Letting out a deep sigh, Mia's gaze drifted aimlessly. She chuckled softly, shrugging her shoulders until a gentle pat on her head snapped her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she found Nyx smiling down at her. Nyx pulled out a chair and settled beside her, prompting Mia to sit up straighter and clear her throat.

"So," Nyx began, leaning slightly toward her, "what's with all the sighing?"

Mia raised her eyebrows, blinking in surprise. "Was I?" she asked, earning an amused nod from Nyx.

"You definitely were."

Mia laughed, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I guess I'm just a bit envious of you guys," she admitted, shaking her head. Leaning her elbow on the table and resting her chin in her hand, she continued, "I mean, everyone else has their person. Meanwhile, I'm the odd one out. Feels like I'm gate-crashing a couples' retreat."

Nyx frowned, her gaze softening as she studied Mia. "Mia," she said gently, "have you ever loved someone so much you'd do anything for them?"

Tilting her head thoughtfully, Mia nodded. "Of course, I have—at least once. But, you know, that didn't work out so well," she said with a wry chuckle. "Divorced life and all."

Nyx gave her a reassuring pat on the head. "You're like family to us, Mia. Always have been. And since you're family, can you do me a favor?"

Mia furrowed her brow, puzzled. "What kind of favor?"

"Make that someone you love yourself," Nyx said with a small smile. "Love yourself so fiercely that you chase after whatever makes you happy—so long as you're not hurting anyone. Just do it for you."

Mia blinked, momentarily speechless. She laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Wow, Nyx. Marriage really mellowed you out. I should ask Vera what she's been feeding you," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Nyx smirked. "I've been through my fair share of heartbreak, Mia. Leaving behind what you once thought would be your forever isn't easy. But you have to let yourself enjoy what's in front of you now."

Mia sighed deeply, her smile faltering. "I know, I know," she murmured. "It's just... I didn't think it would end so quickly. A year of marriage, and then—boom! Divorced. Feels like I barely had time to settle in."

Nyx's expression hardened slightly. "Honestly? It's better it ended sooner rather than later. He cheated on you, Mia. At least now, you're not wasting years of your life on someone who didn't value you."

Mia clicked her tongue, shaking her head in frustration. "Doesn't mean it doesn't sting. But yeah, I guess you're right." She shrugged. "Still doesn't stop me from feeling envious."

Nyx nodded in understanding. "It's normal. But don't let it consume you. Life's too short for that, Mia." Standing, she gave Mia a gentle tap on the head. "Come on, cheer up! We're here to have fun, not mope."

Mia pouted dramatically. "Fine. But at least help me find someone to date, will you?" she joked.

Nyx smirked but didn't get a chance to reply. The housekeeper appeared at the doorway, addressing her politely. "Ms. Ashley has arrived, Ms. Nyx."

Mia froze, her ears perking up at the name. Ashley? It couldn't be... No, surely there were plenty of Ashleys in the world. She shook the thought away.

Nyx nodded to the housekeeper. "Right, let her in." Turning back to Mia, she added, "I'll need to excuse myself for a bit. Go ahead and join the others."

Mia stood reluctantly, brushing off her jeans. But just as she turned, her gaze locked on the familiar figure walking in with Nyx.

"You!" Mia exclaimed, pointing dramatically.

Nyx glanced between them, puzzled. "You know each other?"

Ashley smirked. "Oh, it's just Mia," she said, arms crossing over her chest.

Mia narrowed her eyes. "The weird detective," she muttered.

Nyx's brows shot up. "Weird detective? Just Mia?" Her head swiveled between the two. "Wait—what's going on here?"

Mia chuckled, crossing her arms. "We bumped into each other earlier, that's all. Didn't think I'd see her again, though." She tilted her head at Nyx. "You know her?"

Nyx nodded, still looking a little lost. "Yeah, Ashley's a friend of mine. A detective, obviously." She gestured between the two of them. "And Mia here, are like family to us. What a small world."

Ashley's smirk grew. "Guess it's fate," she teased, her eyes lingering on Mia.

Mia huffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please. Don't start with that."

Nyx shook her head, a grin breaking across her face. "This is going to be interesting."



Mia glanced over her shoulder at the Pierce siblings chatting with Ashley nearby. Tilting her head slightly, she let her gaze linger for a moment before turning her attention back to the group at the table. Vera was watching her with an amused smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"What's with that look?" Mia asked, narrowing her eyes at Vera in confusion.

Vera scoffed lightly. "I'm just wondering which one of them you were checking out," she teased, nodding toward the four women a few meters away. "Was it my wife? Riley? Harriet? Or... don't tell me it was Ashley?"

Sienna and Zoey immediately perked up, their gazes snapping to Mia with curious amusement.

Mia blinked, her eyes widening. "Oh my gosh, you guys! I'm straight, for goodness' sake!" she exclaimed, laughing nervously as she reached for her juice.

Sienna laughed as well, shaking her head. "Weren't we all straight before?" she said with a wink, sending the group into fits of laughter.

Mia nearly choked on her drink. "What the— That doesn't mean I'm—" she stammered, then stopped herself, gulping audibly. "I'm straight. I'm straight," she repeated as if trying to convince herself.

Sienna's laughter grew louder. "You keep saying that like it's a mantra," she teased.

"I'm just emphasizing," Mia muttered, her cheeks flushing as she bit her lip.

Vera leaned in, her tone soft but playful. "Sweetheart, no one's questioning you. But you're looking pretty funny right now, trying so hard to convince us."

Mia groaned, leaning forward and dropping her head onto her folded arms. "Do you think I should try?" she asked suddenly, glancing up with a sheepish grin.

The table fell silent, three sets of eyes now fixed on her in surprise.

"Try what?" Sienna asked, frowning slightly.

"You're not saying that just because you're bored, are you?" Zoey added, her voice laced with concern.

Mia shrugged, avoiding their gazes. "I'm just curious," she started, but Sienna quickly reached over and smacked her arm lightly.

"Ouch!" Mia yelped, rubbing the spot.

"The heck, Mia? Are you nuts?" Sienna asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mia burst into laughter. "What? It's not like I'm planning to date a woman or anything. I'm just saying... I'm straight. That's it. Straight as a ruler."

"You keep repeating it," Sienna said with a knowing smile, "like you're trying to remind yourself of something."

"Do I really sound like that?" Mia asked, leaning closer to Sienna.

Sienna nodded, chuckling. "You do. But hey, if waving the straight flag makes you happy, go for it."

Zoey and Vera burst out laughing at Sienna's remark, their laughter contagious.

Mia pouted, crossing her arms. "You're all terrible," she grumbled, though a smile tugged at her lips.

Vera shook her head, wiping a tear from her eye. "All jokes aside, Mia, are you seriously thinking about getting revenge on your ex?" she asked, her tone growing more serious.

Mia's smile faded as she exhaled deeply. "I don't know. Maybe? I mean, the bastard cheated on me and got off scot-free. Meanwhile, I'm the one being blamed for the divorce, like it's my fault our marriage ended." She scoffed bitterly, shaking her head.

Zoey leaned forward, her gaze gentle. "Will it make you happy, though? Getting revenge?"

Mia hesitated, her fingers toying with the edge of her glass. "I don't know," she admitted. "It's just... I want to get even. He ruined my reputation, my career, my life—why should he get to walk away without consequences?"

Vera reached across the table, placing a hand on Mia's. "Your divorce is settled, Mia. Dwelling on revenge will only hold you back. What's your plan, anyway?"

"I don't have one," Mia confessed with a frustrated sigh. "It's not like I've figured out the logistics or anything."

"Oh, fuck!" she groaned, her head dropping into her hands.

A tiny voice beside her echoed, "Fuck!"

Mia's head snapped up, her eyes widening in horror. "Shiloh!" she exclaimed, turning to the little boy sitting beside her.

Shiloh giggled, covering his mouth with his hands.

"Oh gosh," Mia muttered, smacking her forehead as she realized she'd forgotten Vera's son was sitting there.

Vera sighed, rubbing her temple. "Shiloh, sweetie," she said patiently, "what did Mama tell you about that word? It's not nice."

"Sorry, Mama," Shiloh said, pouting adorably.

Mia looked at Vera, mortified. "I'm so sorry, Vera. I didn't mean to—"

Vera laughed, waving off her apology. "Relax, Mia. It's not your fault. Besides, he's heard worse from Nyx." She stood, taking Shiloh's hand. "Come on, kiddo. Let's go find some juice for you."

Mia slumped in her chair, groaning softly. Why are you like this, Mia?