Amelia's POVBlair launched into a detailed account of how she had found out that Thomas had been cheating on her with Sandra and the fight that came after, her voice filled with a raw mix of anger and hurt. My heart ached for her. This wasn't just a simple break-up; it was a shattering of trust and a future they'd both envisioned.As she spoke, I threw off the covers and shuffled towards the kitchen, the phone tucked between my ear and shoulder.By the time I poured myself a steaming cup of coffee and grabbed a bagel, Blair had finished recounting the fight. Now, a hesitant note had crept into her voice as she explained the one-night stand. She told me about the club, the overwhelming pain, and the chance encounter with this guy named James.I walked back to my room, carrying my bagel and coffee in both hands with my phone between my ear and my shoulder. "I know, I know," she said, anticipating my reaction. "It wasn't me. But I just… I don't know, Amelia. Maybe I just needed an esca

Amelia's POVThe rest of the morning unfolded in a flurry of activity. Eddie managed to salvage some pancake batter, which we transformed into a passable (if slightly smoky-flavored) breakfast. Chloe, thrilled with the idea of a movie marathon, helped with decorating the living room with colorful blankets and plush toys. By the time we settled in on the couch, a mountain of popcorn nestled between us, Chloe snuggled between Eddie and me, the earlier tension had evaporated.As the opening credits of a Disney movie rolled on the screen, I found myself stealing a glance at Eddie. He was completely absorbed in the film, occasionally whispering funny commentary that made Chloe erupt in giggles. There was a tenderness in his expression, a genuine love for his daughter that warmed my heart. It was a side of him I hadn't seen often during our college days, when ambition had been his driving force.A pang shot through me, a reminder of the unspoken complications swirling beneath the surface of

Amelia's POVHis smile was wide and friendly."Excuse me," he began, his voice warm and inviting. "Couldn't help but notice you were all alone. Mind if I join you for a bit?"Hesitation flickered across me. The last thing I needed right now was unwanted company. Yet, his smile held a genuineness that was oddly disarming."Uh…" I stammered, unsure of what to say. "Actually, I'm waiting for someone." It wasn't entirely a lie. A part of me hoped Eddie might call, explain the situation with Blair.He raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, that coffee looks awfully lonely." He gestured to the empty seat opposite me. "Come on, give a guy a chance to brighten your day. The name's Ethan."Something about his easy confidence and playful demeanor chipped away at my resistance. The events of the morning felt heavy, and a small part of me craved a distraction, a brief escape from the swirling confusion in my head."Amelia," I replied, a hesitant

Eddie's POVMy gaze darted from the closed door to Bianca, who sat perched on the edge of my desk, fiddling with a pen in her perfectly manicured hands. Her usual confident demeanor seemed to have evaporated, replaced by a mixture of apprehension and what appeared to be…defiance?A wave of anger washed over me, momentarily eclipsing the confusion that had been swirling in my gut."Bianca," I growled, my voice laced with steel. "What the hell was that?"Bianca looked up, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "What do you mean, Eddie?" she purred, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness."Don't play dumb with me," I snapped, striding towards her. "You know exactly what I mean. Creeping all over me like that, in front of Amelia no less!"Bianca's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her previously innocent facade. "Honestly, Eddie," she huffed, straightening her designer skirt. "You're overreacting. It was a friendly touch.""It wasn't friendly," I countered, my voi

Eddie's POVJust then, the clatter of the front door opening jolted me out of my brooding. I expected to see Chloe, perhaps thirsty after a long nap, but instead, I saw Amelia walking in, a small smile on her lips. She seemed to be lost in thoughts, not even knowing when I approached and leaned against the wall. "And where have you been?" I growled out.Amelia's POVThe unexpected question threw me off balance. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing a semblance of calm into my voice. "Just went out for some air," I replied, my gaze flitting away from his accusatory stare.Eddie's frown deepened. "Air?"I needed a break," I countered, my voice firmer this time. The guilt that had been gnawing at me earlier was slowly morphing into irritation."A break from what?" he pressed, taking a step closer. His proximity was suffocating, amplifying the confusion and hurt swirling inside me."From everything," I said vaguely, refusing to elaborate. I didn't need to justify my actions to him,