Chapter 110
110
THE dining room was quiet, the faint clinking of cutlery against porcelain plates was the only sound that filled the air. Amelia sat across from Hazel, her fork tracing absent circles in her mashed potatoes instead of lifting food to her mouth. The images from the gala played relentlessly in her mind, Adrian’s eyes locking with hers in the corridor, the way his voice dipped when he said her name, and Ryan’s protective stance beside her, like a wall between two forces threatening to collide.
She sighed softly, pushing a piece of carrot across her plate, hardly aware she hadn’t eaten more than two bites. Beth had already rocked the twins to sleep, and Mrs. Harlow was still out. That left her and Hazel alone at the table, with the soft hum of the chandelier’s glow above them.
Hazel tilted her head, her bright eyes studying her mother with curiosity.
“Mom,” she piped up in her gentle but perceptive tone, “you are not eating p>
Amelia startled, glancing at her daughter and forcing a smile.
“I am, sweetie.” She lifted her fork to prove it, only to set it back down after a nibble. “Just… not very hungry p>
Hazel squinted knowingly.
“You are thinking about something p>
That earned a small chuckle from Amelia. “Am I that obvious p>
Hazel nodded, her braids bouncing.
“Mhm. Whenever you get all quiet and play with your food like that, you are thinking. Usually about work. Or sometimes about…” she hesitated, lowering her eyes to her plate, “…Daddy p>
Amelia’s heart thudded, her throat tightening at the sound of that word. She reached across the table and brushed Hazel’s hand. She and her daughter had never really talked about her father.
“What makes you say that p>
Hazel shrugged, but her voice was soft, almost fragile.
“Because he wasn’t here tonight either. He is never here at dinner with us. Only in my phone when we FaceTime p>
The words pierced Amelia deeper than she expected. She blinked back a wave of emotion, pulling her hand back to grip her fork tightly.
“Hazel, you know your dad works a lot. That is why you FaceTime p>
“I know,” Hazel said quickly, as though defending him. “And I like seeing him on the screen. But sometimes… it is not the same.” She paused, fiddling with her spoon. “When we had Parents’ Day at school, all my friends had their moms and dads together. And I had you. Which was the best.” Hazel gave her a proud smile. “But I still… I still wanted Dad there too p>
Amelia’s chest tightened. She swallowed hard, willing her voice to stay even.
“Sweetheart, I understand. And I’m proud of you for telling me how you feel p>
Hazel’s expression brightened as she shifted the subject slightly, her childlike joy shining through.
“Oh! Guess what? I got first place in math this week! Mrs. Douglas said my answers were the fastest in the class. She even gave me a gold star p>
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Amelia’s smile finally grew genuine as she leaned forward.
“Really? Hazel, that is amazing. I’m so proud of you p>
Hazel beamed, her cheeks glowing with pride.
“I worked really hard. I wanted to make you happy. And Daddy too p>
The mention of Adrian again made Amelia’s stomach knot. She looked at her daughter, innocent, hopeful, her whole world still a canvas of bright dreams, and for the first time in a year and half, Amelia felt herself wavering.
Her mind whispered traitorous thoughts: Hazel deserved her father. The twins deserved him too. And she-she remembered how it felt to have Adrian’s eyes burning into hers just hours ago, to hear his voice trembling between pride and regret.
For a fleeting moment, Amelia let herself imagine what it would be like if he were here now, at this table, Hazel talking excitedly about her school victories, Adrian smiling, maybe teasing their daughter in the way only he could. She imagined his hand brushing hers as they shared looks across the table, the family they could have been.
Her fork slipped from her fingers with a small clatter, dragging her back to the present. Hazel looked at her curiously.
“Mom? Are you okay p>
Amelia forced another smile, though her heart ached.
“Yes, love. I’m fine p>
But as Hazel began chattering about her science project and the book fair at school, Amelia’s thoughts lingered stubbornly.
For the first time in a long time, she wondered if pushing Adrian out had really been strength, or if it was fear.
And worse, if that fear was costing her children the one thing they silently longed for most: their father.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.