UNLAWFUL DESIRE | GXG

Chapter 2

Letting out a deep sigh, Mia's gaze drifted aimlessly. She chuckled softly, shrugging her shoulders until a gentle pat on her head snapped her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she found Nyx smiling down at her. Nyx pulled out a chair and settled beside her, prompting Mia to sit up straighter and clear her throat.

            "So," Nyx began, leaning slightly toward her, "what's with all the sighing?"

            Mia raised her eyebrows, blinking in surprise. "Was I?" she asked, earning an amused nod from Nyx.

            "You definitely were."

            Mia laughed, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I guess I'm just a bit envious of you guys," she admitted, shaking her head. Leaning her elbow on the table and resting her chin in her hand, she continued, "I mean, everyone else has their person. Meanwhile, I'm the odd one out. Feels like I'm gate-crashing a couples' retreat."

            Nyx frowned, her gaze softening as she studied Mia. "Mia," she said gently, "have you ever loved someone so much you'd do anything for them?"

            Tilting her head thoughtfully, Mia nodded. "Of course, I have—at least once. But, you know, that didn't work out so well," she said with a wry chuckle. "Divorced life and all."

            Nyx gave her a reassuring pat on the head. "You're like family to us, Mia. Always have been. And since you're family, can you do me a favor?"

            Mia furrowed her brow, puzzled. "What kind of favor?"

            "Make that someone you love yourself," Nyx said with a small smile. "Love yourself so fiercely that you chase after whatever makes you happy—so long as you're not hurting anyone. Just do it for you."

            Mia blinked, momentarily speechless. She laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Wow, Nyx. Marriage really mellowed you out. I should ask Vera what she's been feeding you," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

            Nyx smirked. "I've been through my fair share of heartbreak, Mia. Leaving behind what you once thought would be your forever isn't easy. But you have to let yourself enjoy what's in front of you now."

            Mia sighed deeply, her smile faltering. "I know, I know," she murmured. "It's just... I didn't think it would end so quickly. A year of marriage, and then—boom! Divorced. Feels like I barely had time to settle in."

            Nyx's expression hardened slightly. "Honestly? It's better it ended sooner rather than later. He cheated on you, Mia. At least now, you're not wasting years of your life on someone who didn't value you."

            Mia clicked her tongue, shaking her head in frustration. "Doesn't mean it doesn't sting. But yeah, I guess you're right." She shrugged. "Still doesn't stop me from feeling envious."

            Nyx nodded in understanding. "It's normal. But don't let it consume you. Life's too short for that, Mia." Standing, she gave Mia a gentle tap on the head. "Come on, cheer up! We're here to have fun, not mope."

            Mia pouted dramatically. "Fine. But at least help me find someone to date, will you?" she joked.

            Nyx smirked but didn't get a chance to reply. The housekeeper appeared at the doorway, addressing her politely. "Ms. Ashley has arrived, Ms. Nyx."

            Mia froze, her ears perking up at the name. Ashley? It couldn't be... No, surely there were plenty of Ashleys in the world. She shook the thought away.

            Nyx nodded to the housekeeper. "Right, let her in." Turning back to Mia, she added, "I'll need to excuse myself for a bit. Go ahead and join the others."