Elle’s POV
Sophia and I stepped out of her cat in front of a restaurant, ready for dinner.
“Elle…?”
The uncertain voice behind us made me freeze mid–step. There was something familiar about it, something that tugged at memories I wasn’t s
to me.
I turned slowly, my hand instinctively moving to rest on my growing belly.
“Peter… I breathed, recognition dawning. “Is that you?”
Peter Hamilton stepped closer, and I could see the surprise and something else – something warmer gaze dropped briefly to my stomach before meeting my eyes again. ‘You look radiant.”
flickering in his eyes. “Elle. I… wow. You look…” His
Sophia let out a surprised laugh beside me. “Peter? What the hell are you doing back in Moonshade Bay? Last I heard, you were up at German.”
Peter’s smile was genuine as he looked between us. “Just flew in this morning, actually. Some urgent family matters to attend to.” His eyes lingered on me again. “I can’t believe we ran into each other like this. Moonshade Bay isn’t exactly a big city, but still…”
“Tell me about it,” Sophia said with a grin. “What are the odds?”
how about I buy you ladies dinner? It’s the least I can do for such a pleasant surprise.” Peter said.
Sophia glanced at me, waiting for my reaction. I found myself nodding, thinking about the ten billion dollars he’d transferred to help me. Whatever his motives had been, he’d helped my family when they needed it most. I owed him at least a conversation.
“That’s very generous of you,” I said with a genuine smile. “We’d love to.”
The restaurant’s interior was all warm wood and soft lighting, the kind of place that catered to Moonshade Bay’s more affluent residents. Peter was the perfect gentleman, pulling out chairs for both Sophia and me with that old–world courtesy that seemed bred into the Hamilton bloodline.
So, Sophia said once we’d ordered, “how long are you staying?”
‘Indefinitely, it looks like,” Peter replied, though his attention kept drifting to me. “There are some… family situations that need my attention.”
I knew he was probably referring to Calista’s recent troubles with Brad. The Hamilton/family had always been closely tied to the Raynes, but that connection came with its own complications.
As our appetizers arrived, I noticed how Sophia kept studying Peter with an appraising look.
“You know,” she said suddenly, checking her phone, I just remembered I promised to call somebody back. You two don’t mind
I step out for a bit, do you?”
The excuse was transparent, but I appreciated her tact. There were things I needed to discuss with Peter – things that were better handled privately.
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“Of course,” I said. “Take your time.”
Peter stood as Sophia gathered her purse. It was wonderful seeing you again, Sophia.”
“You too.” She squeezed my shoulder gently before heading toward the exit.
‘Peter, I began, but he held up a hand.
“Before you say anything about the money,” he said quickly, “I want you to know there were no strings attached. I just… I couldn’t stand try and war
I knew I could help.”
I studied his face, seeing echoes of pain there that had nothing to do with recent events. “I know about you and Dakota,” I said quietly.
Peter’s composure cracked slightly, surprise flashing across his features. “You… know?”
“She told me. In dreams, mostly, but…” I reached across the table and briefly touched his hand. “She never stopped loving you, Peter. But she also never stopped feeling guilty about choosing family duty over her heart.”
Peter’s breath caught, and for a moment he looked younger, more vulnerable. “All these years, I wondered if
we could have had.”
she regretted it. If she ever thought about what
“She did. Every day.” I poured him more water, my heart aching for both of them. “She wanted to ask you something, but she never found the courage. She wanted to know if you blamed her.”
Peter was quiet for a long moment, staring down at his hands. When he looked up, his eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“You know what the hardest part was?” he said softly. “I kept waiting for her to ask me that question. I thought if she cared enough to ask, it would mean she still thought about us. But she never did, and when she…” He swallowed hard. “When she died, I thought I’d never get the chance to tell her.”
“Tell her what?”
“That I never blamed her. Not for a second. His voice was steady now, resolved.
I felt tears prick my own eyes. “She would have been so relieved to hear that.”
“Thank you,” Peter said, and his voice was thick with emotion. “Thank you for asking the question she couldn’t. I think… I think I can finally let
guilt now.”
Peter’s phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. He glanced at the screen and his expression tightened slightly.
“Sorry,” he murmured, answering. “What is it?”
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Even from across the table, I could hear the plaintive tone of the female voice on the other end.
‘Peter, you said you’d be home for dinner. I made all your favorite dishes, but you’re still not here…”
Peter’s jaw clenched. “I won’t be coming home for dinner. Eat without me.”
“Peter, please,” Calista’s voice turned pleading. “I know you’re still angry about what happened with Brad, but I’ve already been punished! Please don’t stay mad at me.”
that
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His voice softened marginally. I’m having dinner with friends right now. If you want to join us, you can come here. He rattled off the restaurant’s address.
There was a pause before Calista’s excited voice came through again. Really? You’ll let me come?”
“Just… behave yourself, Peter warned before hanging up.
He looked at me apologetically. “I’m sorry. I should have asked if you minded-
“It’s fine,” I said, though my stomach knotted slightly. “Actually, it might be good for her to have a chance to apologize.”
Peter’s eyes brightened with gratitude. “You don’t have to do this, Elle. What she did to you was inexcusable.”
“Everyone deserves a second chance,” I said finally,
The relief in Peter’s expression was almost painful to witness. “Thank you. I… I know this means a lot.”
Calista arrived twenty minutes later in a flurry of designer perfume and nervous energy. She stopped short when she saw me, her face going through a rapid series of expressions – surprise, dismay, and then carefully controlled neutrality.
“Elle,” she said, her voice tight. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Peter’s voice carried a warning edge. “Calista, you told me you wanted to apologize to Elle properly. Well, here’s your chance.”
I watched as Calista’s composure wavered.
“I… she started, then seemed to gather herself. “Elle, I’m sorry. For everything. I was jealous and petty and I acted like a spoiled child. You didn’t deserve any of what I did to you.”
The apology sounded rehearsed.
‘I accept you apology.” I said gently.
The relief in both of them was palpable.
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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.
