CHAPTER 40 - Noah Black
My thoughts will echo your name
Until I see you again
These are the words I didn't say
As I left too soon
Enchanted - Taylor Swift
The lights stretch out before us in every direction, and from up here, the view of Las Vegas seems even more breathtaking. We’re inside the glass capsule of the Ferris wheel, and it’s hard to believe we’re really here—that this isn’t a dream, and that this past week, everything has been different.
There was no fear of waking up late, no one forcing us to pray, no need to monitor every breath I took, and no screams or punishments. There was only love—a love so unique it’s been teaching my body and mind how to truly live.
Bryan has done everything to make us comfortable, to give us the best, and most importantly, to show us we’re safe and free.
He bought us an entirely new wardrobe in a single shopping trip, and I’ve never seen our little girl so thrilled to pick out her own clothes and shoes.
To top off the outing, he took us to a children’s play area, and we spent almost two hours watching Sadie run, laugh, and just be a carefree kid.
We’ve explored some parts of the city, but today was the first time we came to the busiest area because Bryan arranged for us to have dinner with Luke and Lilian at a hotel that’s supposedly nearby.
I don’t know how she’ll react when we meet—after all, she never talked about her son, and from what Bryan told me, their relationship was far from good.
On top of everything, even though I don’t mean to, I feel a twinge of anger.
She knew Bryan was alive. She saw everything Gavin did and still never sought help to save her own son, and when she found out he was rebuilding his life, she simply didn’t care.
Maybe I’m being selfish, since I know how hard it is to ask for help when you live in fear.
I know the weight of guilt and how the mind grows accustomed to pain, but unlike her, I had no choice.
If I endured everything in that mansion, it was because I needed to keep Sadie safe.
A tight squeeze on my hand makes me look down, and I find my little girl’s eyes shining with excitement as we approach the ground. It’s as if she’s discovered that magic exists outside of children’s books.
“I’m really hungry,” she says, rubbing her tummy as soon as the cabin opens.
“Then let’s go find some food, because the bravest little girl in the world can’t go hungry,” Bryan responds with a smile, and she smiles back, taking the hand he offers.
Their smiles spread to my face, just like every time I see him being affectionate with her, being a father.
We still haven’t told her the truth, but we have no intention of hiding it.
We just need to find the right moment and let her get used to all of us living together.
Since the night she joked about us dating, she hasn’t brought it up again.
And if I know her, she hasn’t forgotten—she’s just waiting for the right moment to tease us.
We walk a short distance until we stop in front of a skyscraper. The reflection of the Strip’s lights spreads across the building’s mirrored glass. I try to ignore the feeling of being out of place as we cross the elegant lobby and head to the elevator.
The city lights disappear behind the metallic walls and only reveal themselves again when the door opens, unveiling luxury and sophistication before my eyes.
The restaurant occupies the entire top floor and is surrounded by huge glass windows.
The room is spacious and elegant, softly lit so it doesn’t compete with the view, and for a moment I feel like the entire city is kneeling before us.
I take a few steps, absorbing the scenery, until my gaze settles on the back of the room, where I spot Luke and Lilian.
My brother-in-law has his attention fixed on his phone, and Lilian stares at the city outside.
As we approach, I notice that neither of them seems comfortable being near the other.
“Good evening,” Bryan greets quietly, and I catch a flash of gratitude in my brother-in-law’s eyes. “Mom, you already know Noah.” He gestures toward me, and she gives me a smile. I try to return it without looking forced. “This is Sadie, our girl.”
“Hi, little one,” Lilian greets.
“Hi…” she responds, but quickly shifts her gaze to Luke. “Uncle!” she shouts, running toward him as he waits with open arms.
“You didn’t come to my new house,” she complains, crossing her arms as he sets her down in the chair beside him.
When Bryan told me the two had gotten quite close, I didn’t realize just how much, but that changed when she started asking about Luke constantly, especially whenever she saw something flying past the living room window. I think it reminded her of the drones he’d introduced her to.
“Uncle’s been very busy, but I promise to visit you soon,” he says, smiling.
“Yay!” she cheers, clapping her hands. “My friend bought me lots of clothes and toys,” she tells him, giggling softly. “He’s really nice, and I want to show you everything!”
Luke looks at us, raising an eyebrow.
“In due time,” Bryan answers his silent question, pulling out the chair for me. “I see you’ve fully recovered from the pneumonia.” He sits beside me, turning his attention to his mother.
“The clinic was perfect, and the nanny you provided helped a lot too,” she responds, but her gaze settles on mine. “I’m happy you’re well and speaking again.”
“Thank you,” I say, noticing the sincerity in her words. “Your son saved me—saved us.” I glance sideways to see Sadie entertained as Luke shows her something on his phone.
“She is…” I nod, cutting her off, and her eyes instantly well up with tears. “I failed,” she confesses, lowering her head as she shifts the subject. “I was never a mother, but now I'm a grandmother and I don't even deserve to be here with you.”
“The past is behind us, Mom,” Bryan says, and she looks at him. “You made mistakes, you regretted them, and now you just move forward.”
“Your brother doesn't see it that way,” she says, and I notice Luke tense up. “He was about to bolt from the table when you walked over, and I'd only been here five minutes.”
“Can you bring me a shot? The strongest you've got.” He directs this at the waiter, ignoring the fact that Lilian just talked about him. “Can we eat soon? I have somewhere to be,” he asks no one in particular.
“So hungry…” Sadie says, lightening the mood.
The waiter approaches with the drink and Bryan takes the opportunity to place our order. When he walks away, the table would fall into silence if not for my little girl chatting animatedly with her uncle.
“Do you plan to stay in the city for good, Lilian?” I ask, remembering I overheard Bryan telling his brother he didn't know what she planned to do.
“If they don't mind letting me stay in the apartment I'm in, then yes.”
“It's yours, and we'll keep helping you financially every month, like we've been doing for years.”
“What did you do with the money we sent you?” Luke demands, his voice dripping with contempt.
“It's in the bank,” she answers, trying to keep her voice steady. “I'll use it to get by, but I plan to find work and pay back every cent.”
“That won't be necessary, and you should ease up a little, Luke,” Bryan scolds him.
“He has every right to ask,” Lilian says in his defense, even though she knows Luke shouldn't be treating her this way. “Are you planning to work, dear?”
“Yes, but like you, I'm still trying to figure out what to do after years locked away in that mansion.” I'm being honest—there's no reason to lie.
“She needs rest and to enjoy our daugh—” Bryan starts, but I squeeze his thigh, cutting him off. “Sweetie, what dessert do you want?” he asks, and the conversation turns to ice cream, chocolates, and all the treats on the menu.
Dinner arrives and we talk about the city, the boys' company, and plans for the future.
Bryan mentions he's looking for a house, and Luke says he'll keep an eye out for anything interesting.
As soon as we finish eating, he says goodbye to Sadie and catches his brother off guard by saying he needs a vacation.
Bryan's taken aback, but after all the help Luke's given, he relents.
As soon as my brother-in-law walks away, clearly avoiding Lilian, we move on to dessert.
The conversation flows better than I expected, and when we pay the bill, we all head down together and walk Lilian to her apartment.
Luke could have done this since they live in the same building, but you didn't have to be a genius to realize giving her a ride wasn't part of his plans for the night.
We say goodbye to her, and when we get home, Sadie is already asleep. Bryan carries her carefully, and after we get her settled in comfortably, we head to our room.
“Your brother can't seem to stand being around Lilian,” I say, slipping off my shoe while he pulls off his shirt.
“I can't judge him. Lilian wasn't a good mother, especially to him,” he says, and I nod, not wanting to judge anyone without knowing the whole story. “Want to take a shower and then watch something?”
“That's exactly what I want and need right now.”
“And here I thought you'd turn down the movie so we could fuck.”
“We fucked this morning when we woke up.”
“That was fifteen hours and ten minutes ago.” He raises an eyebrow, glancing at his watch.
“Do you have some kind of time fetish?”
“I do,” he murmurs, pulling me close by the waist, his mouth dangerously close to mine. “When it comes to you, I count everything, including how long it's been since I was buried inside you.”
“I think we can put off the movie.”
“Excellent choice.” He flashes a crooked smile before lifting me up. “Because honestly, I wasn't going to let you watch anything anyway.”
I burst out laughing as he carries me to the bathroom.
Before the water even hits the floor, I'm pinned against the wall.