Amelia’s POV"It's understandable," Dad said, putting an arm around my shoulder. "It's been a lot to process for all of us."He was right. The positive news about Mom's treatment, coupled with the conversation about Eddie, had left me feeling emotionally drained."That was… good news," Dad finally said, his voice tinged with awe."It was," I agreed, a smile stretching across my face. "The best news we could have hoped for."We walked for a few moments in companionable silence before Dad spoke again. "So," he began hesitantly, "about what you were saying earlier…"My smile faltered slightly. I knew what he was referring to – Eddie and the whole ex-wife situation."Yeah," I mumbled, kicking a pebble down the sidewalk."Look," Dad continued, his voice gentle, "I'm not going to tell you what to do. But whatever you decide, just make sure you're making the decision for the right reasons. Don't settle for something less than you deserve, Amelia. You're strong and independent, and you have a
Jenna’s POVMy eyes narrowed at James' accusation. He was right, of course. Her sudden appearance, the calculated sweetness towards Chloe – it was all a carefully crafted performance aimed at worming her way back into Eddie's life. But to have it called out so blatantly by a mere assistant irked me.A sharp laugh escaped my lips, tinged with a bitterness that surprised even me. "Worm my way back in? Please, James. Like Eddie ever truly left?"His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might actually take a swing at me. His loyalty to Eddie was admirable, even if it was a little misplaced."That's a matter of opinion," he finally growled, his voice strained."Oh, honey," I drawled, stepping closer to him and lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's not pretend we both don't know the truth. The business, the stress, the constant travel – it all took its toll. Eddie needed an escape, a release, and that's where I came in."His fists tightened at his sides, and I knew I
Eddie’s POVI also noticed the sugary drink staining Chloe's pajamas – something that would never have happened under Amelia's watchful eye.A wave of anger washed over me, replacing the initial flicker of hope. This wasn't bedtime storytelling; it was a sugar-fueled sugar rush before bedtime, a recipe for a restless night and a cranky morning.Clearing my throat, I stepped into the room. Both Chloe and Jenna jumped, startled. The book clattered to the floor, scattering colorful pages across the carpet."Daddy!" Chloe exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across her face."Hey, princess," I said, forcing a smile. My gaze flicked to Jenna, who stood there looking flustered, a strand of hair clinging to her brightly painted lips."Eddie," she said, her voice strained. "You're back.""That's clear," I replied, my tone clipped. "What's going on here?""I was just reading Chloe a story," Jenna stammered, picking up the book and dusting it off."A story about princesses and unicorns with q
Jenna’s POVAfter cleaning up Chloe’s room, I tiredly made my way downstairs. Nothing could have ever prepared me for how energetic a child could be and how exhausting it is trying to keep up with them.The house was quiet now, an unsettling silence that contrasted the earlier whirlwind of bedtime stories and sugar highs.Following a sliver of light emanating from beneath the closed study door, I found Eddie slumped over his desk, a half-empty bottle of whiskey keeping him company. A flicker of concern warred with a surge of anger. Here he was, drowning his sorrows with alcohol, while I, the responsible one, had been the one putting Chloe to bed.Pushing the door open a crack, I called out hesitantly, "Eddie?"My voice echoed in the stillness of the room, but he didn't stir. He looked awful, his usually neatly styled hair mussed, his tie loosened, and his face etched with a combination of fatigue and despair. There was something in his hand. It was an old picture, an extremely old one
Jenna’s POVA wave of exhaustion washed over me. Tonight had been emotionally draining, a complex web of manipulation, genuine concern, and a healthy dose of self-preservation.Reaching down, I picked up the empty whiskey bottle and tucked it discreetly behind a stack of books on the nightstand. One last glance at Eddie's sleeping form, and I turned to leave.A shrill ringtone shattered the silence, jolting me back. Startled, I glanced at the bedside table – Eddie's phone was flashing on silent, the name "Amelia" glowing accusingly on the screen.A cold dread slithered down my spine. Amelia calling at this hour? It couldn't be good. My mind raced, a whirlwind of possibilities flickering through my head. Was she calling to apologize? To check on him? Or worse, did she suspect something was amiss?For a fleeting moment, I considered letting the call go to voicemail. But the actress in me, the one who thrived on drama and manipulation, took over. This was an opportunity, a chance to furt
Eddie’s POVAmelia had left a gaping hole in my heart."But will she ever come back?" Chloe persisted, her lower lip trembling slightly."I… I don't know, sweetheart," I admitted, the truth a bitter pill to swallow. A heavy sigh escaped Chloe's tiny lips. "Okay," she mumbled, staring out the window with a wistful expression. The silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken emotions.Reaching over, I squeezed her hand gently. "Look," I began, my voice softened with love. "No matter what happens with Amelia, you'll always be my little girl. And no matter what, I'll always be here for you. Always."Chloe looked at me, a flicker of reassurance sparking in her eyes. "Really?" she asked, her voice a hesitant whisper."Really," I confirmed, my voice firm with conviction. "You're the most important thing in the world to me, you know that?"She nodded slowly, a small smile gracing her lips. For a moment, the tension seemed to ease, a fragile connection established between us.Reaching t
Eddie’s POVHis words held a truth that stung. Jenna's behavior had become increasingly erratic, her possessiveness suffocating. But the thought of facing Amelia, of dredging up the hurt and confusion of that day, filled me with dread.I could not say anything, I could only nod my head in response. Just then, my head began to pound again, this time around in sync with my heart.My vision swam, the pounding in my head morphing into a relentless drum solo. The room seemed to tilt on its axis, James' concerned face warping into a blurry mess. A guttural cough ripped through me, sending another jolt of pain lancing through my chest."James…" I croaked, the word a raspy whisper. My hand reached out, blindly grasping for something solid. My fingers brushed against the armrest of the chair, anchoring me momentarily."Eddie, mate! What's wrong?" James' voice was laced with alarm, his concern cutting through the fog clouding my mind."Head…" I managed, the word slurred. My grip on the armrest
Amelia’s POVI knew that there was no way that he and Jenna had actually been together in the way that she had been insinuating.Jenna had probably been playing another of her manipulative tricks. Regardless, I was exhausted and had had to tell myself that it would be better to end it with Eddie than to be dealing with hurt and frustration every day. James had been giving me updates on both Chloe and Eddie and although I knew I should tell him to stoop so that I could have a clean break, I did not think I had the heart to do so.The rhythmic rumble of the bus engine vibrated through the worn leather seat I occupied. Outside the window, the cityscape blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors, each passing image signifying my new reality. A reality where I, Amelia Brooks, was no longer Eddie Turner's nanny. Today's successful interview meant I could finally stand on my own two feet, financially independent. A bittersweet victory, considering the reason behind this newfound freedom.A soft c