Chapter 29
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AMELIA stood by the sink, her hands deep in soapy water, rinsing off the last of the dinner plates. The kitchen was quiet except for the soft clink of glass against porcelain and the steady trickle of water. Her mind was already racing ahead to tomorrow, Hazel’s award ceremony, the outfit she would wear, the hair she needed to braid neatly before morning.
Suddenly, small footsteps pattered into the kitchen. Hazel appeared, her little frame brimming with energy, her school notebook tucked under her arm. Without saying a word, she tiptoed to the corner near the dining table, lifted her chin proudly, and began in her most formal voice, as though she were already standing on stage before a crowd.
“My name is Hazel Cole, and I am in grade three,” she announced, her voice pitched higher than usual.
Amelia slowed her scrubbing, her ears tuned to her daughter’s every word.
“I’m here to receive this award for Best Student,” Hazel continued, folding her hands in front of her as she had seen others do on TV. “And I’m so grateful to my mum and dad who made this happen. I-” She stopped suddenly, her little forehead creased, eyes squeezed shut as though willing the next lines to come back to her.
A smile tugged at Amelia’s lips. She dropped the dish she was holding back into the sink and began clapping softly.
“Bravo! That was beautiful, sweetheart,” she said warmly.
Hazel opened her eyes and giggled, walking up to her mother.
“Did I do it well, Mummy p>
“You did wonderfully,” Amelia said, wiping her damp hands on a towel before bending to meet her daughter’s eyes. “But remember, when you pause like that, don’t be nervous. Just take a deep breath and smile at your audience. That way, they will think you are giving them a chance to clap before you continue p>
Hazel’s eyes widened.
“Really? That works p>
Amelia nodded.
“Of course. And when you say thank you, let it come from your heart. People always feel words more when they come from here.” She placed her hand gently over Hazel’s chest.
Hazel beamed and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, Mummy. I’m going to make you proud, you and Dad p>
“You already do,” Amelia whispered, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead.
Hazel pulled back, her grin still bright, and then scampered back toward the kitchen door. But after a moment, she paused, twisting her fingers together.
“Mummy p>
“Yes, baby?” Amelia replied, turning back to rinse another plate.
Hazel hesitated.
“Do you… do you think Daddy is going to come p>
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Amelia’s hands stilled in the water. She turned, meeting her daughter’s searching eyes.
“Of course he will, Hazel. Your daddy
Hazel shuffled her feet.
promised, didn’t he p>
“But he missed my class presentation last time,” she said softly, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Amelia crouched again, brushing a loose curl from Hazel’s face.
“That is because Daddy was very busy with work that day, sweetheart. You know how hard he works. But this is different, this is your big award. He wouldn’t miss it for the world p>
Hazel studied her mother for a moment, then gave a small nod.
“Okay. I just really want him to see me, and give that speech for me p>
“And he will,” Amelia assured her, pulling her into another hug. “Tomorrow, when you stand on that stage and give your vote of thanks, Daddy will be right there clapping the loudest p>
Hazel’s face brightened, her doubts melting away.
“Okay, Mummy.” She bounced on her toes, the excitement returning.
“Now,” Amelia said, standing and flicking a playful drop of water onto Hazel’s nose, “off to your room. I will be there in a little while to help you get ready for school p>
“Yes, Mummy!” Hazel replied, giggling as she skipped out of the kitchen, her footsteps light and cheerful.
Amelia turned back to the sink, her smile still on her lips, but her eyes lingered for a moment, thoughtful, almost heavy, before she forced herself back to her task.
Amelia pushed the bedroom door open with her shoulder, balancing two hangers draped with Adrian’s shirts. The soft glow of the bedside lamp spilled across the room, and there he was, standing before the closet, dressed sharply, adjusting his wristwatch. His crisp shirt clung perfectly to his shoulders, and his shoes gleamed under the light.
She paused for a second, watching him, her chest tightening with a mixture of admiration and unease. He looked so breathtakingly put together it almost felt like he was heading to a celebration.
Closing the door quietly behind her, she let out a little laugh.
“Babe?” she called gently, setting the hangers across the bed.
“Yes, baby,” Adrian answered, turning toward her with that familiar half-smile that always melted her defenses.
Her eyes swept him up and down.
“Uh… what is the celebration tonight? You look stunning p>
He chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets.
“Nothing serious. Just a few drinks with the boys. That is all p>
Amelia raised a brow, moving closer, her hands brushing across the soft fabric of one of his jackets on the bed.
“Mm-hmm, a few drinks with the boys. You have dressed like you are going to a gala p>
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He tilted his head, grinning.
“What can I say? Your husband likes to look good wherever he goes p>
She rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips curved.
“Well, just remember, tomorrow is Hazel’s award day at school. Nine o’clock sharp. No late time p>
“I know,” he replied smoothly, closing the distance between them. “I’m so aware. Don’t worry, baby, I will be back before ten tonight. I won’t keep a late night p>
Her expression softened, but she shook her head.
“Hazel is really expecting you. She has already told her friends her daddy would be giving a speech, and they are all looking forward to it. You can’t disappoint her p>
Adrian reached out, placing his hands lightly on her arms, rubbing his thumbs in slow circles.
“And I won’t. I promise. I will be there, front row, cheering the loudest p>
She gazed at him, searching his face.
“You had better. Because if you let Leonard drag you into one of his long nights, I swear p>
He laughed, leaning closer, his breath warm against her cheek.
“Leonard is Leonard. Me? I’m a very responsible family man p>
She smirked, looping her arms around his neck.
“Responsible, huh? We will see about that tomorrow p>
“I will prove it,” he whispered, kissing her forehead softly, then moving to her lips. The kiss lingered, tender and reassuring, like a silent vow.
When he pulled back, he pressed his forehead against hers.
“I will always show up for Hazel. And for you p>
Her chest tightened again, this time with warmth, not worry.
“Good. Because she needs her daddy. And I… I need my husband p>
He kissed her again, deeper this time, before finally stepping back.
“Now let me go before I’m tempted to stay right here instead p>
She chuckled, watching him stride toward the door. He reached for the handle, but just as he turned it, her voice stopped him.
“Promise p>
He paused, glancing back at her with that easy, confident smile. Then he gave a slow, deliberate nod.
“I promise p>
And with that, he opened the door and walked out, leaving Amelia standing in the quiet room, her heart fluttering with both hope and doubt.
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Olivia Harris
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.