Severed wings

Jaylyn Brennan returned to Sovereign City that day, only to run straight into Haiden Holland’s rumored new love.

She had just finished gathering her remaining belongings from the penthouse. As she walked past the second-floor landing toward the exit, she glanced down into the sunken living room. Haiden had gathered his inner circle for a game of cards.

A girl was nestled in his lap.

She looked to be in her early twenties, with fair skin that exuded a natural, makeup-free innocence. Her features bore a faint, thirty-percent resemblance to Jaylyn’s. Only, she looked far more pure. Far more compliant.

Spurred on by the teasing from the table, the girl was currently looking at Haiden with a helpless expression, holding her cards. Haiden, looking highly entertained, was guiding her on which one to play. The intimate posture was something his friends clearly took in stride.

Just as Haiden pointed out a second card for her, someone laughed and teased, "Come on, Haiden, that's a foul. You said the lady of the house had to play her own hand. No cheating."

The lady of the house.

Jaylyn’s steps paused gracefully. For all the years she had operated in the shadows as Haiden’s indispensable assistant and secret lover, his friends had always maintained a polite distance, referring to her strictly as "Secretary Brennan." It hadn't been long since she and Haiden had cut ties, and already, titles were being freely handed out.

She looked over. The girl seemed a bit shy, biting her lip and insisting on playing the next card herself.

Haiden raised an eyebrow, plucked a card from her fingers, and tossed it onto the table. He lowered his head, coaxing the girl in his arms, "Ignore them. Play however you want. Any losses go on my tab."

Jaylyn blinked, momentarily zoning out. It was the first time she had ever heard him use such a gentle, indulgent tone.

Finally, someone noticed her presence.

"Secretary Brennan?" It was Declan, one of Haiden's oldest friends, his voice laced with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Jaylyn gave a polite nod, her composure flawless. "I left some things here previously. Since I was back in the city, I dropped by to pick them up."

The expressions around the table turned intriguing. These were Haiden's closest friends; everyone here knew Jaylyn had been with him for nearly seven years.