Page 7 of This Is Our Forever

Before I can spiral further, she shifts the conversation, her voice softening. “Will you tell him about Dylan? If you see him again?”

“No.” The answer is immediate, a surge of protectiveness taking over. “He has no rights to Dylan, not after how he treated me. If he or his family found out…” The thought makes me shudder. The Grants’ wealth, their influence—it’s too much. “They might take him away.”

The very idea fills me with dread. Losing Dylan would destroy me in ways Nathan’s betrayal never could.

“He can’t find out.” My voice trembles, the weight of the secret pressing down on me. “No matter what.”

She wraps her arms around me, her voice firm with resolve. “We won’t let that happen. Dylan is your son, and no one—not Nathan or his family—can change that.”

I nod against her, drawing strength from her unwavering loyalty. As the city hums beyond the windows, I reaffirm my vow to protect my son no matter the cost. I’ll shield him from thechaos of my past, from the complications Nathan brings with him.

And I will keep him safe.

CHAPTER SIX

NATHAN

I sit on the edge of the bed in my hotel suite, clenching my phone and staring at the screen without seeing it. The restless night has drained me, my mind spinning with unanswered questions and the haunting memory of Amelia’s anger.

My fingers scroll through the photos—snapshots of our shared past. Her radiant smile beams at me, hazel eyes sparkling with the love and joy that once filled our days. I linger on a candid shot, her chestnut curls caught in the breeze, her face tilted toward the sun. The ache in my chest intensifies, a sharp, tangible reminder of the loss and confusion I’ve carried for years.

The piercing ring of my phone pulls me from the bittersweet memories. My father’s name flashes on the screen, and with a sigh, I answer, bracing for his inevitable interrogation.

“Why are you still in Dallas? Is there something I need to know?”

His suspicion seeps through the line, the unspoken accusation clear. It’s the same dance we’ve perfected over the years.

I force the lie out smoothly, a well-practiced deflection. “Everything is fine, Dad. I might have a lead on another company.”

There’s a pause, then a grudging acceptance. “Well, if you need anything…”

“I’m good. I should be home later this week.”

Frustrated, I end the call and toss the phone onto the mattress. The weight of his expectations, the constant pressure to prove myself—it’s a burden I’ve carried for as long as I can remember.

The blinking clock on the nightstand reminds me of today’s tasks. It’s time to face the truth, to confront the mystery behind Amelia’s anger and disappearance. I have to get to the bottom of this.

***

The shower washes away the effects of my sleepless night.

I dress in my suit, the crisp fabric a familiar armor against the emotional storm brewing inside. Each button fastened, every cuff adjusted, is part of the silent ritual of preparing for the challenges ahead.

Downstairs, the coffee shop buzzes with activity—the aroma of fresh coffee mixes with the clinks of mugs and guest chatter. I grab a cup to go, the warmth seeping through the sleeve.

Outside, I drive the rental to Amelia’s office and park along the tree-lined street. I sit for a moment, gathering my thoughts before stepping into the warm Texas sun.

The building is modest, tucked between trendy restaurants and boutiques. I push through the glass doors and am met by the receptionist, an older woman with a warm gaze and a knowing smile.

She gives me a raised eyebrow. “Can I help you, sir?”

“I’d like to speak with Amelia.” My words come out steady, though my heart races beneath the surface.

She gives me the once-over, pausing on my face. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but tell her Nathan is here. She’ll see me.”

“Wait over there.”

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