Page 92 of The Hotel Room

Lily blinked, her fork pausing midair.

Noah raised an eyebrow.

Leah was watching her closely now, brow furrowing in concern.

James noticed too. He lifted his head, his gaze softening instantly.

“Kate?” His voice was gentle, careful.

And just like that—

The tears came.

Hot. Unstoppable.

Kate pressed her hands over her face, shoulders shaking as the sob escaped, ragged and painful.

“Oh, honey,” Leah said instantly, standing so fast her chair scraped against the floor. She was at Kate’s side in seconds, wrapping her arms around her. “It’s okay. Let it out.”

Kate crumpled into her sister’s embrace, barely registering anything else.

The pain, the confusion, the swirling emotions she couldn’t name—

It was too much.

James’s voice came from somewhere in the background, quiet but steady.

“Noah, Lily—why don’t we head to the living room for a bit, okay? Give Mom and Aunt Leah some space.”

Lily hesitated, her face scrunched in worry. “Is Mommy okay?”

“She’s okay, sweetheart. I promise,” James said softly, pressing a kiss to her temple as he gently guided both children from the room.

Kate barely heard the retreating footsteps.

All she could feel was Leah holding her, whispering quiet reassurances she couldn’t fully process.

Until, suddenly—

The embrace shifted.

The scent of James’s cologne, warm and familiar, surrounded her.

The arms around her changed—stronger, broader.

James.

She stiffened at first, the fresh ache of betrayal rising—

But then he whispered against her hair, voice breaking.

“I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. Let it out, Kate. I’ve got you.”

And she shattered all over again.

Sobbing into his chest, her fists curling weakly against his shirt, her whole body trembling as the emotions finally overwhelmed her.

James just held her tighter.

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