Chapter 3We Both Loved My Best Friend

We never spoke of that night. It was an unspoken, mutual silence.

The day Sophia returned, the weather was beautiful. As I was getting ready to drive to the airport, Declan offered to come with me.

“The airport is a bit of a drive. I’d worry if you went alone. I’ll drive us,” he said, his tone perfectly normal, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

“Alright.”

If I hadn’t known what I knew, I probably would have thought the same. A simple, kind gesture.

The car was silent, the only sound our breathing. From the corner of my eye, I studied Declan. He was in a remarkably good mood, so much so that he didn't seem to notice the oppressive quiet in the car. He drove quickly, fueled by an excitement he couldn't hide, and we arrived at the airport in no time.

Sophia was there, pushing a luggage cart, as radiant and bold as ever. She saw us and waved with a brilliant smile. “Over here!”

Declan was at her side in a few long strides, handing her a bottle of her favorite brand of mineral water. He then effortlessly took her luggage cart, his voice filled with a light, easy familiarity I hadn’t heard from him in ages.

“Welcome back, Sophia. Victoria has been talking about you non-stop. Was the flight okay? Have you found a place to stay yet?”

Sophia tossed her long hair, her eyes flicking over to me for a second before landing back on Declan. She smiled, her voice a lazy drawl.

“I’ve missed you guys too! I’m not too tired, just a little dizzy from the landing. I was in such a rush to get back, I haven’t found a place yet. I might have to crash with you two for a couple of days.”

“You won’t have to crash,” Declan said instantly. “Victoria and I have a condo downtown. You can stay there. The furniture is all brand new. It’ll save you the trouble of looking.”

That condo. We had bought it for our future child. A place we had planned and dreamed about together. And now, he had forgotten that promise completely.

I forced a smile. “Of course.”