Chapter 155 Sunrise Solidarity

Chapter 155 Sunrise Solidarity
Mia: POV

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting warm stripes across the rumpled sheets. I was deep in that perfect sleep when urgent knocking jolted me awake. My eyes flew open, heart racing.

Nathan was already pulling on his pants, looking equally flustered. "How did she even know about your mom?"

I raked fingers through my sleep-tangled hair, catching my reflection in the mirror—puffy eyes still showing traces of last night's tears.

"We need to hurry," I hissed, yanking a sweater over my head. "If Camellia sees us coming out of the same room..."

"I think that ship has sailed," Nathan replied, nodding toward the bed that clearly showed two people had slept there.

I groaned, quickly splashing water on my face before opening the door. The moment we stepped into the hallway, Camellia came barreling toward me, wrapping me in a fierce hug that nearly knocked me off my feet.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded, her voice muffled against my shoulder.

Behind her, Richard stood with his hands in his pockets, exchanging some kind of knowing look with Nathan before stepping forward to clap him on the shoulder.

"You look like shit," Richard told Nathan with a grin. "Long night?"

Camellia pulled back, her eyes moving between Nathan and me, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "I've been telling Richard for days you two would end up together."

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "How did you even know to come here?"

Richard made a show of checking his watch. "I won our bet, by the way," he told Nathan, making a 'pay up' gesture with his fingers.

"You guys had a bet about us?" I asked, mortified but somehow pleased.

"Sometimes the most obvious things are hardest to see," Nathan replied smoothly, his arm settling around my shoulders in a gesture that felt surprisingly natural.

Mom stood in the kitchen doorway, her expression a complicated mix of joy and worry, her eyes darting between Nathan and me before settling on Camellia.

"Come on," I said to Cam, grabbing her hand. "Help me with your bags."

I pulled her into the hallway, away from the others. Morning light streamed through the window, illuminating dust particles dancing between us.

"Seriously, Cam, how did you know about Mom?" I asked urgently. "I didn't tell you how bad it was."

Camellia took my hands in hers, her gaze softening. "Because I know you, Mia."

"But I barely said anything in my texts."

"Exactly." She squeezed my hands. "Your last reply was just three words. You normally text me paragraphs."

I blinked in surprise.

"You didn't ask about Nola once," she continued. "You always demand at least three new photos of her every day."

Her eyes searched mine. "You didn't even respond to that video I sent of me burning dinner. That's not like you."

My throat tightened. "I didn't realize I was so transparent."

"You didn't laugh at my joke about my cooking disaster," she said softly. "That's when I knew something was seriously wrong. I couldn't sleep, so I made Richard help me figure out what was happening."

Tears pricked my eyes. "You came here because I didn't laugh at a joke?"

"That's what family does, dummy." She wiped a tear from my cheek. "We hear your heartbeat in between the lines."

Back in the living room, Mom was gently scolding Camellia. "I specifically asked Mia not to tell you. You have your business, your marriage, and Nola. I didn't want my problems disrupting your life."

Camellia crossed the room, taking Mom's thin hands in hers. "Jennifer, you're my aunt, but you've been my second mother."

Her voice cracked slightly. "When my father tried to control my life, you stood in that courtroom and fought for me. When I needed money to start NexaCore, you gave me your savings."

I watched Mom's chin tremble as she tried to maintain composure.

"There wouldn't be a NexaCore—or the me I am today—without you," Camellia finished, her eyes shining.

Nathan cleared his throat, breaking the emotional moment. "If you hadn't arrived today, we were planning to take Jennifer to Dana-Farber in Boston."

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Ramirez?"

Nathan nodded. "He's agreed to review her case."

I noticed a meaningful glance pass between them, like they shared some secret knowledge.

"I hope you'll all come," I said, looking around at everyone. "Mom and I could use the support."

Mom shook her head. "Camellia, Nola needs you. She's only three months old."

"We have a wonderful nanny," Camellia insisted. "So don't worry."

"You don't have to do this," Mom protested weakly.

"Family supports each other," Richard said, his tone casual but his eyes serious. "Besides, doesn't Nathan have a private jet? We can be back quickly if needed."

Mom finally nodded, clearly moved. "I'm so fortunate to have all of you."

"I made breakfast," Mom announced, ushering us toward the dining room. "You must be hungry after your trip."

I noticed she'd set out Nathan's favorite muffins, a small gesture that warmed my heart.

As we gathered around the table, Richard and Nathan fell into conversation about Boston's medical facilities, speaking with a familiarity that suggested they'd discussed such matters before.

Camellia pulled out her phone, showing us videos of Nola attempting somersaults and babbling her first words. Soon we were all laughing, the heaviness momentarily lifted.

"What's Ramirez's approach?" Richard asked, his tone suddenly professional.

Nathan launched into details about treatment options, while I watched with pride at how much research he'd done for Mom.

By noon, sunlight flooded the room as we prepared to leave. Walking toward the car, Richard suddenly announced, "Weather's perfect. I'll fly us today."

I stopped in my tracks. "Wait, you can fly a plane? I thought you just raced cars!"

Richard shot Nathan a conspiratorial look. "Those special Stanford courses came in handy, right, Nathan? And you're not the only one who—"

Nathan coughed loudly. "Jennifer, we've stocked your favorite tea on board."

I glanced curiously between them, sensing something unspoken. What other secrets were these two hiding?

As we walked toward the waiting jet, our shadows stretched long on the pavement, intertwining like our lives.

Despite the uncertainty ahead, being surrounded by people who loved me gave me strength. Whatever came next, we would face it together.