then.” She handed him a spoon, and soon the kitchen filled with their laughter.

---

Jeremiah's POV:

Upstairs, Jeremiah woke later than usual. He had been up half the night handling company business. Running a hand through his hair, he headed straight to the twins’ room and knocked. No answer.

The door was unlocked, so he stepped inside. Only Conrad was there, fast asleep. For a long moment, Jeremiah simply stood, watching him. Conrad’s lips were slightly parted forming a pout, his brows relaxed, looking cuter, softer than usual.

Cute, Jeremiah thought before he could stop himself. His throat tightened, and he told himself to leave—but his body disobeyed. He leaned down, brushing the faintest peck against Conrad’s lips. Just a whisper of a touch.

Desire tugged at him for more, but he clenched his fists, pulling back quickly. Not yet.

The door creaked, and Conner walked in, cheerful as ever. “Good morning, Jeremiah! I checked your room, but you weren’t there—”

He stopped when he saw Jeremiah standing near Conrad’s bed.

Just then, Conrad stirred, blinking sleepily. His gaze flicked between them. “What are you guys doing over there?”

Conner recovered smoothly. “Laur asked me to wake you for breakfast. It’s already nine.”

“Nine?” Conrad sat up quickly, surprised. Normally, he never slept this late—his restless dreams always woke him early. But last night, being here, he had slept like a child again.

Jeremiah’s eyes lingered on him one last moment before he said, “I’ll meet you at the dining room,” and walked out.

Conner followed with Conrad trailing behind.

---

At the table, Laurel beamed the moment she saw them. “Oh, my babies. I still can’t believe I have you both here with me again.”

“Let them eat first,” Mr. Smith muttered, though there was a smile in his voice.

“Good morning,” Conrad greeted politely, sliding into his seat. Conner did the same.

A few moments later, Jeremiah entered, taking the seat directly opposite Conrad. His eyes stayed fixed on him more than on the food, though Conrad tried to ignore it. The meal itself was quiet, but the warmth in the room was undeniable.

When the plates were cleared away, Laurel clapped her hands together. “I want to take the twins to the mall today. Shopping spree!”

Conner’s eyes lit up. “Yes! It’s been forever.”

Conrad only smiled faintly.

“Will Jeremiah come too?” Conner asked.

Laurel opened her mouth, expecting Jeremiah to refuse—he never cared for outings like this. But to her surprise, Jeremiah spoke first.

“I’ll come.”

Laurel blinked. “Really?”

Jeremiah nodded once, his gaze flicking—just briefly—to Conrad.

“Then it’s settled,” Laurel said happily. “Go get ready, boys. We leave soon.”