Chapter 26
Amelia’s POV
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The yard smelled of frosting and laughter. Pink balloons clung to the wooden fence, some already wilting in the late afternoon heat, while the remains of Scarlett’s unicorn cake sat proudly on the center table, surrounded by paper plates sticky with crumbs and melted ice cream. My little girl was still running circles around the lawn, her curls bouncing, her laughter loud enough to make my chest ache in the best and worst
way.
It was her day, her sixth birthday, and seeing her so happy made every sacrifice worth it. Every sleepless night, every double shift, every tear I’d swallowed in silence.
“Mummy, look!” Scarlett came rushing over, clutching a cheap tiara one of her friends had given her. She planted it on her head crookedly, grinning so wide I thought my heart would burst.
I knelt down to fix it, brushing stray strands of hair off her forehead. “There. Now you’re the prettiest princess I’ve ever seen.”
“Make a wish, Scarlett!” Everyone chorused as Leyla carried out the cake. It was a small one, nothing extravagant, just chocolate with pink frosting and little sugar flowers we had decorated together the night before.
Scarlett closed her eyes, and blew out the seven flickering candles in one determined puff. Everyone clapped, and she grinned proudly.
“I wish for my daddy.”
The chatter quieted, just for a beat, and I felt my throat close. Scarlett looked around expectantly, smiling, waiting.
I froze. My hands tightened on the tablecloth I was adjusting, my heart a painful drumbeat against my ribs. My daughter’s words echoed in my head, louder and sharper with every second.
I wish for my daddy.
I swallowed, plastering a smile on my face as the kids quickly returned to their giggles and cake. Only Leyla’s eyes met mine, soft and understanding, as if she could see the storm tearing me apart inside.
Scarlett didn’t know what she was asking for. Or maybe she did, in the only way a child could.
I blinked away the sting of tears and kept busy–pouring juice, passing out plates, laughing when I was supposed to laugh. But inside, memories clawed at me.
Those nights when Scarlett had fevers and I’d stayed up with a wet cloth, whispering lullabies even when I had to be at work by dawn. The rejection from hospitals that had once been my dream workplaces because I was a single mother with no “support system.” The endless balancing act of wanting to give her the world but only being able to afford the basics.
The lonely silence when she asked questions I didn’t have the strength to answer. Do I have a daddy? Where is
he?
20:38 Wed, Jan 28
Chapter 26
A 73
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After the party wound down, parents collected their kids, the yard slowly emptied, leaving only scattered cups, torn gift wrappings, and the faint buzz of cicadas. Scarlett clung to my dress, her little shoulders slumping.
“Why are you sad, honey?” I asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“I just wanted…” She hesitated, biting her lip. “I just wanted my daddy to come. Do you think… maybe next year… Daddy can come too?”
I forced a smile, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Sweetheart… Your wishes are always special. Maybe someday, okay?”
She sighed sadly.
My heart cracked again, but I forced myself to keep smiling. “Hey, how about some ice cream instead? Just you and me. We’ll make it a little after–party.”
Her face brightened instantly. “Really?”
“Really,” I promised.
I turned to lead her inside when headlights flashed across the lawn. A sleek black car slowed and pulled up in front of the house. My steps faltered, my pulse spiking. I wondered who it could be.
The door opened, and stepped out Lewis.
I masked my shock with a polite smile and quickly bent down to Scarlett. “Sweetheart, why don’t you run in and tell Aunt Leyla to change you into something comfy for ice cream, okay?”
Scarlett pouted but nodded, waving before dashing inside. I let out a shaky breath and walked toward Lewis, folding my arms across my chest.
“Hi, Lewis,” I greeted, forcing cheerfulness I didn’t feel. “What are you doing here? How did you even find my place?”
His eyes weren’t on me, they were following Scarlett’s little figure as she disappeared inside.
“Who was that?” he asked bluntly.
I froze, then arched my brow. “Who?”
“The little girl who just ran in.”
I let out a light chuckle, feigning innocence. “What little girl?”
“Amelia,” he said firmly, eyes narrowing, “don’t play games. There was a child with you when I drove in.”
I grabbed two empty plates from the table, pretending to focus on cleanup. “You must have been seeing things.” I forced a laugh. “Anyway, what are you doing here?”
Lewis sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “Edmund sent me.”
20:38 Wed, Jan 28
Chapter 26
Of course. My jaw tightened. “What does he want now?”
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he asked, raising his brows.
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“Another time, maybe.” I gestured at the mess around us. “As you can see, there’s a lot to do. Unless you want to help.”
He snorted but crouched down anyway, picking up paper cups with me.
“Why are you here, Lewis?” I asked again, sharper this time.
“You were supposed to have a meeting with him this morning,” he said flatly.
I rolled my eyes. “I told him clearly I had no interest in working with him on the project. Yet he insists on sending his messenger boy.”
“First things first, I’m not Edmund’s messenger boy.”
I snorted. “yeah right.”
“And secondly-” Lewis’s jaw ticked. “What exactly is the issue here, Amelia? Why are you avoiding him?”
“Who said I was avoiding him?” I shot back.
“It sure looks like it,” he muttered.
I exhaled, rubbing my temple. “Look, Lewis, I just don’t-”
“Mummy! Mummy!” Scarlett’s voice rang out, and my heart lurched. She ran toward me, curls bouncing, holding her little arms up. “Aunt Leyla can’t find the special pack!” she announced. Then she spotted Lewis and gave a polite smile. “Good evening, sir.”
Lewis’s eyes widened slightly. He crouched, meeting her gaze. “Hello, beauty. What’s your name?”
“Scarlett,” she answered proudly.
My chest clenched.
“You look so much like someone I know,” Lewis murmured, glancing at me meaningfully.
Panic surged. I swooped in, scooping Scarlett close. “Sweetheart, why don’t you go help Aunt Leyla? I’ll be with you soon, okay?”
Scarlett nodded, waved at Lewis, and skipped back inside.
Lewis’s gaze followed her, then snapped to me, sharper, suspicious. “She called you mummy.”
I straightened, chin high. “Lewis, I’m busy. I don’t have the time to answer your questions,” I said, “just let Edmund know that I won’t be doing the project with him.”
I turned to walk away, but his hand shot out, gripping mine. Not harshly, but firmly enough to stop me.
20:38 Wed, Jan 28
Chapter 26
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“Judging from what I just saw, I’m guessing they’re other things Edmund should know. Amelia.” His voice was low, dangerous. “Why does that child have the same birthmark on her arm as Edmund?” His eyes bored into mine. “And why the hell did she just call you mummy?”
The world tilted. My mind scrambled for excuses, denials, anything. But Lewis’s expression told me he wasn’t going to let this go.
I bit down hard on my lip, fighting the tears already threatening to spill.
“Please,” I whispered, my voice breaking as I tugged my hand free. “Please don’t tell him.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
