The days at the ranch passed in a blur as Lila tried to process everything; the reunion with her father, Aiden's sudden reappearance and the simmering tension between her and Damon. Each conversation brought new revelations, yet also new complications.
But nothing prepared her for what she found tucked away in a drawer in Jacob's study.
She had been looking for an old photo album her father mentioned when she stumbled upon a stack of letters, yellowed with age. At first, she thought they were from her mother, but as she scanned the words, her breath caught in her throat.
The letters weren't from her mother, they were from Jacob's first wife.
Lila stormed into the kitchen, where Jacob was pouring coffee. Damon sat at the table, watching her with concern as she thrust the letters at Jacob.
"Care to explain these?" she demanded, her voice shaking.
Jacob froze, his face paling as he saw the letters. "Where did you find those?"
"In your study," Lila snapped. "You told me you loved my mother, but these…these letters paint a different story. Who was she, Jacob? And why didn't you tell me about her?"
Jacob sank into a chair, his hands trembling. "Her name was Emily. We were married before I met your mother. She was my first love."
Lila's heart pounded. "What happened?"
"She died," Jacob said, his voice barely above a whisper. "In a car accident. I was driving."
The room fell silent. Lila's anger gave way to shock as she watched her father crumble under the weight of his confession
"I blamed myself for her death," Jacob continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't forgive myself and I thought I didn't deserve happiness after that. When I met your mother, I wanted to love her, but I was still broken. That's why I left. I didn't think I was capable of being the man she needed or the father you needed."
Lila stared at him, her emotions swirling. "You could've told me," she said softly. "I deserved to know the truth."
"I know," Jacob said, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, Lila. For everything."
Later that evening, Lila sat outside on the porch, staring up at the stars. Damon joined her, his quiet presence grounding her.
"Are you okay?" he asked after a long silence.
"I don't know," she admitted. "I came here to find answers, but all I've found are more questions."
"That's life," Damon said gently. "It's messy and complicated. But you're strong, Lila. You'll figure it out."
She looked at him, her heart aching at the warmth in his eyes. "Thank you for being here," she said. "I don't think I could've done this without you."
"You don't have to do it alone," he replied, his voice steady. "I'm here for as long as you need me."
The next morning, Aiden arrived at the ranch. Lila felt her chest tighten as she saw him standing on the porch, his eyes scanning the property until they landed on her.
"I needed to see this place," he said as he approached her. "To understand what's been keeping you here."
Lila crossed her arms. "And now that you're here?"
"I can see why you'd want to stay," he said. "But I also see how much it's hurting you. You're carrying so much, Lila. Let me help."
Her voice wavered. "How can I trust you, Aiden? You hurt me. You doubted me."
"I know," he said, stepping closer. "And I hate myself for it. But I love you, Lila. I never stopped."
Before she could respond, Damon stepped onto the porch. His presence was like a storm cloud, charged and tense.
"Aiden," Damon said, his tone clipped.
"Damon," Aiden replied, his jaw tightening.
The tension between them crackled like lightning. Lila felt caught in the middle, the weight of their unspoken rivalry pressing down on her.
"I need space," she said finally, her voice firm. "From both of you. I can't think clearly with all this… noise."
Aiden opened his mouth to protest, but Damon cut him off. "She's right. Let her breathe."