Page 3 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I’ll call her. Thank you, Lucy.”

Seb was already in his office when he caught up. “Ready?”

“I just need to call Star. I need to confirm the weekend.” Christian waved his phone at his friend.

“I’ll grab my things... but Christian... we are leaving before you do any more damage.”

Sebastian left without another word. They’d been friends since age four, so he was the only one who could speak to him in that manner. They’d forged a lifelong friendship when Sebastian agreed to share his toy cars with Christian, after his father had confiscated his.

Christian dropped into his chair and dialled Star’s number.

She answered within two rings, “Hi, Christian.”

“Hi, Star... Lucy said you called.”

“I wanted to check you’re still okay for the weekend?”

Christian smiled. “I’m looking forward to it... I’ll reach out to Andrew, so we can set up a specific time and place to meet.”

“That’s great.” Star’s voice sounded tired, and Christian’s stomach sank. Today was hard for him, but he hated to think how hard it was for Star, coping with the anniversary of her sister’s passing.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

It was eight years to-the-day. Eight years since Christian had signed over all rights to his daughter, allowing Star to adopt her. Eight years since Lily, the love of his life, had died. A date forever ingrained in his brain.

The phone was silent. “Star?”

“Today’s always hard... I’m taking Skylar to put some flowers on Lily’s grave tonight. It’s our yearly ritual.”

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate that.” Unsure whether he meant Skylar or Lily. He hoped Lily could see the promise he’d worked so hard to uphold. His relationship with his daughter and Star had improved, although he’d never lost the guilt he felt over the past. As a result, Christian was cautious about overstepping.

“Give Skylar a big kiss from me... tell her she was amazing last night. I really am sorry I was late.”

Star chuckled, “She was so hyper, she didn’t even notice. Your presence at the end was what mattered. She was so pleased you made it. She loves spending time with you.”

Christian’s heart lurched in his chest. “Thank you. It means a lot.”

“Christian... she...” There was a pause. “Lily would’ve been glad to see you back. You meant everything to her.”

Christian rested his forehead in his hand. “I loved her,” he said. “I will try to make amends for the past.”

“I know... and she loved you too...” It pained him to hear her voice crack. “I’ll let you go. Thank you for ringing, and we’ll see you at the weekend.”

Star disconnected before Christian could say anything else. He slumped back in his chair and closed his eyes. The company, his office, staff... everything had been for them. He’d battled hard, but it was now second nature. Seb was right... he didn’t know how to ease up... he wasn’t sure he wanted to.

Chapter Three

Christian

“Daddy. Look!” Skylar said, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the closest exhibit, her whole body vibrating with excitement. “We need a photo.”

Christian smiled, grabbing his phone from his pocket, before handing it to Skylar. Christian watched, his heart skipping a beat as Skylar’s tongue poked out from between her lips as she lined up his phone, ready to take the shot. Flashbacks of Lily, Skylar’s mother, pulling the same face, taking his breath away. Picture taken, she turned back, a look of pride on her face.

“Have you taken a photo of the label?”

Skylar gasped before directing her attention back to the cabinet and snapping another photo. She’d taken hundreds of photos already, and remembering all the details was going to be impossible. He was glad Andrew had suggested they come together. Andrew was the brains behind their information-gathering strategy. They’d met for coffee before entering the madness known as the Egyptian exhibit. Andrew had given him a rundown. All he needed to remember was to download all the photos and order copies. If not Star and her husband, Damian might skin him alive if Skylar didn’t have them for her project. Star had agreed to let him bring Skylar on this trip. She was trusting him and he wanted to keep that trust.

“How’s it going?” Andrew said, appearing by his side, an excited Olivia grabbing hold of Skylar and pointing to something on Andrew’s phone.

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