Chapter 52
Chapter
- The Wallpape
“Oh, mai pewor you. Of all the things she could inherit from her father, it had to be Raymond’s mubliomness
“I am always willing to compromise with her stubbornne
for Fran’t leave them alone, beit the said is okay and the ra roond Tuby Tran’t leave her”
My ever
of 1 hissed at him, trying
dn’t move
His grip ommy want reassined firm, and we were still i lose. The voices stopped, and I knew they had seen us in this intimate position.
They’re her
With him being stubborn and remembering how absurd his words. Trustrated,
ed in pain, and hnally, be let go of me
I almost stumbled from the force, but Liam quickly held my arms to steady me
“Oh my. I’m sorry for interrupting you two; Grandma Ellen said teasingly.
1 glared at Liam before simply pulling my arms away from him.
myself stomping on his foot
was helping me blow in
Forring a smide. I turned to Grandina Ellen. “It’s not what you think, Grandina. Something got in my eye, and Sir Liam was h
Grandra Ulen chuckled. “Okay, if i
what you say, darling”
“Anyway, this is Michael–Belle’s husband and Ityleigh’s father,” she said, gesturing to the man beside her.
1 looked at the man, and the moment I saw his blue eyes and kind features, Eknew he was Ryleigh’s father. They looked so much alike
“Nice to meet you, I’m Mall sad, offering any hand politely. But before he could take it, Liam beat him to it.
“Liam Anderson, Michael sud, and that’s when recognition flickered in his eyes as he looked at Liam.
“I thought I was mistaken when I saw Hunter outside,” Michael continued. “Hat I guess I wasn’t since you’re here. I never expected to run into you in + place like this”
Liami’s expression jemansed unreadable as he stared at Michael.
After a few seconds, he finally ac
y acknowledged him. “Michael Evans”
melina Ellen’s eyes twinkled witla curiosity. “What
Michael nodded with: unile. “Yrali we
Topellier, we’re in the same class?
bo, you guys were un
date at Girandına Ellen’s farm-
“We are on a date. Michael. He’s my boss, and we were looking for flower suppliers”
Fame out a
Michael raised an eyelow, and i could feel my checks getting hotter when, just like Grandma kiten, lie flashed a teasing sisile. “I see. You guys are hot on a date. He’s your lions. I get it, Mia”
Grandina Elleji laughed. “Oh, come on, Michael, son, stop teasing them. Let’s believe Mia when she says Liam was just helping her.”
Michael unicked “Rigla. That explains the very close proximity we just walked in on.”
hing toward Helle.
Michael’s smirk vanished, and his eyes widened Houry, why are you carrying our Ryleigh!” he shouted, rushing
1/4
Chapter 32
Í gasped as Michael stumbled, and the next thing I saw was him lying on the ground, crushing the daisies.
“Guess some things never change—still clumsy,” Liam muttered beside me.
“Oh,
this isit the first time you’ve seen my grandson falling like a frog on the ground. Grandma Ellen commented, placing a hand on her
forehead
“Hour, and I assume this isn’t the first time he’s ruined your flowers”
“You be
I winced when Michael groaned loudly. It was as if I could feel his pain as Belle and linle Ryleigh helped him get up
II was already dark when we finished the tea and snacks Grandma Ellen made for us.
“Oh, this is for me?” I crouched to Ryleigh’s level when she handed me a paper with a flower drawn on it.
She nodded, smiling- I caressed her hair. “Thank you, Ryleigh.”
She gestured her hand, and I looked at Belle, waiting for what Ryleigh said.
“She’s asking if you’ll come back here and visit her.”
I looked at Ryleigh, her blue eyes shining with hope.
I lightly caressed her check. “I will come back here, Ryleigh. I would even bring Ryker and Rylie so you could meet and play with them. Would
like that?”
She nodded excitedly and held out her little finger,
“Pinky promise,” I whispered,
She giggled when Michael suddenly picked her up.
“Did my baby just find a new playmate? Looks like you already like Aunt Mia. Is she your favorite now?” Michael teased as he started tickling Ryleigh when the linle girl nodded.
“Really? But I thought Daddy was going to be your only favorite! This is unfair!”
you
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the two of them. Belle shook her head, scolding her husband, worried their daughter might get out of breath.
My gaze shifted toward Liam, who was talking to Grandma Ellen. He was notaring at Michael and Ryleigh.
For a moment. I thought I saw a flicker of envy in his eyes–like he wanted to have what Michael had.
A family.
“Thank you, Mia Michael said, returning my attention to them
“For what” I asked, smiling.
He put his arm around Belle’s shoulder. Ryleigh’s head rested in the crook of his neck. They looked like a perfect family.
“For being kind to Ryleigh. She really likes you.”
I glanced at Ryleigh, feeling a slight
stache in my chest, but I shook it off. “She’s a sweet kid. I adore her.”
Belle smiled and squeezed my hand. “Still, thank you. It means a lot to us.
“Mia, these are for your little ones. I hope they like chocolate muffins, Grandma Ellen said with a warm smile.
1 peached for the paper bag she handed me, my heart warming at her thoughtful gesture. Thank you, Grandma Ellen They’ll love these, especially Kylie. She’s a fan of anything with chocolate.
Before I could say more, Grandma Ellen pulled me into a gentle hug. 1 closed my eyes, feeling her comfort
“You can always come here if you need someone to talk to, Mia,” she murmured.
2/4
Chapter 32
A hang formed in my throat as I whispered. Thank you, Grandma.” I truly felt grateful for meeting her.
After saying our goodbyes, I waved to them one last time before leaving with Liam.
I knew I would come back here, not just because Liam had chosen them as the flower supplier, but because of the warmth 1 felt with their family. especially with Ryleigh.
I faced Lum once we reached my car.
Clearing my throat, I held out my palm. “My keys, Sir.”
Ti drive“he said
I shook my head. “You should ride with Hunter, Sir.”
His brows furrowed, and has jaw clenched. “No-
“I know I work for you, but it’s already way
by past my working hours.”
He raised an eyebrow. “There’s no such thing as working hours with me, Mia. We’re not done for today. I sull have a meeting with the directors. I need you.
I sighed, glancing at the paper bag in my hands. I was l
longing to get home and bring it to Rylie and Ryker.
I had to remain professional despite my growing urge to smash his face with the bouquet Grandma Ellen had given me.
Professional your ass,
Where’s the professional in you stomping your boss foot!
That’s his fault!
“Finc-
“Get in the car. I’ll have my meeting while drive. Can you take the minutes on your phone?
“Yeah, of course.
He didn’t say anything as he opened the passenger door for me. He took the flowers and paper bag from my arms and placed them in the backseat before walking toward the driver’s side.
“Email the directors and set up the meeting in ten minutes,” he ordered, his eyes focused ahead as he started the engine.
It’s your job, Mia.
I took his phone, but the moment I tapped the screen, my breath caught in my throat.
The wallpaper.
It was a photo of a woman
It was a photo of me.
No. Not Mia.
It was Camilliana.
I looked like Callie, but I was certain it wasn’t her. The proof was the heirloom necklace I was wearing–the one from Grandma
I quickly masked my reaction, clearing my throat despite the rapid beating of my heart. “Your password“”
This time, it was my birthday.
Camille’s birthday,
