The End of a Mattinge
Chapter 125
Chapter 36
Amber clasped the cold glass of soda, taking stone, deliberate nips as though each one could somehow keep her resolve intact. She tried t ignore the spread in front of het: savory biryani, creamy soups, fragrant ries, an array of tempting dishes, all wasted effort as far as the was concerned. Luca, though, was relentless, glancing at her with a pitiful, pleting expression, his eyes practically begging her to take a bite. But she didn’t falter this time, refusing to meet his gaze or acknowledge his desperation.
She thought he’d eventually give up, that he’d realize the futility of his efforts and leave her alone. But she should have known Luca wouldn‘! retreat so easily. He leaned down to whisper something in Nico’s ear, and mediately, the little boy perked up, his face alight with the thrill of
a mission.
A minute later, Nico clambered into her lap, balancing a plate of tiramist his small hands. He took a bite himself first, nodding with exaggerated satisfaction before scooping a heaping spoonful and stretching his little arm toward her. “Here, Mummy, it’s so tasty! Have some!”
Amber smiled, brushing a gentle hand through Nico’s dark curls. “Not right now, sweetie. You enjoy it. I’ll have a bite later, alright?”
But Nico’s big, innocent eyes held hers unwaveringly as he tilted his head, a look of pure, sweet determination crossing his face. He scooped another spoonful, stretching his hand even closer to her mouth. “Please, Mummy? Just one little taste.”
She felt her heart crack a little, but still, she was about to insist–until he piped up, “Daddy says you’re hungry. You just don’t want to eat because you’re mad at him.”
Amber shot Luca a seething glare, but he simply smiled back at her, shrugging as if to say he was innocent in this whole mess. “That’s ridiculous, baby. Why would I be angry at your daddy?”
Nico, perched in his high chair, swiveled around to face Luca, who leaned down to whisper something conspiratorial in his ear. “Daddy says… he isn’t sure, but–maybe it’s because it’s that time of the month?” The innocence in Nico’s voice was both amusing and infuriating, as he repeated his father’s words without fully grasping their meaning. Amber’s glare intensified, morphing into a glare so fierce it could have cut glass. Luca met her gaze with an amused expression, unfazed.
Amber’s throat tightened as Nico held the spoon in front of her again, his hopeful little face watching for a sign that his mission would be successful. And as Amber finally took the bite, Nico gleamed.
“See? It’s yummy, right, Mummy?” Nico beamed, clapping his hands together as though he’d just won a grand prize.
“Yes, darling, It’s delicious.” She gave him a soft smile, reaching out to wipe a stray bit of cream from the corner of his mouth.
But as Nico happily dug into the dessert himself, Amber’s gaze returned to Luca. She wanted to convey all the bitterness she felt, to make him see the cost of everything he’d put her through. Yet, even in this moment, with the sweetness of the tiramisu lingering on her tongue, Luca’s eyes remained filled with that same unyielding hope, as though he was convinced that somehow, just one bite would make things better. The sadness, the resignation, the fatigue–it all swirled together in her chest, and for just a second, she felt that tremor of anger soften.
Still, she smiled for Nico, kissed his forehead, and listened to his happy chatter as he continued eating, because for her son’s sake, she could pretend. For just a moment.
As they left the restaurant, Amber’s heart raced with indignation. Luca had just paid the exorbitant bill and made arrangements for the restaurant to donate the vast amount of untouched food to a homeless shelter. But none of that made the anger simmering within her any easier to bear. They stepped out into the cool evening air, the city lights twinkling against the darkening sky. Nico, holding tightly to her hand,
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Chapter 125
熟れ The Pro 4
Amber took a deep breath, counting silently to ten as she felt her blood test. Lisa was sing their son to poke and gend at her, a chetle she has come to despise. The bastard.
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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.
