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This isn’t just about us anymore; it’s about the entire world watching our every move, scrutinizing our relationship. If we fail, we’ll fall hard and fast, with no safety net to catch us. But if we succeed… I’ll have what I want. I’ll finally be truly happy.
“All right, then.” He smiles, his dimples making an appearance as he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s do this.”
Just as I’m stepping out of the car, my mother’s silver sports car pulls up, and she hops out, beaming with excitement. She rushes over, carrying a pair of antique lamps wrapped in protective paper.
“Darling! I found these for your home office,” she gushes, thrusting them into my arms before turning her attention to Felix. “And what is this I heard about the two of you dating?”
“Um.” I bite the inside of my cheek. Shoot. I hadn’t expected to have to explain myself so soon.
“Well, it’s still quite new,” I begin cautiously. “It started last week.”
“Exactly,” Felix adds, his eyes never leaving mine, as if to reassure me that we’re in this together. “And while it’s still early days, we’re crazy about each other and excited to see where this takes us.”
“That’s wonderful.” My mother’s smile widens, and I can tell she’s convinced by our performance.
But deep down, I feel the betrayal of our deception, the guilt gnawing at my conscience. As I look into Felix’s eyes, I know he feels it too. Yet we have no choice. We’re committed to seeing this through, whatever the cost might be.
“Here. I’ll put those inside for you.” Felix takes the lamps from me, and I hand him my house key as well.
My mother smiles at him before turning her attention on me. “Do you need to change for lunch?”
“For… lunch?”
“We have lunch scheduled today.” She frowns, but not enough to wrinkle her forehead. No, my mother would never do that.
That’s right. Lunch.
In the excitement of everything happening with Felix, I completely forgot all about our plans.
“I’m ready.” I force a smile.
“You two have lunch plans?” Felix returns with my keys. As he hands them to me, his fingers brush mine and a thrill races through me.
I press my lips together. I really need to knock some sense into myself. It won’t work for me to be blushing every time Felix touches me.
Although it will sell the believability of our relationship…
“Yes.” My mother smiles warmly at him. “Would you like to join?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I have plans to play tennis. Perhaps another day?”
Tennis? Of course he’ll be playing that while he’s here. He’s always been crazy about the sport.
At least he won’t be with another woman. Unless his tennis partner is?—
I push the thought away. What should it matter to me who his tennis partner is? Felix made it clear that he’ll continue to date, and who he sees is none of my business.
Felix glances at his watch and gives me a knowing smile. “Well, I will leave you two lovely ladies to your mother–daughter time.”
“Indeed.” My mother’s eyes never leave him. “But we’ll be seeing more of you soon, I hope.”
“Absolutely.” He takes my hand and plants a soft kiss on the back of it. A shiver runs down my spine, the warmth of his lips lingering on my skin as he releases me. “Until next time, Lily.”
“Goodbye, Felix,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
His car isn’t out of the driveway yet before my mother turns to me, her gaze as sharp as a hawk’s.
“All right, young lady, let’s talk. You’re dating the prince of Albavarre? What exactly happened?”
