Chapter 89
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Luc stilled, and the air between them seemed to shift, growing heavy with the tension that had been building for years. A bitter laugh escaped him, but it wasn’t one of humor. It was hard, cold, and filled with the anger he had kept bottled inside. “It’s too late for amends, Amber,” he said, his teeth clenched as the words came out through gritted teeth. His eyes flashed with something raw, something broken, and before she could respond, he turned on his heel and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Amber stood there, rooted to the spot, her heart hammering in her chest. She wanted to call after him, to shout back at him, to explain everything he hadn’t allowed her to say. But the words stayed trapped in her throat, caught in the storm of emotions that swirled inside her. With a sigh that felt like it had been ripped from her soul, she turned back into her room and shut the door softly behind her.
She crawled into bed, curling up in the darkness as her thoughts raced, but no matter how hard she tried, sleep wouldn’t come. She lay there for what felt like hours, the weight of the conversation with Luc pressing down on her chest, suffocating her. Tomorrow would be the first day in a long list of days she would have to spend without Nico–alone. And as much as she wanted to avoid that thought, it
loomed over her like a shadow.
Perhaps it was time, she thought bitterly, to get used to the silence.
The next morning broke with the light of dawn spilling through the windows, and Nico, already brimming with excitement, bounced on his small race car bed. His laughter echoed through the room as he clutched his favorite stuffed animal, his face lit with anticipation. “Mummy! Can I take the colors with me?” he asked, his wide eyes full of hope as Amber hurriedly shuffled him towards the bathroom.
Amber, half–smiling, handed him his toothbrush with the toothpaste already squeezed out, her thoughts still weighed down by the events of last night. “Sure, darling. But what would you do with crayons at the zoo?” she asked with a slight laugh, trying to push Luc’s biting
words out of her mind.
“To draw you all the animals I see!” Nico beamed as he vigorously brushed his teeth, the toothpaste forming little bubbles at the corners of his mouth. Amber’s heart softened at his innocence, and she couldn’t resist kissing his chubby cheeks. His sweetness was a balm to her frayed nerves.
By 6:45, she had him dressed–his little body bouncing in his favorite zoo shirt, ready to explore the world. Yet, there was no sign of Luc. The minutes ticked by, and as the clock neared 7:30, Amber began to feel the gnawing pull of disappointment. She had hoped–maybe foolishly–that Luc would be punctual, especially after last night’s conversation. After all, it was Nico’s day.
Amber dialed Luc’s number, her fingers stiff with frustration. Straight to voicemail. She tried again. Nothing. At the same time, the housekeeper informed her that Luc had left early that morning and hadn’t yet returned. With every passing minute, Amber’s anger grew sharper, the edges of her patience fraying as Nico, oblivious to the situation, danced around her feet, his joy unspoiled.
By 11:00, her son’s mood began to wane. “When is Papa coming?” Nico asked for what felt like the hundredth time, his small voice now laced with confusion.
Amber’s chest tightened, her maternal instincts kicking in. She wanted to protect him from the hurt, from the disappointment she herself had been wrestling with for years. But she was out of answers, out of excuses for Luc. “Are we not going to the zoo?” Nico asked softly, his wide eyes searching hers for comfort.
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Chapter 89
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Amber’s heart shattered, but she quickly masked it, forcing a smile as she knelt down to meet his gaze. “Of course we are, baby,” she said gently, though her voice trembled with suppressed rage. “Mummy will take you to the zoo. Let me just grab my purse.”
Just as she turned to collect her things, a sharp knock sounded from the front door. Amber froze mid–step, her heart sinking as she
recognized the figures standing outside.
Giulia and Chiara De Santis.
Luc’s mother and sister stood at the entrance like sentinels, their presence commanding, their cold eyes fixed on her as if she were a trespasser in their world. The sight of them–here, now–dredged up memories Amber had buried deep. A suffocating wave of dread crashed over her, transporting her back to that time three years ago, when they had stood in that exact same spot, their venomous
accusations still ringing in her ears.
For a moment, Amber was paralyzed, her breath caught in her throat. Her heart slammed against her ribs as if it were trying to escape. The fear from those days resurfaced, clawing at her chest with sharp, familiar talons. It was the feeling of being trapped, of standing in
front of two women who had tried to strip away her dignity and her son’s rightful place in the world.
“Where’s my grandson?” Giulia’s voice cut through the air, imperious and cold, “I am here to take him!” as if Amber were some servant
who had failed in her duties. There was no warmth in her gaze, no kindness. It was a demand, not a question.
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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.
