Chapter 57

Wayne paused, looking at me puzzled. I gave a bitter smile. "Your mom had it renovated," I said, handing him his bag. "You go ahead and settle in. I've got some packing to do, too." He nodded, and I headed to my room.

The room still contained both my and Jace's belongings. It was clear no one had been here since I left. Jace hasn't been back at all. So where has he been? At Splendor Heights with Tanya? The thought tightened my chest. I thought I'd moved on from Jace, but the wound still needed time to heal.

I forced myself to focus and began packing. Over the years, I'd developed a habit of minimalism, so my clothes and personal items weren't excessive. Everything fit into one suitcase.

As I was almost finished, there was a knock. I opened the door to find Wayne. He'd changed clothes and glanced past me at the open suitcase on the bed. His brow furrowed. "Are you moving out?"

"Yeah, it would be awkward to stay," I said, turning back to packing.

Wayne followed me into the room. When he saw Jace's clothes still hanging in the closet, his hands clenched slightly. "You've been with Jace for so long. Leaving like this… are you really okay with it?" he asked slowly.

"Okay with it? That phrase again," I thought. Then I said, "You know I'm good at letting things go."

Wayne remained quiet while I packed. When I finally zipped the suitcase, I was about to lift it when Wayne pressed it down. I looked up.

Wayne's eyes were clear and pure, refreshing and calming—a stark contrast to Jace's frosty glare and Hayden's smoldering intensity.

"Rea, you said this is your home," he said softly, his voice heavy with unspoken emotion. I understood he wanted me to stay.

"Wayne, do you really think I belong here now?" I gestured toward the bed with its two pillows. "Do you expect me to share a bed with Jace after our breakup?"

Something flickered in Wayne's eyes, too fast to catch. He slowly withdrew his hand. "Will you still come back?" his voice was deep.

"Of course," I said, smiling.

But I knew, even if I did, it would be rare, or maybe I wouldn't return at all. That whole idea of staying friends or family after a breakup—it never worked for me.

"Will you still consider me your brother?" Wayne asked, sounding hurt. My heart ached, but I forced a smile. "Always. You'll always be my brother."

"Then…" He hesitated, his gaze deepening. "Can I hug you one last time?"

I was stunned. Before I could respond, he pulled me into his arms. His warm breath brushed against my hair, a sensation that hit me right in the heart.