The Man Who Stole His Brother’s Name to Destroy Me

My son entered the world to the sound of machines and nurses hurried footsteps. I had barely learned how to cradle his tiny body when a uniformed officer stepped into my hospital room and spoke the words that tore my life apart.

Mrs. Carrington, he said carefully, eyes avoiding mine, your husbands jet went down during a routine drill. The wreck was recovered from the sea, but there was no sign of the pilot.

That night, I lay awake listening to my newborn breathe, telling myself the news had to be wrong. Nathaniel had survived worse. He was strong, fearlesstoo stubborn to die. Any moment, he would walk through the door with that crooked grin and tell me it had all been a mistake.

He never did.

Three days later, exhaustion finally dragged me into sleep. When I opened my eyes again, the bassinet beside my bed was empty.

At first, I thought a nurse had taken him for a checkup. Then the minutes stretched into panic. Doctors searched the ward. Security locked down the building. Police filled the halls with radios crackling and hurried questions.

By nightfall, they admitted what I already knew.

My baby had vanished.

No calls came. No demands. No clues surfaced. The world swallowed him whole, leaving me nothing but silence.

That was three months ago.

Ninety days of staring at blank walls, letting calls go unanswered, forgetting what food tasted like. My body survived, but I wasnt really living anymore.

Tonight, Lucinda refused to take no for an answer.

You need to get out of that house, she insisted while helping me into a coat. Even a short dinner. You cant keep locking yourself away, Eleanor.

I didnt argue. I didnt have the energy.

The restaurant was warm and low-lit, full of muted laughter and clinking plates. Lucinda excused herself almost immediately, saying she needed to make a quick call. I remained in my seat, pushing ice around in my glass and wishing I could fade into the wallpaper.

Then I heard voices near the entrance.

Not just hers.

have you lost your mind? Lucinda hissed. You seriously expect to live as Harold and let everyone believe Nathaniel is dead? Eleanor is already falling apart. Her son is gone, and now this. You think pretending to be her brother-in-law wont destroy her completely?

Every muscle in my body locked.

A man answered herhis voice calm, unashamed. I did what I had to do. I want Delilah. Thats all that matters.

Lucinda gasped. Delilah? After she walked out on you five years ago? You faked your own death for the woman who abandoned youand left the one who stayed? What is wrong with you?

My vision blurred.

Delilah wasnt just his lost love. She was my best friend. The girl who had left town chasing dreams, leaving Nathaniel broken. I was the one who stood beside him when he hit rock bottom, the one who helped him rebuild. Somewhere along the way, care turned into closeness, and closeness into marriage. Or so I believed.

Im not crazy, he replied. This is what love feels like. Eleanor was only ever filling a gap. I never loved her. When Delilah came back last year, everything changed. Shes pregnant now. So I disappeared. And now Ill stay near Eleanor as Harold. Its the only way.

I felt as if the floor had vanished beneath my feet.

My husband was alive.

My child had been stolen.

And I was nothing more than a placeholder in the story of his life.

I staggered back to the table before they could see me, my hands shaking so badly I had to grip the edge of the chair to stay upright. The rest of the evening passed in a blur I dont remember.

When I finally made it home, I locked myself in my bedroom and collapsed against the pillows, sobbing until my throat burned. His words kept echoing in my headjust filling a gapover and over, until I couldnt tell if I was screaming or crying.

I dont know how much time passed before I heard the door creak open.

Eleanor?

The mattress dipped. A familiar warmth brushed my back, carrying a scent I hadnt realized I still rememberedcedar and aviation fuel.

Its me, the man said gently. Harold. I came back to pay my respects since I missed the funeral. Mom told me youve been struggling. Ill stay with you for a while. You wont be alone anymore.

I turned slowly.

It was him.

Same face. Same eyes. Same mouth that had once whispered vows to me.

He gave a soft, awkward smile. I know it must be hard seeing me. People say we were identical. But well make this work. We can still be a family.

A family.

With the man who had erased himself to start another life.

Yet even as fury clawed at my chest, something weakerlonelierrose beneath it. The echo of the love I thought we shared.

Without thinking, I reached up and touched his cheek. His breath caught.

Then I leaned forward, my lips brushing his, and murmured through tears,

Tell me the truth are you really Harold?

Before hebefore Nathaniel pretending to be Haroldcould give me an answer, a furious shout tore through the room.

Harold, what do you think youre doing?!

I stiffened. Delilah was standing at the doorway, her face pale, her chest rising and falling as if she had run all the way upstairs. Her eyes flicked from his face to mine, then locked on our barely separated lips.

Her expression twisted.

You disgusting little snake! she shrieked, rushing forward and shoving me with both hands. I stumbled backward, my spine slamming against the bedframe. Did you just make a move on my husband?

My throat closed. I couldnt even form a sound.

Her finger stabbed toward my face. So this is your plan? Your husband is dead, your son is gone, and now youre trying to steal what belongs to me?

Honey, its not like that, he said hurriedly, stepping toward her. I was trying to calm her down. She leaned in first.

Each word felt like a hammer to my ribs.

This was the man who once shielded me from raised voices, who used to stand between me and the world whenever I was afraid. Now he had thrown me in front of the fire without hesitation.

My chest burned, the air refusing to go in properly, like my lungs had forgotten their job.

Delilah sneered as she closed the distance. Her hand shot into my hair, jerking my head back so hard stars exploded behind my eyes.

Nohes my husband! I blurted out, desperate, foolish hope driving the words from my mouth. Maybe if he saw her hurting me, hed finally tell the truth.

Instead, Delilah laughed. It wasnt a sound of humor. It was sharp and ugly.

Youve really lost your mind, she said. That man is Harold. And he belongs to me.

The door slammed open again.

Lucinda rushed in, eyes flashing. She used to call me her daughter. She used to hug me when I cried.

Relief surged through me. This time, she would make things right.

What is going on here? she demanded.

But before I could answer, she crossed the room in two strides and slapped me hard across the face. My head snapped to the side, my cheek exploding with pain.

Get a grip, she said icily. Your husband is dead. Stop humiliating yourself.

I swayed, dizzy, barely staying upright.

Mom, dont be angry with her, Nathaniel said softly, wearing Harolds face like a mask. Shes grieving. We look alikeits natural shed get confused.

Confused.

Not wronged. Not hurt. Just confused.

Then he pulled Delilah into his arms. She melted against him like she belonged there, one hand fisting in his shirt. Over his shoulder, she met my gaze and smiled.

Not kindly.

Triumphantly.

Lucindas voice cracked like a whip. Eleanor. Kneel down and apologize.

I stared at her, stunned. What did you say?

Get on your knees, she repeated. You insulted your sister-in-law. Make it right.

Blood rushed out of my face. She isnt my

I stopped myself. There was no point. Not a single person in this room was on my side.

Nathaniel looked at me with false concern. Eleanor, youve been through a lot. You shouldnt act like this. You really need professional help.

I wanted to scream. I didnt need therapy. I needed my husband to admit the truth. I needed my friend to stop pretending she hadnt destroyed my life. I needed just one person to believe me.

Dont drag this out, he said gently. Youll upset Delilah. Just apologize so we can move on.

My lips shook. I wont.

Lucindas patience vanished. Do it. Now.

The pounding in my ears drowned everything else. My legs trembled until I couldnt hold myself up anymore. Slowly, painfully, I sank to the floor, the cold seeping into my bones.

Im sorry, I whispered.

Delilah tilted her head, satisfied. Make sure it never happens again.

That was when something inside me finally gave way.

They werent mistaken. They werent confused.

They were working together to crush me.

They left without another glance, his arm tight around her waist.

And I collapsed completely.

I covered my face and cried until my chest felt hollow, until I couldnt remember what it was like not to hurt.

With shaking fingers, I grabbed my phone and dialed the one number I swore Id never call again.

When my brother answered, I broke.

I was wrong, I sobbed. I shouldnt have left home for him. You warned me. He ruined me. Please please take me back.

My voice fell apart into something between laughter and despair.

And if you cant save me maybe just end it for me instead.

My brothers voice exploded through the phone, raw with alarm.

Eleanor, stop scaring me. What are you saying? What happened? Is this about Nathaniel again? If youre destroying yourself over that jerk, then youve completely lost it. Hes goneand even if he werent, he never deserved you.

He isnt gone, I said quietly, the words shaking with anger and heartbreak.

There was a long silence on the other end. I could almost hear him holding his breath.

What do you mean, he isnt?

I mean exactly that, I replied. Nathaniel is still alive. He staged his own death, Adrian.

His tone shifted instantly, sharp with urgency. Do you want me there right now? Ill get you out of that house. You can start over, Vic. You dont need him. Ill help you find your son

My throat burned. So you already knew what kind of hell I was living in?

Yes, he said simply. We stopped talking after your wedding, but I never stopped watching out for you. Ive always had people keeping an eye on things.

My eyes filled again. Then dont just watch anymore, I said. Help me disappear. Help me make him feel what I felt when he erased himself from my life.

For a few seconds, there was nothing but his breathing. Then his voice came back, firm and steady.

Give me seven days. Ill set it up. You wont have to do this alone.

I let the phone fall from my fingers. My hands wouldnt stop shaking. I stayed exactly where I was, staring at the ceiling until dawn broke, replaying everythingevery lie, every memory.

Sleep never came.

A knock sounded at my door. Before I could answer, the handle turned and he walked in, wearing that careful, concerned expression.

Eleanor, he murmured, Im sorry about yesterday. Things shouldnt have spiraled like that. He paused, then added gently, Ill take you to the police today. Well see if theres any news about your baby. After that, well go to the hospital and make sure youre okay.

I didnt respond. I just looked at him, trying to recognize the man I once loved.

I was about to stand when Delilahs voice drifted from the hallway.

Harold, sweetheart, she called weakly, I feel dizzy. I need you.

Then I heard it.

A baby crying.

Not just any cry, but the thin, frantic sound of an infant who needed to be held.

Nathaniel turned instantly, already moving toward the door. He didnt spare me another glance.

My chest tightened until I thought I might pass out. He ran to her. To her baby.

And my own child was still missing.

My fingers dug into the mattress as my mind slipped back to the day I first met himhow he stood in the park glowing in the late summer sun, how Id liked him first, how Id told Delilah everything, believing she would be happy for me. Shed smiled back then, teased me, played the part of a loyal friend.

I never expected to later see them togetherlaughing, holding hands. I never confronted either of them. I convinced myself I was being mature. That love was complicated.

Then Delilah left town, and I stayed behind, building a life with the man she abandoned.

Now she was back. And she had his child.

I pressed my hand over my stomach, remembering how he used to lie beside me at night, whispering promises to the unborn baby.

Ill never miss a single milestone. First word, first step, first day of school. Ill teach him to ride a bikemaybe even how to fly. Hell always know Im here.

Every word had been a lie.

I slipped out of the house without saying anything. At the police station, I askedagainif there was any news about my missing son.

The officer only shook his head. Nothing new, Mrs. Carrington. At this point He didnt finish the sentence, but I understood it perfectly.

I went back in a daze.

And then I saw it.

A crib in the living room.

Inside it lay a baby boy, fists curled, tiny sounds drifting from his lips. My heart nearly burst out of my chest. He had my sons hair, my sons dimple.

I stepped closer, shaking. Just one touch

HELP! Somebody help! Delilah shrieked suddenly. Shes trying to hurt the baby!

Im not trying to hurt him! I yelled, my throat raw, hands lifted in surrender while Delilah shrieked like I was some kind of threat.

Shes lying! Delilah sobbed, throwing herself over the crib as though I were about to attack. She reached for himshes completely unstable!

I only wanted to

Enough! my mother-in-law snapped, slicing through my words. Im done with your performances, Eleanor. Youve been acting deranged ever since my son passed away.

Deranged. That was what she called the panic of a mother who saw a child that looked exactly like the baby stolen from her arms.

I told you I wouldnt hurt him

Take her downstairs, Lucinda ordered, her voice glacial as she turned to the staff. Lock her in the basement.

The words didnt register at first. What did you just say?

Nathanielstill hiding behind Harolds namehesitated only briefly. I searched his face for the man who once protected me, the one who promised never to let anyone hurt me.

Instead, he murmured, Its better this way. She needs to cool off.

Something inside my chest collapsed.

Two employees seized my arms. I fought, twisting wildly, my screams echoing down the hall. Please! I didnt do anything! You cant do this! But I was nothing to them. Just another problem to be removed.

The door slammed shut behind me, plunging me into darkness.

The basement reeked of rot and damp stone. My feet slid over gritty concrete, then over something soft that scurried away. The sound of insects skittering made my skin crawl. Somewhere close, a rat shrieked.

I pressed my back against the wall, hugging myself, shaking so hard my teeth rattled.

Then pain exploded in my ankle.

I looked down just in time to glimpse a thick coil sliding away into the shadows.

I dont remember falling. Only screaming.

When I opened my eyes again, the world smelled of disinfectant. A nurse hovered over me, her voice calm.

Youre fortunate, she said. It was a venomous bite. If youd arrived any later, it couldve been fatal.

My lips were dry as sand. How did I get here?

The butler called emergency services, she replied. But you need to rest.

Rest. After being tossed into a basement like garbage.

I scanned the room for any familiar face, but she answered my question before I could ask.

No one has visited you.

By the time I was released, my body was weak but my resolve was solid. I would never go back to that house and bow my head again.

At the gate, the butler was waiting.

Theyre all attending an auction tonight, maam, he said stiffly.

Auction?

Yes. Miss Delilah is hosting a charity event.

Charity. I nearly laughed out loud.

The hall buzzed with perfume, gossip, and money. Crystal chandeliers shimmered above crowds wrapped in silk and diamonds. Onstage, Delilah stood radiant in red, smiling into a microphone as one of her paintings was wheeled out.

This is my most meaningful work, she said sweetly. I hope someone here will treasure it.

Bids flew. Numbers soared. She basked in admiration.

But I was done letting her have the spotlight.

I walked forward, heels striking the marble, and took the microphone from the startled auctioneer.

Id like to contribute an additional item, I announced. A Carrington family heirloom.

The room rippled with whispers.

I slid my wedding ring free. This was given to me by Nathaniel Carrington. Its value is beyond measurebut tonight, its price will be higher than money. I met their eyes steadily. Whoever purchases this ring will become my future husband.

The silence was deafening.

Across the room, Nathaniels face drained of color.

The ring vanished to the highest bidder, and with it went the last thread tying me to that man.

Nathaniel cornered me moments later. Are you insane? That ring represented everything my brother gave you! Do you have any idea what you just threw away?

Why does it matter to you? I asked coolly. Youre not him.

His jaw tightened. Im his family

Your brother is gone, I said. And Ive buried the woman who loved him.

I walked away.

Delilah followed me outside, ripping my hair back in fury. You selfish witch! You stole my night!

I tore her hand free and laughed, hollow and bitter.

Enjoy the spotlight, Delilah. I wont be here to compete with you anymore.

By the time I reached the house, my lungs still felt too tight, like Id been breathing smoke instead of air. I had barely stepped inside when Lucinda rushed at me, her face flushed with fury.

Did you really sell off Nathaniels belongings? she snapped. His ring, his bike, the aircrafteverything that carried his name?

I did, I replied without emotion. All of it went to auction.

Her mouth fell open. Do you even understand what you just threw away? Those were assets worth millions. That wealth belongs to the Carrington family!

He was my husband, I said coolly. Those things were mine to decide on.

Her voice dropped. Then where is the money?

I gave it away, I said. Every cent. Donated.

The room went silent, the kind of stillness that buzzes in your ears before a storm. Then her hand was in my hair, yanking my head back until pain tore through my scalp.

You vile little ingrate! she screamed. So this is who you really are. Youve been pretending all these years!

I clenched my jaw and stared straight back at her. Youre the one pretending. You played the loving mother, acted like you cared about me

Her slap came so hard my vision burst with light.

Then another. And another. The blows kept coming. By the fifth, my ears were roaring. By the tenth, I could taste blood. She didnt stop until shed struck me over and over, until I couldnt even keep count anymore.

All the while, Nathanielhiding behind his brothers namestood nearby and watched.

She deserves it, he said flatly. Delilah told me everything. How you ruined the auction and tried to hurt her. You even stole the spotlight from her painting.

My legs finally gave way. I collapsed onto the floor, palms pressed to the carpet, breath tearing painfully through my chest. No one moved to help. No one intervened.

It didnt matter. This would be the last time.

Later, as I lay on the bed trying to recover, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. It was a message from Adrian.

Everything is set. Ill come for you tomorrow. Wrap up whatever you still need to do.

My thumbs hovered before replying: Theres just one more thing. After that, Ill leave with you.

I dropped the phone, only noticing the shadow by the door when I turned my head.

Nathaniel was leaning against the frame, arms folded. Who were you texting?

It doesnt concern you, I said.

His eyes darkened. Is it the guy who bought the ring? Tell me his name. Ill buy it back.

I laughed softly, without humor. Why would you? It was never yours to begin with.

Im doing it for my brother, he insisted. Youre really going to remarry instead of staying here? You could live with us, help with the baby, be a proper auntwith Delilah.

I studied him, then let out a short laugh. Your brother is dead. Our marriage died with him. I dont belong here anymore.

He stared at the suitcase by the wall. Youre leaving?

Before I could answer, Delilah screamed from downstairs. Nathaniel! Somethings wrong with Leo!

His face drained of color. Our son!

I stayed where I was.

He snatched his keys. Dont you dare disappear, Eleanor. Were not done talking. Youre not marrying anyone else. His words were sharp with command as he rushed out with Delilah.

The door slammed.

I picked up my phone immediately.

Take the baby. Thats the final step. Once they believe Im dead, everything will end.

Adrian replied almost instantly: Got it. Ill take care of it. Be ready.

I dragged my suitcase into the hall, every step feeling like breaking free of chains. Outside, a taxi idled at the curb.

I didnt look back.

---

Nathaniel

The smell of disinfectant burned my nose as I paced the hospital corridor. Delilahs sobs drifted from the room, while Leos cries had weakened to a raspy whimper. Doctors were still running tests, and my heart felt like it was splitting apart.

My phone buzzed. Irritated, I answered without checking the screen. What is it? Im busy.

Sir the butlers voice came through, shaking.

I said I

Sir, please listen. Theres been an accident. He swallowed. Miss Eleanor was in a car crash.

I stopped cold. What are you saying?

A long pause. Then, barely audible:

She didnt make it.

Nathaniel froze, the phone pressed so tightly against his ear that his knuckles whitened.

Are you trying to make some kind of joke? His voice came out sharp, almost threatening. Did she pay you to say that?

On the other end, the butler sounded rattled. No, sir I wouldnt dare. Miss Eleanor she was in a car crash. Shes gone.

No, impossible! Why would she be in a car crash when I told her to wait at home? He was fuming.

Well, the butler sighed. Were not sure, but we think that she was going somewhere because she brought a lot of her things.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched, ready to snap back, when a second call came in. Without even saying goodbye, he switched lines.

This is Officer Landers. Are you related to a Eleanor Carrington?

Nathaniels instinct was to say Im her husband. The words almost slipped outuntil reality slammed back into him. His lies. His carefully built fa?ade. He couldnt risk it.

Im her brother-in-law, he said instead. The words felt foreign in his mouth, acidic.

The officers tone was grim. Im sorry, sir. Weve recovered ashes and several personal belongings from the crash site. The body its unrecognizable because the car exploded after collision.

For a moment, Nathaniels entire body went numb. No, he said sharply. Impossible. How? Are you pranking me? Did she get you in this so we pay her attention?

No, Sir. Of course not, he denied. If you want to confirm, then go to the crime scene in Lake Shore. We all have the evidence to prove it was her.

Nathaniel didnt hear the rest. He was already movinggrabbing his jacket, his phone still in his hand, striding for the door with a speed that made the butler step back.

In the hallway, Delilah appeared, her face pinched with confusion. Whats happening? Where are you going?

I need to get to Eleanor. The words came out clipped, urgent.

Her eyes widened, shock morphing into anger. Are you insane? Why would you

But he was already past her, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Delilahs frustration only deepened when her phone buzzed. The hospital doctor was on the line, requesting her presence immediately.

She arrived at Leos room moments later, finding the baby squirming in his crib, tiny fists waving in distress.

We need to monitor him, the doctor explained. He refuses to take milk. We may need you to breastfeed for nowhe needs the nutrients.

Delilah recoiled. I dont want to.

The doctors brow furrowed.

Realizing how suspicious she must sound, Delilah forced a sudden, sugary smile. Oh right. Ill try. You can leave us.

Once the door shut, her demeanor flipped like a switch.

You damn baby, she hissed, leaning over the crib. Whats wrong with you? You cant be sick. And you certainly cant die. Do you hear me? There is no way Im letting Harold walk away from me. You are my leverageeven if youre not mine.

The babys cries grew louder, shriller. Delilahs frustration spiked.

No one knew the truththat her pregnancy had been faked from the beginning. That Leo was never hers.

Nurse! she barked, throwing open the door. Feed herI cant stop the crying. And make sure she lives, or youll regret it.

While the nurse took the baby, Delilah called the driver. I want to know where Nathaniel went and why he ran off without telling me.

There was a pause before the driver said, It might have to do with Miss Eleanor.

Yes, I know that Delilahs voice sharpened. Thats why I want to know why hes in such a hurry. Why hes choosing her over me

Maam, the driver interrupted quietly, Miss Eleanor shes dead.

Delilah froze, stunned for only a heartbeat before a slow, delighted smile spread across her face. Then, laughterhigh, sharp, and cruelspilled out.

Dead? Really? She tilted her head, savoring the thought. Then lets go see her and then celebrate.

By the time Delilah was en route, Nathaniel was already at the crash site.

The air was thick with the stench of burned metal and smoke. The twisted remains of the vehicle lay crumpled against the scorched earth, barely recognizable as a car.

An officer led him toward the remains they had recovered. We cant identify her by sight, the man explained. But these were found at the scene.

One by one, they showed him her possessionsa charred handbag, a half-melted phone, the faint outline of a familiar scarf.

And then the necklace.

The necklace he had given her once, years ago, when promises still meant something between them. The sight of it ripped through him, stealing the air from his lungs.

He remembered his promise, I will love you for the rest of my life. You are the only one for me, and I promise to make you happy forever.

Nathaniels knees buckled. He sank to the ground, his palms pressing into the dirt as though he could steady the earth beneath him. No, he rasped. No, I wont accept this. This isnt her.

The officer hesitated, then handed him a document. We ran fingerprints on the recovered items. They matched Eleanor Carrington.

Nathaniels head lowered. For the first time in years, the world felt like it had dropped out from under him. His heartbeat was a dull, punishing drum in his ears.

He didnt notice the murmurs of the officers nearby. He didnt see the way Delilahs car rolled up in the distance.

He just stood there, staring at the ashes in the metal tray, his expression unreadablebut his grip on the necklace so tight it left angry red marks in his palm.

Eleanor, please he muttered. Tell me this is just a joke.

The morgue was silent except for the faint hum of the fluorescent lights above, their cold glow reflecting off the stainless-steel surfaces. The air was sharp with antiseptic and something heavierfinality.

Nathaniel, still pretending to be Harold, stood rooted to the spot, staring at the small metal tray beside the gurney.

A charred necklace lay there, twisted but still recognizable. He knew it too well. He had given it to Eleanor on their first anniversary.

The sheet covering her supposed remains seemed to press down on him like a weight.

Every fiber of him screamed that this wasnt herthat this couldnt be herbut the evidence kept piling up.

The police had confirmed fingerprints. Her belongings were found at the scene. The ashes. The scorched metal.

A sharp crack shattered the air. Pain bloomed across his cheek.

What the hell He snapped his head toward the source. Delilah stood there, her manicured hand still raised, eyes blazing with fury.

What the hell is wrong with you? she shot back, her voice laced with accusation. I just slapped you to wake you up. Youve been standing here acting like her husband since you got the call!

Nathaniels chest tightened. Well I am her husband.

Delilahs lips curled into a mocking smile. Oh, so now you admit it? Now that shes dead, youre ready to drop the Harold act and go back to being Nathaniel? Whats the plansuddenly announce she was your wife all along? Dont tell me youre having some moral crisis now.

His eyes narrowed. What are you talking about?

Im talking about the fact that we planned this. You wanted her gone, remember? You said you couldnt stand living this lie anymore, that you were done with her. And now youre herefuming, hysterical, acting like youve lost the love of your life. Delilahs voice dripped with contempt. Didnt we want this? So why are you looking at me like Im the villain?

For a moment, Nathaniel couldnt answer. Her words dug into his mind, pulling at memories hed buried deep.

He remembered the first time he noticed Eleanor. She had been standing alone on the pier that evening, the sun sinking low, spilling gold over the water.

The wind caught her hair, tossing it across her face, but she didnt mind. She was smiling at something on her phone, laughing quietly to herself.

Curiosity had pulled him closer. Whats so funny? hed asked, half-expecting her to flinch at the intrusion.

Instead, shed glanced up at him with those steady, dark eyes. A joke my brother sent me, she said simply, tucking her hair behind her ear. Do you want to hear it, or are you just nosy by nature?

The corner of his mouth had curved. Maybe both.

Shed tilted her head, pretending to study him. Youre Nathaniel, right? The pilot?

Guilty.

I heard you have a habit of disappearing for days, she said. I thought that was just a rumor. But here you are, magically appearing on my pier.

Your pier? he teased.

Yes, she replied, with that smilequiet but certain. I come here when I need peace. The worlds noisy enough as it is.

Something about her tone had disarmed him. That night, theyd ended up walking the length of the pier together, trading storieshis about turbulent flights and foreign cities, hers about sketching by the water and the strange comfort of seagulls.

Theyd stayed long enough to see the stars come out, their shoulders brushing as they leaned on the railing.

Back then, they were sweet together. Late-night talks. Walks under the stars. Stolen moments in between his flights. She had a way of making the chaos of his life feel calm.

But then he had chosen Delilah.

At first, it wasnt loveit was a game. He wanted to test Eleanor, to see if shed fight for him, if shed show even a flicker of jealousy. But instead of clinging to him, shed smiled politely and gone out with another man. That had stung his pride.

So he doubled down. He stayed with Delilah, telling himself it was for the thrill, for the ego boost. When Delilah left to chase her dreams, he thought that chapter was over.

But then, somehow, he and Eleanor had drifted back together. They married. For a while, they were happy. She made him feel steady.

And still when Delilah returned, he chose her again.

Dont tell me you actually care for her now, Delilah said, breaking into his thoughts. Her gaze was sharp, searching his face. Do you love her?

The question froze him. He didnt know what to saydidnt want to know the answer himself.

What? she pressed. Well? Do you?

He forced a scoff, though the sound felt hollow. Of course not. Im just worried because shes dead. Shes

Because shes what? Delilah pushed.

Shes gone, he finished quietly. Thats all.

But the words didnt feel like the truth.

Before Delilah could press him further, the morgue door burst open. One of Nathaniels men rushed in, his face pale and breathless.

Sir he started, then hesitated.

Nathaniel straightened, tension coiling in his gut. What is it?

Its Leo, the man said, his voice trembling. Hes missing.

The world seemed to tilt. What do you mean missing? Nathaniel's voice was sharp, lethal.

We cant find him anywhere in the hospital. The nurses say they thought he was with Delilah. Security is already searching the premises, but we think hes been kidnapped.