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“Thank you, Mr. Thompson.” I try to listen to what else he’s saying, but it just turns into a buzz.
Is Felix still following me? Can he sense my desperation to avoid him? I glance around surreptitiously, relieved to see that he hasn’t closed the distance between us.
“Your parents must be so proud of you.” Mrs. Thompson touches her heart. “They’ve raised a remarkable young woman.”
“Thank you,” I repeat, grateful for the distraction their conversation provides. “I’m fortunate to have them as my parents as well.”
As they continue to praise my efforts, I can’t help but feel like a fraud. If only they knew how out of control my life really is, how close I am to breaking down, and all because of a man I thought I could trust.
“And how is your fiancé? Prince Felix?” another woman asks.
“He’s well. Thank you.” I’m suddenly aware that I didn’t put my engagement ring on tonight. In fact, I didn’t even give it a second thought.
As our conversation continues, I steal glances at Felix across the room. He’s chatting with some other guests, seemingly unperturbed by my avoidance.
My heart whirls with conflicting emotions: relief that he’s not pursuing me, but also a sinking feeling in my chest. Does he not care enough to try harder? Or is he simply respecting my boundaries, knowing how hard it’s been for me since our separation?
“Is there anything else you need from us, Lily?” Mrs. Thompson asks, snapping me back to the present moment. “We’re always happy to help such a worthy cause.”
“Your continued support means the world to me,” I assure her. “Thank you, truly.”
“Of course, dear.” She pats my hand gently.
I move back into the throng of people, but this time when I search for Felix, he isn’t there. Not at the catering tables. Not by the stage. Not chatting near the windows.
He’s disappeared.
My stomach drops all the way to my designer heels.
Felix has left.
And, after doing my best to avoid him, I couldn’t have predicted just how much it destroys me.
CHAPTER 28
FELIX
I lean against the stone railing of the balcony, the cool night air in sharp contrast to the heat and excitement inside the gala. Drawing a deep breath, I do my best to steady my nerves.
“Come on, Felix,” I mutter under my breath. “You can do this. You have to tell her how you feel before it’s too late.”
It hasn’t just been the weeks of our fake relationship that I have to confess about. I’ve spent years denying my feelings for Lily. At this point, my silence has done so much damage that it would be catastrophic to wait any longer. It’s now or never.
I straighten my tie and square my shoulders, adopting the confident persona that’s become second nature to me. Of course, tonight it’s nothing more than a facade, but no one needs to know.
Taking one last steadying breath, I push open the heavy double doors and re-enter the crowded ballroom.
Laughter and conversation fill the air, everyone having a grand time. I scan the bustling crowd, searching for the one person who matters most to me.
And there she is. The sight of her takes my breath away, as it always does. She stands near the center of the room, radiant in a floor-length gown, her hair cascading down her back in gentle waves. For a moment, I forget why I was so nervous in the first place.
As she turns slightly, I catch the faint outline of a small bump beneath her gown. It wouldn’t be noticeable to most people, but because I know what I’m looking for — and I know her body so well — I’m aware of the first hint of pregnancy.
A surge of protectiveness washes over me, and I know without a doubt that I’m looking at my whole world.
Here’s hoping Lily feels the same way.
“Excuse me. Pardon me.” I make my way through the busy crowd, careful not to spill anyone’s drink as I maneuver closer to Lily.
