The road stretched out ahead, quiet and sun-dappled, flanked by green fields and trees that swayed lazily in the breeze. With Mama B happily off on "Ethan duty," Liam had suggested a scenic drive to a lake just outside of town, a hidden gem the Bennetts had visited since they were kids. Nadyia sat in the front passenger seat of Noah’s Jeep, the windows down, her hair tugged loose by the wind. A peaceful silence lingered between them, punctuated by the hum of tires on gravel and soft music from the speakers.
Noah drove, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually over the gear shift. Liam lounged in the backseat, arm draped along the edge, sunglasses pushed back into his curls. Every so often, she felt their eyes drift to her not in pity, not even in concern but in a steady, groundin
