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There is one long wall with photos of the Edwards’ girls. I stop to look at each image but am drawn to Amelia’s smile, which graces every photo she is in. The moments captured remind me of a time when life was less complicated.
Charlie’s touch is everywhere in this house, the life she built with Lex while raising their four daughters. As someone who was born and raised in the city, this world feels entirely different though not in an unusual way. Home is home—no matter what city or town you’re from. The longer I gaze upon these photos on the wall, the more I want to start my life with Amelia. Marriage, family—I want it all with her.
However, my biggest hurdle is behind the closed door at the end of the hallway.
I am not sure how to even start. There is so much history behind us. This is a man who I always looked up to as a child. He is Charlie’s husband, a second father to me. He introduced me to a world my father could never have; a role I was destined to fulfill. In return, I broke his trust even though I knew how important Amelia is to him and how protective he was over his eldest daughter.
As a confidant, a friend, and business partner, I broke the rules and used that against him.
But it was done in the name of love, not to hurt him intentionally.
My knuckles gently tap on the door, and a few seconds later, I hear, “Come in.”
I take a deep breath, entering the room to see him lift his head to meet my gaze. There isn’t any anger, nor a pleasing expression, just your typical poker face, one I had learned to master over the years thanks to him.
“May I take a seat?”
He gestures without saying a word.
“I got the call yesterday you agreed to Lau.”
“I got the call this morning you also agreed to Lau,” he counters.
I lower my eyes, wringing my hands, unsure where to begin. “I shouldn’t have gone behind your back. I knew how important Amelia is to you, and while there is nothing I can say to change the past, I need you to know I love her. I’ve always loved her. We weren’t thinking all those years ago, and it wasn’t our intention to hurt either you or Charlie. And you were right. When that person walks into your life, nothing else matters. You warned me. I didn’t listen. I never expected it to be her.”
“Why go to London then?” he begs the question with a blank expression. “If you claim to have loved her, you could have defied me?”
“Because I didn’t think I was good enough for her. Amelia is beautiful and incredibly smart. She just began college. I didn’t want to ruin her life. I wanted her to thrive, become the person she was destined to be. And without the love and support of her father, that wouldn’t have been possible.”
Lex resigns, letting out a sigh. “You’re not the only one to blame. I pushed you into her life because of my own insecurities as a father. Charlotte warned me to let her live her life, but I was terrified of letting her go. And when she started to pull away from Charlotte, and her grades begin to slip, it only confirmed my fears.”
We both sit in silence while reflecting. It may have been years ago, but the emotions were still raw.
“I wanted what was best for her. I had no idea about the car accident nor the struggles afterward. I had my own struggles in London and did things I am not proud of.”
Lex nods his head with his lips pressed into a hard line. “I would be a hypocrite to say I hadn’t faced the same battle. I knew none of the pain Charlotte went through after I left because I was on a path of self-destruction. Don’t think I don’t know what it’s like to make mistakes with the person you love.”
“I know,” I say quietly. “I just didn’t expect any of this. I’m still trying to adjust, especially after what happened with Ashley and the baby.”
“Quite a shock to hear of Stewart Knight being the father. I somewhat understand why Ashley chose to hide the truth. Once this leaks out and he confesses to his wife, his entire empire will crumble. A marriage with no pre-nuptial agreement. Angelina Knight will technically be entitled to half his fortune.”
“It’ll be disastrous. At the least, his son will be taken care of. That’s all that should matter.”
We both nod in agreeance. The last I’d heard from Mom, Stewart was confirmed the paternal father of the little boy. Aside from that, there had been no other news aside from one of the nurses letting Mom know the baby was progressing and growing stronger. They anticipated he would be able to go home in a few weeks.
“And now, what are your intentions with my daughter?”
“Marriage, children, creating a life of memories,” I tell him with ease.
There is a gleam in his eye with a slight smile lingering. “Quite some aspirations. You may want to save that speech for your proposal.”
I raise my eyes to meet his. “I’m sorry, Lex.”
“You did what you did for love,” he concurs, taking a cleansing breath. “I have just one request of you.”
“What is it?”
“If you love Amelia like you say you do, it’s for life. There is no turning back. My daughter deserves the best.”
