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Chapter 144
~Author’s POV~
River’s jaw clenched. She knew Spring was trying to get under her skin—and worse, it was working.
"Call Rhys," Spring said, already stepping back. "I’m heading to bed."
But before she could close the door, River shoved her foot forward, pushing the door open slightly.
"I’ll wait for him."
Spring looked her up and down one more ti, unbothered. "Suit yourself."
Then she turned and walked away, hips swaying slightly, as River stood there, half furious, half humiliated, wondering if she’d just lost a battle she subconsciously started.
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~Spring’s POV~
Last night had been sothing else. Honestly, it still felt like a fever dream.
River showing up unannounced, dressed like a walking scandal, and Rhys not returning until practically dawn...
I didn’t even want to unpack the details of their lovemaking. River was exceptionally loud, but thankfully, my headset and earbuds did a good job.
But thankfully, it was the weekend and ti for the family picnic.
I didn’t bother wondering what ti Rhys had co back or when River had left—if she even had.
All I cared about was surviving this day. It could either spiral into chaos or surprise by turning out fine.
At this point, I had no expectations.
Jade had been quiet lately. She was still my best friend, even from the past, technically, but sothing between us had shifted.
Conversations were not as frequent as my thoughts. I couldn’t even rember the last ti we laughed so much together like old tis.
"Morning, Jade."
"Morning."
"I’m going to let you rest now."
I did not wait. I yawned and pushed myself off the bed, stretching lazily as I padded to the bathroom.
After a long warm shower, I towel-dried my hair, brushed my teeth, and slipped into sothing light—a yellow tank top with a nipple cover beneath and a fitted white short that ended just under the curve of my ass.
The kind of outfit that scread sunshine and don’t ss with .
I figured I’d get my nails done—sothing simple—and maybe stretch my hair a bit while waiting for my brothers to get ready.
No way was I stepping into a salon today. I wanted to stay indoors and keep to myself until it was ti to head out.
Everything about these rituals—pampering, prepping, soft girl aesthetics—wasn’t new to anymore. Not since all of Spring’s mories ca rushing back.
By the ti I made it downstairs, it was already past 9 a.m. The entire house had been cleaned, no doubt by Rhys’s help, and the cook was already busy in the kitchen.
The aroma of sizzling eggs and roasted peppers wafted through the air.
I walked barefoot to the fridge, grabbed a can of chilled juice, popped it open, and poured it into a cup before heading to the living room.
Just as I sat, my phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
"Hey, Princess. It’s Neil. How are you today? Wanted to co over and take you out on a date."
My brows furrowed. I rolled my eyes and typed back.
:No. Busy.
Send.
I barely dropped the phone on the armrest before another ssage ca through.
Neil:Hey Spring, please give a chance. I just want to get to know you better.
I sighed, fingers flying over the screen.
:I’m not interested in a date, Neil. And how did you even get my number?
His reply ca almost instantly.
Neil:It was pretty easy, actually.
Creepy. I clenched my jaw, debating if I should block him or just ignore him.
Before I could make a decision, the sound of footsteps creaked down the stairs, followed by the soft rumble of Rhys’s groggy voice.
I looked up and paused.
Rhys appeared shirtless, hair tousled, looking like he had barely slept. But what truly made blink was River trailing behind him, wearing nothing but his oversized shirt and a pair of familiar boxers.
She wrapped her arms around him like so trophy, resting her chin on his shoulder. When she spotted , her smile tightened.
I knew that look. She wasn’t smiling at , she was marking territory.
Rhys walked toward and leaned down to peck my forehead. "Morning, Spring."
I humd, forcing a neutral expression. "Morning. Sleep well?"
River moved to his side and kissed his cheek possessively. "We did," she purred. "Though we did sothing else more."
I ignored her, looking at Rhys instead. "What ti did you get back?"
"Late," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn’t an to wake you."
"You didn’t," I said, keeping my tone cool.
"Oh, so not even our ti together woke you up?" I knew River was trying desperately to make jealousy but why the heck?
"No. Had my headset on for soti before switching to my earbuds for ease while I slept soundly like a baby."
River gritted her teeth and I smiled.
Rhys glanced around. "Kaius and Erys here yet?"
I shook my head. "Not yet."
"Mom called?"
Another head shake. "Nope."
Rhys sighed and nodded. "Alright."
I caught another glance at River’s attire—his shirt drowning her fra, those boxers hanging loosely on her thighs. But I said nothing. I didn’t need to. The air spoke volus.
"You excited for the picnic?" Rhys asked, trying to lighten the mood as he took a seat in the living room.
I shrugged, sipping my juice. "We’ll see how it goes."
River rolled her eyes. "Well, I could co too."
Rhys turned to her. "It’s strictly family."
Her face contorted. "Spring isn’t even family. She’s adopted."
A sharp silence fell between us. My jaw tensed, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t have to because Rhys’s expression hardened.
When he spoke, his voice was low and cutting. "That doesn’t an she isn’t a Kaine. Don’t say that again. I hate anyone bullying my family, espoecially my sister."
River looked stunned, her mouth slightly agape as she stepped back.
Before anything more could be said, the doorbell rang.
"Perfect timing," Rhys mumbled, already walking toward the door.
River and I were left alone.
I didn’t look at her, and she didn’t speak either, thankfully.
I lifted my phone from the armrest and blinked when another text from Neil flashed across the screen.
Neil: I hope you’re not ignoring , Princess. It’s not like you to be this cold.
Ugh. It’s exactly like .
"Hmm," River suddenly said, her voice cutting through the silence like a dull blade. "You and your little boyfriend chatting?"
I rolled my eyes and refused to dignify her with a response.
"You know it’s rude not to respond when soone talks to you," she pressed, smugness dripping from her tone.
"And it’s also rude," I said, still not looking at her, "for adults to speak without filtering their words."
There was a pause, then the beginnings of a scoff.
"Why you..."
I stood before she could finish whatever recycled insult was loading in her brain. But I didn’t make it far when the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Rhys and Eryx entered the room.
River imdiately straightened. Her brows knitted together in a tight scowl, and her entire body tensed like she’d just spotted an ex who owed her money.
I, on the other hand, found myself scoffing softly. I turned toward the two n, taking in Rhys’s relaxed but tired expression, and Eryx, who looked way too good in casual black joggers and a maroon tee that hugged his arms just right.
"Spring," Eryx said, and I noticed the way his eyes flicked over River quickly with mild distaste before locking on again. His expression shifted, brighter, warr. "Hey, love."
"Hey big bro. Good morning."
"Love?" River questioned but no one paid her any heed.
"It’s definitely a better morning now that I’ve seen you. Co here."
He opened his arms and pulled into a solid hug.
His scent wrapped around like a whisper of comfort I didn’t realize I missed.
"See you later, Rhys," Eryx said over his shoulder, gently steering toward the hallway. "I’ll help her get ready."
We made our way up the stairs, side by side, but not saying much. I could feel River’s glare drilling holes into my back, but I didn’t turn around.
Once inside my room, Eryx shut the door behind us and leaned casually against it, arms crossed.
"So... this Neil guy," he said, arching a brow.
I groaned, walking to my dresser. "Don’t start."
"I’m not. Just asking questions," he said, hands raised in mock innocence. "Seems like soone’s blowing up your phone."
I glanced at him through the mirror and caught the subtle twitch at the corner of his mouth.
His eyes lingered on my reflection for a mont too long before he quickly looked away, pretending to study the room.
I turned to face him. "Neil’s harmless. Just persistent. And annoying."
"Persistent guys usually have an agenda."
"And older brothers who interrogate their sister’s suitors usually have control issues."
Eryx chuckled, pushing off the door and walking toward . "You caught . Guilty."
I looked up at him, and for a second, the air between us changed. His smile faltered just a bit, and his eyes... they lingered. Longer than usual. Like he wanted to say sothing else.
"You okay?" I asked, folding my arms, pretending not to notice the way his gaze dipped—just briefly—to the hem of my tank top that had ridden up an inch.
"Yeah," he said quickly, blinking. "Just... you look different today."
"Different how?"
He scratched the back of his neck, eyes flicking to mine again. "Grown. Stronger. You’ve always been beautiful, Spring. But now you seem... grounded."
It did.
But my stomach fluttered at the way he said it. The way his voice dropped a little lower, more thoughtful.
"I guess... I’ve had to beco more myself. Everything’s felt off since I got back. So much has changed."
"Got back?"
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