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“You argued with me for ten minutes. But the reality was, you weren’t up that high and you were still light as a feather.” Her voice softened and she leaned toward the backrest like she might look over. “You finally jumped and I caught you and I promised I always would.”

Ali’s fingers started rhythmically tapping, watching Charlotte’s slow inhale.

“I know we’re bigger now. Our problems are bigger too. But that promise still stands, Bug. I will always catch you. Always.” A pause, her tone brightening slightly. “Anyway, call me back when you get this. I love you.”

Her throat burned at witnessing the true depth of their bond, the unwavering certainty of it. Her hatred for Victoria sharpened. She hadn’t just crossed a line...

“Promise?” Lilah sniffled.

“I don’t need to promise,” Charlotte replied, tone softer than Ali had ever heard. “There’s nothing that could change that. Whatever it is, we will figure it out.” Her voice was steady as the tide, but Ali could already see the storm gathering beneath it. “That much I promise.”

Lilah swallowed her sobs, a wavering determination entering her tone. “Do you remember when you went on that business trip to Colorado? Like threeish years ago?”

“Vaguely.”

“I made a big mistake,” Lilah rushed on, words tangling with her choked breaths. “It’s horrible. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done. My biggest regret. I’d give anything to undo it. All of it. Before I tell you, I need you to know how sorry I am.”

“Just tell me, Bug,” Charlotte urged.

Worry knit her brow as she glanced toward Ali. Ali stood frozen, teeth worrying her lower lip, the moment stretching like a slow-motion collision she was powerless to stop. There wasn’t a thing she could do to soften the impact. All she could do was stay.

Ali offered her hand. Charlotte took it, weaving their fingers together and holding tight, as if she understood the gravity.

From behind the couch, Lilah drew a deep breath, then another. And then she told Charlotte everything.

Betrayal flickered across Charlotte’s face first. Its appearance shattered the steadiness. Hurt came next. Fury, then sorrow. One by one, each emotion flashed and vanished, hidden behind a mask of perfect indifference. The mask didn’t match the tear rolling down her cheek or the way her spine went rigid.

Ali felt it when Charlotte let go of her hand. The withdrawal stung, sharp and sudden, as Charlotte folded inward, sealing herself away. Emotion drained from her expression until only cold apathy remained.

This level of compartmentalizing couldn’t be healthy…

Ali could only watch as the woman she loved turned to stone. They’d never been here before, and the realization landed hard. Charlotte always knew what Ali needed. Ali didn’t know how to do the same, and the guilt tightened around her throat.

“I’m sorry,” Lilah whispered. “I don’t have any excuses. I’ve been so stupid and the worst sister.”

“Come here, Delilah,” Charlotte commanded, rising and taking two steps back.

Lilah peered over the back of the sofa, hesitating before climbing back over to stand before her sister, head bowed.

Charlotte stood ramrod straight, hands clasped behind her back, unfeeling in the face of Lilah’s tears. The only sign of warmth was the small pack of tissues she pulled from her coat, handing them to Lilah, who took one out and blew her nose.

Oppressive silence stretched between them. Charlotte took several slow, measured breaths. When she finally spoke, her voice was clipped, sharper than ever before.

“Please know that I still love you more than you can imagine. Not even this changes that.” Her shoulders rose and fell in another slow breath. “I am, however, hurt and furious. I appreciate your honesty. This will take some time, but we will work through it, just as I promised.”

Lilah wiped her cheek, taking a shuddering breath as she peered through damp lashes at her sister.

“I’m sorry.”

“So you have said,” Charlotte replied, tone frigid. “I am not ready or open to further discussion.”

The temperature around them seemed to drop. Charlotte’s composure radiating an icy finality. Ali wouldn’t have been shocked to see their breath fog in the frosted air.

“I have conditions.”

“Anything,” Lilah vowed, nodding at the floor.

“You will not speak to or see Victoria again after this weekend. You will block her number and every social platform. How she has treated you is unacceptable, and you deserve better.” Charlotte’s voice vibrated with restrained force.