Chapter 16
Derek’s POV
The moving truck pulled away from the curb just as the late afternoon sun dipped behind the buildings.
Boxes were stacked neatly in the living room and hallway, Marcus’s life now officially merging with ours.
Mom fluttered around excitedly, directing where things should go, her laughter filling the apartment in a way that made my chest ache.
“This feels right,” she said, hugging Marcus tightly after the last box was inside. “Our family, all together.”
Marcus returned the hug, kissing the top of her head. “Couldn’t agree more.” His eyes met mine over her shoulder, dark, knowing, full of promises I both feared and craved.
I forced a neutral expression and carried a box labeled “Office” toward the spare room that was now his.
Every step reminded me of the new
