Page 87 of Only You

Ana watched a lone tear ran down her sister’s cheek. She raised her hand and caught it, pulling her forward and into a hug. Ana could not remember ever hugging her sister. It was never done.

Eva rocked Ana in her arms. “It’s been so many years since I’ve held you,” she said into Ana’s hair.

Ana pulled back slightly and stared at her sister. Eva grinned. “Did you think I didn’t cuddle my baby sister as much as possible when you were born? I used to fight our mother to change your nappies and give you a bottle. You used to call me Var.”

Ana swallowed around the lump in her throat and pulled her sister back in for another hug. A man who should have loved them had warped and distorted their past. He had destroyed their family and made his children feel worthless.

“I got Mum to convince him to send you to boarding school,” Eva admitted. “Mum was weak. She couldn’t protect you. I thought the distance would help. I am sorry it didn’t.” Eva was openly sobbing now.

Ana pulled back and held her sister’s hands in hers, her cheeks wet. “Don’t apologise. Boarding school might not have been perfect, but it was a reprieve. I just wish I had known. Together, we might have been stronger.”

“Stronger? Your strength, my beautiful little sister, is staggering. You left it all behind to get away from him. You’re forging your own path. I gave up my husband, child, and life out of loyalty to that monster. You have so much courage and conviction. I am in awe. Tonight is just one example.” Ana tilted her head, and Eva gave her a watery smile. “You came in here tonight like a mother lioness protecting her pack. You would have gone to battle for those you love and care about. Our father hasn’t broken you, little sister... you are like a phoenix. You have risen out of the ashes and come back stronger.”

They both turned as a key sounded in the lock, announcing Andrew was home. Eva squeezed Ana’s hands tightly. “I’m taking Olivia out for dinner with Star and Skylar, then she is staying at Star and Damian’s for the night... I’ve already cleared it with Andrew,” Eva said quickly. “You two need to have a proper talk. No more excuses, Ana. I love you both and want you to be happy. If that is together, then I could ask for no more. If it isn’t, then I don’t want to have been the one to derail you. I want you to find your true happiness.” Eva stood and dropped a kiss on Ana’s cheek before moving to a confused-looking Andrew by the door. Reaching up, she pressed a kiss on his cheek, whispering something Ana could not hear. Andrew’s eyes shot to Ana’s, and he stood holding her gaze while Eva rushed past him.

They were still staring at one another as Olivia ran in and announced she, Skylar, Star, and Mummy was going out to dinner and having a sleepover. She asked Ana if she wanted to join them.

“No, pumpkin, I have a few things I need to do here,” Ana said, bending down and scooping her into a big hug. “But you have fun.” What would Olivia think if her Mummy and Daddy did not get back together? Would she blame her?

“Hey, what about me?” Andrew said, coming to stand next to Ana.

“You can’t come, silly, it’s agirls’night, and you are a boy!” his daughter added, laughing before throwing her arms around his waist.

“That’s okay, have fun withthe girls,” he said, rolling his eyes at Olivia.

Olivia giggled, “Will do. See you later, alligators,” she chirped, leaving the room.

“In a while, crocodile,” they both replied together, grinning until they heard the front door slam shut.

Chapter Fifty-seven

Ana

Ana turned to stare at Andrew before moving away and putting the kettle on. Andrew followed her before turning her in his arms and running his thumbs over her damp cheeks. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. Ana looked up, lost in the intensity of his gaze. Andrew dropped his head, his lips gently brushing hers.

Ana moaned as awareness flooded her system. Her lips opened beneath his, inviting him to deepen their kiss. As if needing no encouragement, Andrew crushed their mouths together. This was what she wanted, what she needed… Ana thought she had lost him, but there he was, and she was in his arms again.

“Is everything okay?” Andrew asked, pulling away, the skin around his eyes bunching.

Ana clasped his wrists, resting her cheek against his palm. Andrew smiled sadly before pulling her into his chest and holding her tight. Ana relaxed, desperate for the closeness that had all but disappeared. She smiled as she listened to the frantic beat of his heart, a beat matching her own.

Andrew’s head rested on top of hers, as they stood holding each other.

“Want to tell me what I missed?” Andrew asked against her hair.

Ana felt herself grin. “Apparently, I’m too young for you?”

“You are.” Andrew groaned, but Ana swore he pulled her tighter against him.

Ana tilted her head back and stared up into Andrew’s face, her arms around his waist. “Michael Douglas to Catherine Zeta-Jones, or Rod Stewart to Penny Lancaster. I think their age gaps are a little more than ours.”

“Don’t be sassy!” Andrew’s eyes twinkled as he gazed into hers.

“What about Eva? She said there’s nothing between you, but I can’t help but feel I’m a substitute.”

Andrew’s eyes went wide at her words, “Substitute? Whatever gave you that idea?”

Ana stepped back and out of his arms, her own circling her waist. “Come on, Andrew, look at us! I’m the spitting image of your first wife... My sister! Don’t be obtuse! How can I not think that? You loved her, married her, and had a child together. You might still be married to her if she hadn’t left.”

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