Truth Untold

Amelia

A week later, and I was still trending everywhere.

“Famous CEO’s New Wife Causes Chaos at Wedding—Clashes with Woman in Love with the Groom”

I let out a deep sigh and shook my head. The media had completely twisted the story, painting me as some desperate woman clawing for affection. Why would I fight over a man I didn’t even love?

Unbelievable.

I had caused trouble on the very first day I was officially added to the Hawkins family. It got so bad they had to move me downtown just to escape the reporters and paparazzi constantly swarming the house. Apparently, I’d be staying here for a while, at least until the hype died down. Sebastian’s cold, sharp-tongued mother had made it perfectly clear that my presence would only bring unnecessary complications for her son and his business.

Great. As if I ever wanted any of this in the first place.

I’d secretly hoped she’d demand a divorce instead. That would’ve been the best news I’d heard all week. I had no idea how long I’d be stuck in this tiny apartment, but Jamie, Sebastian’s younger sister, who still lived in the mansion with me told me I’d be going back home soon.

Truth be told, I didn’t want to leave here. The idea of going back to that cold house, of living with Sebastian and his daughter, made my stomach turn.

“Damn,” I muttered under my breath, rubbing my face.

“You alright?” Jamie asked, her voice pulling me out of my thoughts.

I forced a smile and nodded.

Jamie was such a sweet girl. The last thing I wanted was to make her worry, so I turned my focus back to the cupcakes we were making. I couldn’t believe I’d zoned out again.

“But Jamie,” I said, eyeing the mixing bowl, “why are we making chocolate cupcakes? You hate chocolate, and I never asked for this.”

She smiled as she slid a tray into the oven. “Rose is coming over. She loves chocolate.”

Rose? She’s coming here?

“Why is she coming over?” I asked, my voice cracking slightly.

“I got a call from her father today,” Jamie said casually. “He’s leaving the city tomorrow for his eye surgery, so he’s dropping Rose off to stay for a while.”

“Oh… I see.” I nodded slowly. “I’m glad your brother finally found an eye donor, though.”

“I know, right?” she sighed. “I’m happy for him. He’s had nyctophobia since he was a kid. Imagine living in constant darkness. It must’ve been terrifying for him.”

“Oh my goodness… I’m sorry he had to go through that,” I whispered, genuinely feeling for him.

“It’s okay,” she replied gently. “We just have to hope the surgery goes well. Because if it doesn’t… Sebastian will be blind forever.”

“He won’t,” I said softly, reaching out to hold her hand.

“Oh no! The cupcakes!” Jamie shrieked, rushing to the oven. “Phew! That was a close call.”

Once we were done with the cupcakes and had everything set, we freshened up and settled into the sitting room.

“And now,” she grinned, curling into the couch, “it’s time to wait for our sweet girl.”

I smiled back, hoping it didn’t look too forced. As I grabbed my phone from the table, a notification popped up from Instagram. My heart sank a little when I saw the name: Alex.

Why would he message me? Wasn’t he the same person flooding my feed with pictures of himself and his new lover, Stella going on dates, beaches, hotels, restaurants, everywhere like a damn travel brochure? And yet, I hadn’t blocked him. What was wrong with me?

Just as I was about to open the message, the doorbell rang.

“They’re here!” Jamie said, practically jumping to her feet with excitement.

I stood, my heart suddenly pounding, and watched as the door opened. Sebastian walked in first, his cane tapping lightly against the floor. His other hand was holding onto the most adorable sight, Rose who was smiling from ear to ear. He still had his sunglasses on, though this time it looked like a different brand. Right behind him was his ever-serious personal assistant, Mr. Smith.

“Mommy!” Rose shrieked joyfully.

My heart jumped. My eyes widened. I was definitely not getting used to that anytime soon.

Before I could react, she bolted over to me and threw her little arms around my waist in a tight hug.

“How are you, sweetie?” I asked.

“Fine, but I missed you, Mommy,” she pouted. “Can’t wait to have you home.”

“Soon, sweetie,” I smiled.

“You’re coming now,” I heard Sebastian say.

My eyes snapped up. “What?”

“You’ll be moving to the mansion with my daughter immediately. Then await my arrival from Singapore after my eye surgery.”

“But what about the reporters? The—”

“It has been taken care of, ma’am,” Mr. Smith interrupted. “Please kindly come with me. The car is waiting for you two.”

“I… okay,” I gave in quietly.

Rose held my hand tightly and smiled at me. I smiled back, very forcefully. It seemed she noticed how nervous I was because her eyes kept flicking to my shaky, sweat-damp hand.

Jamie brought the cupcakes just before we left. Who would’ve thought today would be the day I’d be saying goodbye to her?

And just like that, I was in the car with Rose, watching as my things were packed into the trunk.

From the window, I caught a glimpse of Sebastian leaving in the other car. Jamie stood there, arms crossed, watching silently as her brother was driven away.

“Mommy!” Rose suddenly called.

I turned to her, and noticed she was nibbling on a cupcake. “What is it, dear?” I asked, gently fixing her neatly packed hair.

“Do you love Daddy?” she asked.

My heart skipped a beat. What was I supposed to say to that?

“Daddy really loves you a lot, you know,” she added with a soft smile.

“What??”