Angela moved to the window, noting how the afternoon light filtered through the trees differently from this angle. She could see a narrow road winding through the snow toward what looked like smaller buildings nestled among the pines.
"I wonder where Jude’s cabin is," she murmured without thinking.
Kiara shot her a knowing look. "Angela…"
"I know." Angela pressed her forehead against the cool glass. "I know it's complicated. I know he works for Duncan. I know I shouldn't even be thinking about him that way."
"But you are."
"But I am." The admission felt heavy on her tongue. "Which is ridiculous. I barely know him."
"Sometimes it doesn't take long," Kiara said gently. "And he was good to you. To both of us."
Angela turned from the window. "It doesn't matter. He's already stepped back. Did you see how he positioned himself downstairs? He's making it clear where his priorities lie."
"Maybe he's just being professional."
Angela wanted to believe that, but the way he'd looked at Annie instead of her when they'd first arrived still stung. It was selfish and stupid, especially since Jude had said he’d known Annie since she was born. Of course, he would be worried about how she might be doing with the changes.
She shook her head, trying to push the selfish hurt away. "I should focus on getting to know my family. That's why I'm here."
"That's one reason you're here," Kiara said. "But it's not the only reason you're allowed to be here. You don't have to prove yourself worthy of existing in this space, Angie."
Angela managed a weak smile. "When did you become so wise?"
"Someone had to balance out your tendency to overthink everything." Kiara grinned. "So, which room do you want?"
"This one," Angela said, gesturing around the blue-toned space. "The view is… peaceful."
"Perfect. I'll take the green room then." Kiara moved toward the door, then paused. "Are you going to be okay? I can stay if you need to talk more."
"I'm fine. I think I just need a few minutes to process everything."
After Kiara left, Angela sat on the edge of the bed and looked around the room that was now, apparently, hers. Everything was so pristine, so carefully arranged. She was almost afraid to touch anything.
Her suitcase sat at the foot of the bed, looking worn and shabby against the elegant surroundings. She unzipped it and began pulling out her few belongings, hanging them in the spacious closet that was larger than the bedroom she'd shared with Kiara back in Briar Hollow.
Her clothes looked lost in the vast closet, a meager collection that highlighted just how out of place she felt. Angela ran her fingers along the wooden hangers, wondering what Annie's closet looked like. Probably filled with designer clothes and shoes that cost more than Angela had made in a month at the bakery.
Sighing, she closed the closet door and turned her attention to unpacking the box. At the bottom lay her most precious possessions—her journals and Sandra's recipe book.
Despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to leave Sandra’s book behind. Those recipes represented the only good memories she had from her childhood. The times when Sandra would let her help in the kitchen, teaching her to measure flour and knead dough.
Angela placed the books carefully on the nightstand before trying to figure out where to put everything. It didn't take long. Twenty minutes later, everything she owned had been put away, and the empty suitcase and box were stored in the closet.
Angela organized her few toiletries on the marble vanity in the ensuite bathroom, trying not to compare them to the luxury products already arranged there, apparently for her use. She caught sight of herself in the mirror—same face as Annie's, but somehow different. Less polished. Less sure.
The silence in the room felt oppressive. Back home—no, not home anymore. Back in Briar Hollow, she and Kiara had always shared space. There had always been the sound of Kiara turningpages or humming softly while she read. Now there was just… nothing.
Angela moved to the window again, watching as the afternoon sun began its descent toward the mountains. Movement caught her eye—a figure walking along one of the paths below. Even from this distance, she recognized Jude's confident stride.
Without thinking, she pressed her palm against the glass as if she could reach out to him. He paused on the path, turning to look toward the main house.
For a moment, she thought he might be looking directly at her window. But then he continued on his way, disappearing into the trees.
Angela stepped back from the window, wrapping her arms around herself. The loneliness felt overwhelming in a way she hadn't expected. She'd thought that finding her family would fill the empty spaces inside her. But instead, it seemed to highlight how adrift she truly felt.
All she could do was hope that the more time she spent there, the more at ease she’d feel. With or without Jude by her side.
