Thea’s POV

Sebastian stormed toward us, fury radiating from him. He yanked me from my chair and kissed me hard. Normally, I wouldn't mind his kisses, but this one was different—full of anger and bitterness. It was punishing, almost brutal, as if he were staking his claim, trying to erase Kane's name from my lips.

I remained motionless, refusing to reciprocate. I wanted answers; he'd interrupted Iris just as she was about to tell me where Kane was. When he noticed my lack of response, he stopped and stepped back. Anger still blazed in his eyes, but it didn't intimidate me, especially not when I desperately needed to know what had happened to the man I’d fallen in love with—the man who’d done the impossible: made me leave Sebastian.

“I want answers, Sebastian, and I want them now,” I demanded, crossing my arms. “Tell me where Kane is.”

The storm in his green eyes intensified.

“I don’t want to hear his fucking name again,” he growled, fists clenched. “I told you what’s important, and that’s all you need to know. You don’t need to know where he is.”

His answer ignited my anger. How dare he? We were discussing my child’s father, and he refused to tell me more.

“He’s Phoenix’s father, and I have every right to know who he is and where he is. This isn’t something I’m backing down from, whether you like it or not,” I hissed, jabbing my finger into his chest.

“No!” His tone was hard, reminiscent of the Sebastian I knew. “That’s final.”

“Maybe you should tell her,” Iris interjected, drawing his angry glare.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” he snarled. “Get out of my house.”

His treatment of Iris infuriated me. I’d become complacent with his recent changes, forgetting just how much of an asshole he could be.

I yelled, even more furious. “Don’t talk to my friend like that.”

“You barely know her,” he scoffed.

My heart ached as he reminded me I couldn't remember my best friend because of my brain damage—something beyond my control.

“You’re such an asshole, but I shouldn’t be surprised; you’ve always been this way to me.” I grabbed Iris’s hand and the baby monitor, dragging her across the lawn and into the house. I couldn’t believe I’d let my guard down. I should have known things were too good to be true.

“Look, I’m going to go, but I’ll come back another day,” Iris said. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble between you two.”

I exhaled, deflating with frustration. “It’s not your fault. I just don’t understand why he’s acting this way.”

She looked at me as if I were joking. “Are you kidding? Can’t you see why he wouldn’t tell you where Kane is, or why he doesn’t want you to mention his name?”

I shook my head. None of it made sense. Kane was part of my life because of Phoenix. Unless he didn't want to be involved, I wouldn't exclude him from our daughter’s life.

“It’s because he’s jealous,” she finally said. “It’s obvious to everyone except you. He doesn’t want you near Kane because he’s fucking jealous.”

I almost laughed, then remembered what he’d said last night. I hadn’t fully believed him then, but could this be true?

Before I could respond, Phoenix started crying.

“Go, she needs you more. I’ll see myself out, and maybe we can arrange a girls’ day out with Sophia another time,” she said, smiling.

“Alright,” I sighed, regretting I couldn’t make her stay longer, especially since she didn’t give me a chance to convince her otherwise. She hugged me, and I went upstairs. I heard the door open and close before entering Phoenix’s room. I picked her up from the crib, kissed her cheek, and took her to the changing table. Her diaper wasn't wet, so she was probably hungry.