The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Rain's POV

As soon as I stepped into my apartment, Hope suddenly appeared out of nowhere, her tail wagging furiously.

"Hi, baby—hi!" I crouched down, rubbing her fluffy head. Then I noticed her shirt. It was the old blue one with the letter K stitched on it—one of the things Khai gave her back in the day.

A lump formed in my throat, but before I could dwell on it, Aunt Joanne's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Hey! I brought you some vegetables from the farm earlier—I was hoping we could cook some because you look like you haven't tasted one in a decade."

I let out a chuckle, shaking my head. "I missed you too, Aunt Joanne."

She placed the basket on the counter and gave me a knowing look. "You look tired, sweetheart. Long day at work?"

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah. Just a lot of planning for The Azotea project."

"Uh-huh," she said, eyeing me like she could see right through me. "And that's all that's on your mind?"

I turned away, busying myself with removing my coat. "Of course. What else would be on my mind?"

She hummed in response but didn't push. Instead, she clapped her hands together. "Alright, let's cook. You need real food, not just coffee and stress."

I chuckled again, grateful for the distraction. Maybe cooking with Aunt Joanne would help me stop thinking about Khai—about the way she looked so vulnerable, shivering in that hotel bed. About the way my heart nearly betrayed me when she leaned in too close.

I need to get myself together.

As Aunt Joanne and I cooked together, she casually asked, "So, how are things with Mel, darling?"

I let out a deep sigh, stirring the vegetables. "She's still in Banff. She can't come home yet—she's stuck with a new project."

Aunt Joanne nodded thoughtfully. "Well, when she does come home, I'll cook for her."

I smiled at her thoughtfulness, but before I could respond, she changed the subject. "You mentioned a project earlier... what was it called again? The Azotea?"

I took a sip of my tea and nodded. "Yeah."

"What's it about?" she pressed.

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "It's a big project... but not here."

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Where, then?"

I swallowed hard, keeping my voice even. "Jackson."

A brief silence settled between us before she spoke again. "And who's your client?"

I knew she already had a guess. Still, I answered, "The Stanton Corporation."

She turned to me fully now, giving me that pointed look only she could. "Rain..."

Sensing the unspoken concern in her tone, I quickly added, "Don't worry. It's strictly professional. Besides, the budget is huge, and it aligns with the company's values."

Aunt Joanne didn't say anything at first, but her knowing gaze lingered a little too long. I busied myself with the vegetables, hoping she wouldn't press further. But deep down, I knew—she knew.

Aunt Joanne stirred the vegetables, then glanced at me. "So, does that mean you'll be moving to Jackson for a couple of months?"

I shook my head. "Not really. I'll assign some engineers to oversee the project. I might need to be there occasionally, but I won't stay long in Jackson." I paused for a moment, then added, "That place... it left a big void in me."