Silver sat across from Charlie at Neon Harbor, already a bit tipsy when he arrived.
"Parel is pregnant," she slurred slightly, her voice shaky. "And Jayden proposed to her. They're going to marry soon. It's happening just like the last time."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, concern creeping into his features. "What? How are you feeling about it?"
Silver sighed, rubbing her temples. "I'm upset, Charlie. My sister is carrying the child of our murderer from our first life. I was happy last time, but this time I can't be. Everything feels like it's about to go horribly wrong again. And I hate the child, too."
Charlie leaned in, his expression serious. "Silver, the child is innocent."
Silver looked him straight in the eyes. "I know, but it's his too. And I hate that fact."
Charlie took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I get that this is hard for you, but focusing on hate won't help. We need to think about what's best for your family."
Silver shook her head, frustration boiling over. "But how can I protect them if I can't even warn them? They see Jayden as this great guy, and I know what he really is. I feel trapped."
"Then let's come up with a plan," Charlie said, his tone steady. "You can talk to your parents."
"Then let's come up with a plan," Charlie said, his tone steady. "You can talk to your parents."
"I will try, but…" Silver drained her glass, the alcohol fueling her anxiety before continuing, "Charlie, we only have five days left."
"Don't worry, nothing will happen this time," Charlie said, looking straight into her eyes. "I'm going to make sure of it."
Silver felt a rush of determination. "Thank you, my lion." Charlie nodded, a soft smile on his face. "Always here for you, Silver. We'll get through this together."
Silver sighed heavily, her expression darkening. "I just wish they could see Jayden for what he is. I want to protect them from him."
Charlie's face grew serious. "That's why you need to be careful. If you approach them the wrong way, they might dismiss your concerns."
"Right," Silver said, her mind racing. "Maybe I can find a way to show them the truth without directly accusing him."
"Good idea," Charlie said, sounding supportive. "I'll share the evidence we've found so far with you tomorrow. It can help you out."
"Thank you, Charlie. Maybe they'll believe me if they see that Jayden is Winten Gill's grandson," Silver said, her voice trailing off as she passed out on the table, her head hitting the surface with a soft thud.
Charlie blinked, momentarily startled. He looked at her, a mix of concern and fondness washing over him. "Guess I'll have to carry you home, huh?" He paid their bill, stood up, and gently lifted her, cradling her in his arms.
As he carried her out of the bar, he couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety. He was determined to protect her and her family this time. He wasn't going to lose her again. "I love you, Silver," he said softly, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead as he settled her carefully into his car.
A soft knock came at the door before her father slowly pushed it open, just enough to peek inside the room. "Good morning, Silver," he greeted her with a warm smile when he saw she was awake.
"Good morning, Dad," Silver replied, sitting up groggily.
"Do you remember how you got home last night?" he asked, opening the door wider and stepping inside.
Silver's face flushed as bits of the previous night flashed in her mind. She had been drunk and passed out. Charlie must have brought me home, she thought.
Her father's expression shifted slightly. "When were you going to tell us you have a boyfriend?" he asked seriously.
"Sorry, Dad... I was going to tell you, but..." Silver trailed off, unsure of how to finish her sentence.
Her father sighed, crossing his arms, clearly not angry but not entirely pleased either. "Silver, I'm not upset, but I would've liked to hear it from you first." His voice was calm, but there was a hint of disappointment.
Silver bit her lip, feeling guilty. "I know, Dad. I should've told you guys and introduced him properly, but there was just so much on my mind." She glanced down at her hands, twisting the blanket nervously.
Her father nodded and moved closer to sit on the edge of her bed. "I can see you have a lot on your mind. Just know I'm always here when you're ready to talk."
"Thank you, Dad," Silver replied, appreciating his support.
"Is Charlie treating you well?" her father asked.
"Yeah, he is," Silver answered quickly, her heart easing a little. "He's a good person."
Her father smiled. "I saw that last night. He seems like a nice gentleman."
Silver nodded as her father stood up. "Good. Now, get ready for the day. Your mom's making breakfast."
"Yes, Dad." As the door closed behind him, Silver let out a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and nerves about what lay ahead.
The aroma of pancakes wafted through the house as Silver made her way to the kitchen. Her parents were already seated at the table, chatting and enjoying their breakfast. Her older sister, Parel, was there, playfully teasing their younger sister, Ruby, about her messy hair.
"Good morning, sweetheart!" her mom called, smiling warmly as she poured syrup onto her stack of pancakes.
"Morning!" Silver replied, sliding into her chair and trying to shake off her nerves.
Parel looked over and smirked. "You're lucky I saved you some pancakes, Ruby was about to eat them all!"
Ruby pouted playfully. "Hey, I was just trying to help!"
Silver chuckled, the lightheartedness easing her tension a bit as they all enjoyed their breakfast. The table was filled with laughter and the sound of forks clinking against plates, but the thought of what she needed to say lingered in her mind.
Once everyone finished eating, Ruby stood up and helped clear the table. Parel stretched, ready to head out for the day. As the noise settled, Silver took a deep breath, her heart racing again.
"Mom, Dad," she said, her voice firm but calm. "Can I talk to you both this evening before dinner? It's important."
Her parents exchanged glances, noting the seriousness in her tone. They nodded at her, concern etched on their faces. "Of course, honey," her mother replied. "We'll be here."
Silver felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you," she said softly, glancing between them.
Her parents exchanged reassuring smiles, their concern momentarily eased. "Just know we're here for you, no matter what," her father said, his tone supportive.