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It’s terrifying, but it’s the only way forward.
“Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath. “Let’s finish shopping, and then I’ll talk to him.”
Meg nods in agreement, and we continue our day at the mall, the thought of my impending conversation with Felix both daunting and liberating. But one thing is clear: I can no longer hide from the truth, and neither can he.
CHAPTER 24
FELIX
Night has fallen, and I find myself pacing restlessly in the dimly lit living room of my rental house, the city lights twinkling like a sea of stars outside the windows. All day, I’ve been avoiding people, unable to face their prying eyes and questions about Lily.
The news of her pregnancy should have filled me with joy, but instead, I’m torn between excitement and the sinking feeling that I’ve made a mistake by involving her in this fake relationship.
“What do I do?” I run a hand through my unwashed hair in frustration.
I don’t do relationships, never allow myself to get too close to anyone I genuinely care about. But Lily… she’s different. She’s been my friend for years, and despite my playboy reputation, I’ve always secretly harbored feelings for her. And now, with a baby on the way, everything is becoming so much more complicated.
I pull out my phone, tapping on the screen until I find the photo gallery app. As I flip through the photos of Lily and me over the past month, I can’t deny the happiness radiating from our faces.
We look so perfect together, so genuinely in love. But it’s all an act, isn’t it?
Or maybe not.
My heart races as I realize that I might have gotten in too deep. I’m falling for her, and that’s a dangerous game to play.
The burden of responsibility sits heavily on my shoulders, and I know that I’m the one who has to make things right for Lily and our child. But how?
As much as I want to be there for her and our baby, I can’t shake the feeling that I would only bring them heartache in the long run. I may be a prince, but when it comes to relationships, I’m far from perfect.
“Maybe… maybe I should just let her go,” I whisper, my voice cracking with emotion.
My eyes linger on a photo of Lily smiling warmly at me, her dark blond hair framing her gorgeous green eyes. My chest tightens, and I know that letting her go will be the most difficult decision I’ll ever have to make.
But if it means giving her a chance at true happiness, then maybe it’s a sacrifice worth making. After all, isn’t that what love is all about?
The doorbell echoes through the quiet apartment, jolting me out of my thoughts. Could it be Omar and Brent again?
They haven’t called or texted since I fled the club last night, and their lack of checking in on me makes me wonder if we were ever real friends in the first place. Maybe I was just someone who could get them into the exclusive clubs.
I hesitantly open the door, and there stands Lily, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She’s more beautiful than ever, and I wonder if it’s the pregnancy glow.
“Hi, Felix,” she says softly, wiping away a tear that escapes her eye. “Can I come in?”
“Of course.” I step aside to let her inside.
My heart races as she walks past me, her natural scent intoxicating. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
She sniffles and takes a deep breath before responding. “Felix, I’m so sorry, but I can’t hold up my end of the bargain. The engagement is off.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I struggle to find the right response.
“Why?” I finally ask.
It’s a stupid question. I already know the answer. This relationship has brought her harm, and she needs to be free from it.
Lily looks at me, her eyes pleading for understanding. “I thought I could handle our agreement, but it turns out I need more. I want a real relationship, not just a pretend one for appearances’ sake. I’m not sure if what I’m looking for is out there, but I want to try and find it… one day, anyway. Right now, I’ll focus on raising our child.”
Everything she’s saying makes sense. Of course it does; she’s only voicing what’s also been on my mind. Still, every fiber of my being wants to pull her into my arms and promise her everything she’s looking for… I just know that I can’t.
