"Come on, Nolan, you promised you'd hit tonight's party. Don't ditch me for an early nap—that's just cold." Jace stood with arms crossed, frustration flickering across his face.
"I don't remember promising anything," Nolan replied, leaning back on the sofa. "Besides, I'm exhausted. I need to rest before the weekend."
Jace narrowed his eyes. "You sound like my grandfather."
Before Nolan could reply, his phone rang. He groaned, already sensing who it was.
"At least the heavens are on my side," Jace said with a smirk. "Punishment for bailing on me."
Nolan glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening. "Hello, Mother."
"Well, well…good evening, Nolan Grayson. How nice of you to finally answer my incessant calls."
"I was busy, Mother."
"Busy? With what? Certainly nothing more important than me."
He stayed silent, letting her sharp tone wash over him.
"You're coming home tomorrow," she continued. "Your sister's anniversary is next week, and we expect you here early."
"Why tomorrow? I can just come next week."
Her voice dropped into venom. "I regret having you. I wish you were the one six feet under instead of Elara. I hate you, Nolan. I hate you."
He ended the call before she could go further. The apartment fell silent.
Jace sat beside him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Don't take it to heart. You know she doesn't mean it."
Nolan gave a dry laugh. "You think she doesn't mean it? You've never been there when she really starts spitting fire. Usually, I let it slide…but today, it got to me. Sometimes I think maybe it really would've been better if—"
"Stop right there." Jace gripped his shoulders firmly. "Don't ever think like that. You're worth more than her words. You're my brother—and you're not alone."
Nolan studied him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You know, sometimes you sound smart. Other times…not so much."
"I'll take that as a compliment. Now you're coming to the party. No arguments."
"Fine," Nolan muttered. "But only because you won't shut up about it."
"You'll thank me later," Jace grinned.