Total pages in book: 230
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)
“Maybe another time will be the right time.”
“Maybe.” I sniffled against him, my heart breaking more as I spoke my next words. “Or maybe you’ll find someone who’s not scared of this kind of commitment and get married and forget about me.”
His chuckle vibrated through me. “There’s no chance I’ll ever forget about you, Princess.”
“I’ll never forget you either.” I pulled away, wiped my face, and took a deep breath as I looked into his deep hazel eyes, trying to memorize the moment.
CHAPTER 30
Pilar
Ben had sent me flowers along with an apology letter when he found out that Kayla was responsible for slashing my tires. I heard he sent Aramis a ridiculously expensive bottle of scotch. I could only imagine how horrified he felt about the entire thing, even though it was not his fault.
It had been one week since I’d seen or heard from Ben, and I didn’t know what to do with myself. It wasn’t just sadness, it was despondence. I’d had a boyfriend for years before Ben, and I didn’t feel this way when we broke up. These days, I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. It took me three days to continue business as usual. I went to London with my mother and was currently helping Adeline put together a dinner party for Parliament.
“You realize you can hire someone to do this, right?” I asked for the third time since making our way around the flower shop.
“Obviously, Pilar. My mother owns an event planning business. I just want to make sure my vision is executed correctly.”
“And you don’t trust your mother to do that?”
She shot me a look. “I didn’t say that.”
“You sort of did.”
“Just…look for bronze containers, for the love of God. And stop snapping at me.”
“I’m not snapping at you.” I frowned.
“You’ve been snappy all week. I understand you’re going through a breakup, but it’s a lot for all of us to handle.”
“It’s not…it’s not technically a breakup.”
“It’s a breakup.” She eyed me up and down. I looked down at myself.
“What?”
“You’re basically wearing pajamas out in the streets. I’m embarrassed.”
“Embarrassed?” I gasped. “These are designer.”
“Designer or not, they’re still pajamas.”
“You act like I’m wearing Crocs.”
“God, please save us.” She covered her face with her hand.
“I was barely with him, you know,” I said finally. “I was with my ex much longer.”
“I know.”
“This feels like a slow death.”
“Because you’re in love with him.”
I bit my lip. I’d come to that conclusion myself recently, but hearing it from someone else’s lips made it real. I focused on finding the bronze vases and thought about that the rest of the time. Was love enough? Would love help me overcome the fear I had of not being enough for his son? I shook my head. I couldn’t.
“Hey, P. I know this is bad timing and all, but there really isn’t good timing for this,” Adeline said as she crouched down to get a vase. She glanced up at me. “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” The vases in my hand shook. “What?” I repeated.
“I’m pregnant.” She stood up, smiling.
“Does my brother know?”
“He was there when I peed on the stick. Of course, he knows.” She laughed. “But I figured you should get over your thing with kids soon. Say within the next seven months. Because, well, you’re going to be an aunt.”
I could only stare at her with my mouth ajar. Adeline pinched my cheek and kept shopping, leaving me standing there frozen. When my thoughts were no longer jumbled, I walked after her.
“Does Aramis know?”
“Not yet. I think Eli’s telling him today.”
“Do you know what you’re having?” Suddenly I was smiling and excited. “Is it a girl?”
“We don’t know yet.” Adeline smiled wide. “Whatever it is, it’ll be loved.”
“Yes.” I blinked. “It’ll definitely be loved.”
I was just leaving the primary school I’d done today’s rounds in when I spotted him—head full of curls, bright green eyes, and a smile that promised trouble. A pint-sized version of his daddy, but definitely his father’s son. Amir and I shared a look, and I didn’t have to tell him where my feet would lead me next. It wasn’t like I’d planned this. I hadn’t even known this was his school.
“Hey,” I said to the boy.
“Hey.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “You’re my daddy’s princess.”
I let out what sounded like a strangled laugh. “I’m a princess, yes.”
“Hmm.” His lips moved when he made that sound, and a small dimple appeared. “Are you the reason he’s sad?”
“What do you mean?”
“My dad. He’s sad. I tried to give him ice cream but even that didn’t cheer him up. I asked him if he still liked the princess and he looked even sadder.” The boy pouted.
“I’m sorry he’s sad,” I whispered, kneeling down to eye level with him. “I bet he’ll be happy soon.”
“Not even my hugs are working.” He shook his head. “And he says my hugs heal everything.”