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I meet Meg’s concerned gaze, trying to steady myself. “This is the right choice. True love isn’t real, anyway. I’ve been searching for it long enough to know that. And time is running out to start the big family I want.”
“Really?” she asks, her voice laced with skepticism.
She crosses her arms and leans against the porch railing. “So you’re going to spend your whole life pretending with Felix? You deserve better than that, Lily.”
I roll my eyes, folding my legs under me and picking at the hem of my sundress. My fingers play with the delicate fabric, seeking solace in its familiar texture.
“Love is just an illusion, Meg. A fairy tale we tell ourselves to make life bearable. Look around. How many happy couples do you see in our circle? Not many, I bet.”
She sighs, shaking her head. Her disappointment is palpable, and I feel a twinge of guilt for causing her distress. “All I’m saying is that you don’t have to settle for this, Lily. You’re worth so much more.”
“Maybe,” I concede, finally looking up into her eyes again. “But I’ve already committed to this arrangement, and I won’t be turning back.”
“Fine,” she relents, her lips pressed together in a tight line. “But if you ever change your mind, or if you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. Always.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, feeling a mixture of gratitude and sadness welling up within me.
Meg sighs. “I can’t pretend to understand what you’re going through,” she says, her gaze drifting down to the patio boards. “But I trust you, and if this is what you think is best… I’ll support you.”
Her words offer a small comfort, but her expression remains troubled, her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt or hesitation. I force myself to meet her gaze, even as my heart aches from having to keep a secret from her.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
She sits on the chair next to mine and twists her lips. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Promise,” I assure her. I clear my throat, desperate to change the subject. “Do you want some iced tea?”
She nods and gives me a small smile, breaking the tension. “That sounds lovely.”
I go inside and pull another glass out, then fill it up with tea from the pitcher in the fridge. As I work, I think about Felix and wonder if I’m making the right choice. My feelings for him are growing stronger by the day, and our charade feels increasingly precarious. But for now, this is the path I’ve chosen — and I must see it through, come what may.
CHAPTER 14
FELIX
Saturday marks a month Lily and I started our little charade, and it’s time to take things up a notch. I’ve planned the most spectacularly romantic evening for us, starting with drinks at a rooftop bar that boasts a magnificent view of the bay.
As we step onto the rooftop, my breath is momentarily taken away by the stunning vista laid out before us. The sun is just beginning to set, and it lights up the cityscape, the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
Lily gasps in delight as she takes in the scene. It’s a sight I’ve seen many times, but somehow, sharing it with her makes it feel entirely new.
“Wow, Felix, this is amazing.” She laughs with joy.
I grin at her enthusiasm, feeling a surge of pride in being able to show her something so breathtaking.
“Only the best for you.” I guide her towards a small table near the edge of the rooftop.
We take our seats, and I lean back, taking in the beauty beside me. Lily’s dressed elegantly yet modestly, as always. Tonight’s outfit is a simple navy-blue dress that hugs her figure just right, enhancing her delicate curves. Her blond hair falls in loose waves over her shoulders, and those sparkling green eyes of hers look even more beautiful under the setting sun.
She sets her clutch on the table next to the water glasses and meets my gaze. “What did you get up to today?”
By way of reply, I pull out my phone and open up a cat video. We’ve been sending them back and forth lately, but I wanted to save this one to show her in person. I set my phone on the table and Lily leans in.
The video begins with a fluffy calico cat attempting to scale a tall scratching post, only to tumble over backwards in the most comical fashion. As we watch the cat’s antics, Lily throws her head back, her laughter rippling through the evening air. Her joy is infectious, and I find myself laughing along with her.
Eventually, she wipes the tears from her eyes, a residual chuckle escaping from her lips. “Surely you did more today than just watch cat videos.”
“Of course.” I wink. “But the highlight of my day was saving this to show to you.”
