Page 76 of Taken By the Fake Fiancé

I sigh and lean back in the chair. I can hear the surrounding noise, the mellow music, the clink of cups, and the crackling sound from the fireplace, but Felicity's laughter, her smiles, her touch… everything she's ever done echo loudly in my mind, overwhelming the noise happening around me.

“I want to start a family with Felicity. She’s everything, Amelia. She’s so good with Eli.”

“Yeah. He mentioned that too… more than anything else. He can spend hours talking about the things they've done, the ones they plan on doing together, damn.”

Her voice holds a smile. I pick up the almost-forgotten cup of coffee and take a sip, wincing.

Amelia laughs.

“So, you're coming to pick Eli up tomorrow, right?”

She takes a moment to respond. I get so nervous whenever she takes Eli to her home. I always feel like it’s going to be the last time I’ll see him.

“Yes and No.”

I snap my head up at her response.

“You’re saying…?”

She lifts a shoulder in a shrug.

“Yes I am coming tomorrow to pick up Eli, but maybe not every weekend from now on. I’ve had him almost exclusively for seven years watching him grow from a baby. We’ve shared him for the last three years as he transitioned into a pre-teen. I think it’s okay if you get to experience most of his teen years. I see the changes Felicity and you made in the last few weeks. He is happier, more confident, and more mature in every aspect. I see the positive father's influence on him already, which is what he lacked in the past,” she says and leans forward, staring right into my eyes.

I frown.

“You’re saying…?”

She chuckles.

“I know it’s unbelievable after everything I’ve done… the court case, the drama, the accusations. But I’m asking that we start over; a new slate.”

I gulp.

“That’s... that’s… you don't know how relieved I feel right now, Amelia. I’ve been…”

She stands up abruptly, closes the gap between us, and tugs me up with two hands clasped around my wrist.

“I’m sorry… for everything.”

Then she wraps her arms around my neck, squeezing me gently.

“My regards to Felicity, and yes, I will come tomorrow to pick up Eli. We’ll talk about visitation rights after your wedding.”

I want to tell Amelia that there won’t be a wedding. Felicity doesn’t want me. Now that I’ve been made the Managing Director, she would want to leave as there’s no reason for her to stay anymore. But then, I can't get the words out though. I still don't want to believe Felicity is going to walk away from us without a backward glance.

I pat Amelia's back and pull back to smile at her warmly.

“Thank you. I’ll see you around, Amelia.”

A grin tugs at her full lips.

“Don’t forget to send me an invite.”

Chapter Twenty

Felicity

Warmthfillsmyheartas I watch Declan and Eli standing on the front porch with my suitcases beside them.

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