Chapter 2
1 Thought Leo and I were in Love.]
After all, we did everything a couple would do.[]
We ate together, went on dates, and joined friends for dinners. During truth–or–dare games, we would kiss without hesitation, boldly saying “I love you” in front of everyone.
On rainy days, Leo would always show up, umbrella in hand, waiting to drive me to and from work.[]
At family gatherings, beneath the dinner table, he would reach for my hand, his fingers curling around mine in secret.
I thought those little moments meant something.[]
I truly believed we love each other. [
But I didn’t know–what I believed to be a six–month relationship was nothing more than a game of make–believe.
Enloe?-0
A soft knock on my car window startled me. My mother’s concerned face appeared through the glass, her brows furrowed.[]
I jolted back to reality.
In the rearview mirror, I caught sight of my tear–streaked face. Panicked, I wiped away the evidence, quickly composing myself before stepping out.[]
“Mom!”
Not wanting her to see the turmoil beneath my facade, I quickly wrapped my arms around her, plastering on my brightest smile..]
“I missed you.”
She was carrying grocery bags, but she still linked her arm through mine, exhaling as if relieved.[]
“Silly girl, why were you just sitting in the car instead of coming inside? You scared me! Haven’t you heard those news stories? People passing out in their cars–it’s dangerous!”
I nodded absently, barely absorbing her words.[]
Then, just as I thought the moment had passed, she hesitated, her tone shifting.]
“Oh, Chioe…. about Leo. His date is coming over soon.“[]
My chest tightened.]]
“Apparently, his parents are really serious about this one. They said Leo planned everything himself, put a lot of thought into it. He even mentioned that having you there might make the girl feel more comfortable.”
She trailed off, watching me carefully.
She didn’t need to finish the sentence.[]
She knew.
She had always known.[]
The framed photos of Leo and me still sat on my nightstand.[]
Every gift he had given me, I had kept, stored away like treasures too precious to touch.
And my notebooks–pages upon pages filled with scribbled words, doodles, and quiet confessions of love I could never say aloud.
How could she not know?]
ALL Real With This Newhbor My Childhood Stole His Empire To Cain Mel
Chapter 2
But I smiled
“Of course, Mom. Don’t worry, Ill help keep the conversation going, make her feel welcome. I know what to do.”
Her eyes filled with something unspoken–pity, worry, or maybe regret.]
We walked home in silence.]
Just as she reached for the door, I spoke, my voice light, almost too casual.[]
“Dad’s retiring next month. Let’s move to Florida.“]]
She turned, startled.
1 grinned, leaning into her shoulder like a child.]
“You and Dad always talked about settling there for retirement, didn’t you? I don’t have any grand dreams. I can teach dance, stay close to you both. That’s enough for me.”
e.“]
I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince–her or myself.
