Chapter 10

10

WILL

It’s been one week since Amelia appeared inside my office.

The whole thing caught me off guard. I’d barely held myself together after leaving her inside my hotel room the morning after her drunken mishap, going as far as to inform housekeeping not to change the sheets so that I could smell her all over the bed.

It was a sick and twisted game I played with myself. Laying there while inhaling Amelia’s scent lingering all over the pillow and sheets. I imagined what it would be like to taste her again, feel myself inside her, and watch her face moan in delight when I hit the spot which drove her crazy.

I couldn’t help myself—spurting all over my hand like some god damn teenager.

But then she turned up at my office, supposedly wanting to thank me. I could see right through her; she didn’t want to offer her gratitude. Amelia was there to parade her new life.

Reminding me of her impending marriage and that she’ll never hurt him.

The anger poured through me like lava. How dare she come here and act as if her words don’t hurt. But it didn’t stop her, nor did it stop her from opening the wound of the past and assuming I had moved on and into another woman’s bed, quick to judge me on my past performance.

If only she knew how much I bled.

Or knew what it felt like to hear the sound of my own heart breaking like shattered glass, the second she walked out of my apartment.

How each night, I did nothing but drink myself into a stupor because I needed to erase the pain and suffering.

How my body became numb to the hard liquor and craved something more substantial.

And how desperate I had become to fall prey to the substances I’d avoided my entire life.

When money is of no concern, the white lace is the most dangerous thing a broken heart can rely on. And that’s what mine did, for months on end, until a near-death accident which almost cost me my life.

These dark moments are forever engrained into me. Memories I cannot escape no matter how hard I try. Amelia has no idea that slowly, she is picking at a wound still unable to heal.

My desk phone rings, interrupting my lucid thoughts. It should be a blessing, but rather my patience wears thin with people demanding my attention.

“Yes,” I answer, closing my eyes.

“There is a Miss Edwards here to see you.”

My eyes spring open. I clear my throat, willing to gain some control of my emotions.

“Send her in.”

I adjust my tie before the door opens and Ava bounce’s through. My shoulders slump with a bitter smile following.

“What is with your receptionist?” Ava complains without a hello or greeting. “It’s like she’s part of the CIA, and you’re under protective guard.”

My lips curve upwards into a small smile. How uncanny of these two sisters to be so alike even though they don’t think so.

“Her name is Tabitha, and she is just doing her job.”

“I bet that’s not the only job she’s doing.”

Always right, Romano.

Ava takes a seat without me even offering. “You look disappointed to see me. Perhaps, Tabitha, is it, should be more accurate with which Edwards daughter is paying you a visit?”

I eye her dubiously, tilting my head to the side while waiting for her to give any sort of clue as to why she is visiting me. When it came to Ava, we rarely spoke and never hung out. She’ll always be the little girl who followed her older sister’s every move, even if it meant she was in danger. And also, the little girl who puked Twizzlers all over her bed because Amelia dared her to eat a whole packet in under thirty seconds. To this day, I still can’t even look at Twizzlers. I recall dry heaving while yelling for Charlie to clean it up.

However, I will admit she has grown into a beautiful woman. A striking resemblance to her father with the same eyes and shade of hair. Even her cheekbones look identical. Not that I pay attention to Lex’s face much, unless, of course, it was to try to read him when attempting to complete a business transaction.

“Tell me, Ava,” I say, sitting back in my chair. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

“Your dad’s birthday is coming up.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose while clenching my jaw. “Don’t remind me.”

“As you may or may not know, my business has grown the past year. Who would have thought a social media platform could turn into such a lucrative business?” she asks, raising her chin with pride.

“Me, for starters. It’s how I founded this company. Online presence is everything.”

“Correct,” she answers, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “I’m expanding the business and have started a lifestyle brand. We are in the final stages before launch, and a client of mine has offered their Hamptons estate for me to shoot at.”

I nod politely. “Nice”

“So, I was thinking of having your dad’s birthday there. What do you think?”

“You don’t need my permission,” I muse, wondering why she’s even asking me. “You should be speaking to my mother.”

“I did, she said perfect.”

My head flinches back slightly. “I don’t understand why you needed to see me then?”

“It’s next weekend.”

I let out a sigh, loosening my tie, which I’d only just tightened. “I’m in Hong Kong.”

Ava presses her lips into a fine line with a confrontational stance, followed by the fold of her arms beneath her chest.

“Are you really going to Hong Kong, or is it because Amelia is going?”

“Ava,” I warn her. “Business comes first.”

“Right…as it did four years ago.”

I bow my head, letting out a deep breath before murmuring, “You don’t know what happened.”

“Of course, I know what happened,” Ava professes, raising her tone in frustration. “I was there to witness the aftermath. I wasn’t off galivanting in some new city making millions of dollars.”

“Is that what you think I was doing in London?” I question with a strangled voice.

“Isn’t that what you did?” she begs to argue. “You went to London. You worked, you made money, correct?”

“You use the word gallivanting so loosely like I was bed-hopping,” I scold her, deeply offended by her assumptions. I was sick and tired of everyone assuming I just moved on and went back to my old ways. I fucking loved Amelia. Why does everyone have to question that? “I was just as heartbroken, okay? It was the worst time of my life. But that is no one else’s god damn business but my own.”

She raises her brows. “But you moved on?”

“It depends on whose opinion matters, Ava,” I snarl.

“Are you telling me you stayed celibate the whole time?”

My hands move to the back of my neck, where I find myself rubbing a particular spot to ease the frustration mounting from this conversation.

“I never said that. I said it is your opinion that I moved on. Just because I slept with other women, all of which were no more than one time, it doesn’t mean I moved on.”

“Do you still love Amelia?”

“What’s with the interrogation?” I rebuke, ignoring the tightness in my chest. “I thought you came here to discuss my dad’s party which I cannot attend. The meeting in Hong Kong was scheduled months ago, and it’s almost impossible to meet with this chairman.” I pause, then exhale a heavy sigh. “As for my feelings toward Amelia, I prefer to keep that private. Especially since you are her sister and notorious for opening your mouth.”

“I am not notorious for opening my mouth!” she denies while raising her tone. Ava stands up from the chair, pointing her finger at me with an angered expression. “And just so you know, the two of you are just as stubborn as each other. Maybe, if you were both honest with yourselves, the two of you wouldn’t be so damn miserable.”

“Amelia looked far from miserable when I saw her last,” I tell her with confidence, only to soften my expression when her words sink in. “Ava, what are you trying to say?”

Ava places her hands on her hips, watching me silently until she throws her hands up in the air, her face darting forward.

“I’m going to spell it out in English,” she scoffs, pressing her hand to her forehead while closing her eyes momentarily. “You’re both in shock from seeing each other. No shit, it’s been almost five years. Emotions are running high. Things have been said. The reality is that both of you need to sort your shit out. It’s either you’re friends or nothing at all. And you’ve come too far to be nothing at all.”

“And you think it’s so easy just to be friends with someone you’re still in love with?” I beg the question.

Ava drops her glance toward the floor. Just when I think this conversation is over and she calls defeat, she raises her eyes to meet mine. The familiar emerald green makes it impossible to ignore. Something in the shade is hypnotizing, placing you under a spell.

“Will, I know Amelia better than anyone else, and that includes my parents. Your bond with her will always be family. And second, to that, is your friendship. Sometimes, Amelia gets caught up in things and forgets her roots. Prime example, your forbidden affair years ago.” She pauses, taking a deep breath to continue with, “Blood is thicker than water. And yes, you may not share the same blood, but both of you were raised to think no different.”

I remain quiet, listening to her for once.

“Amelia is stubborn but never underestimate her ability to forgive. She has the biggest heart, and even though she has a ring on her finger with the intention to marry Austin, she will always have room in her heart for you.”

My eyes break contact as I rise from my chair, pacing the area beside my desk. “I don’t share if that’s what you’re insinuating, Ava.”

“I’m informing you to allow Amelia to come around. She always does.”

“And I’m supposed to sit around and do nothing?”

Ava moves closer to me, raising her hand and placing it on my shoulder. With a deep sigh, she follows with a warm smile.

“You do you, boo.”

I raise my brow, cocking my head to the side while waiting for a proper explanation.

“Be the man she fell in love with. The one who got on her nerves, the playboy who made her jealous with his flirtatious behavior. But most of all, be the man she can’t stop thinking about.”

Ava spelled it out in black and white. Basically, I need to live my life as normal, be the old Will she was accustomed to because the simplest of reminders is what will trigger Amelia.

“Back to next weekend,” Ava reminds me, “still a no?”

“I can’t sorry, but I know you’ll show my dad a good time. You’re the daughter he never had. You’re the only one who encourages his behavior.”

Ava laughs, leaning in for a hug. “I’ll take it all as a compliment. But if you change your mind about next weekend, you have my number.”

* * *

I force another smile though barely able to concentrate. Everything surrounding me is out of my comfort zone. Traveling abroad is not unusual for me, and over the years, I’ve learned about different cultures and adjusted my habits when visiting a foreign country.

This time it all feels different.

I have traveled to Asia numerous times, so it isn’t out of the ordinary. Yet I have been in Hong Kong for less than a day and already missed the States. I even flew in a day earlier than expected hoping to achieve what I needed to then make a quick departure.

The chairman, Mr. Lau, and his board of directors are all accommodating though the language barrier makes it challenging at times. Our conversations are slower paced, and I am aware at all times of making sure my behavior is culturally acceptable.

It hasn’t stopped my patience wearing thin, especially since I know everyone is on the way to the Hamptons as we speak.

And someone will be there without a fiancé in tow.

As the minutes passed, the discussion grows more serious. My confidence begins to soar, certain our company has this locked in. Lau and his posse are almost in agreeance. That is until we start to talk numbers.

I inform Lau of our bid, knowing it is higher than the other tech giants fighting for this new online platform.

“With all due respect, Mr. Lau, Rockford Technology can make this platform become more than just another social media site. Our plans to grow this far exceed anything we’ve ever done before,” I tell him confidently. “I will give you time to consider my offer. But you and I both know no other company can offer you what we’re offering.”

I rise from my chair, rude of me, I know, but my head is elsewhere, and nothing else in the world matters right now.

Not even this two-billion-dollar takeover.

“Romano,” Lau calls, prompting me to focus my attention back onto him. “The deal is yours.”

I nod, rejoicing in the inside but keeping my expression to a bare minimum. When it came to business, you never fist-pumped openly. Feelings are suppressed, and despite the high price tag attached to this takeover, this is a monumental step for our future growth.

“On one condition…” Lau continues while tapping his fingers against the wood grain table. “We want Lexed also.”

“Lexed?” I question, raising my brow at his absurd proposition. “Why?”

Mr. Lau leans back into his chair, jutting his chin with a hard smile. “We only do business with the best. You get Edwards on board, and it’s all yours.”

“I can’t do that.”

“I’m not understanding why? He helped in establishing your company. Invested in the European division. Surely, he would see the value in this takeover?”

What the hell am I supposed to say to this old fucker? Lex won’t talk to me after I fucked his daughter and betrayed him. I highly doubt he will agree to this, and frankly, I don’t need him or his capital. We can fund this on our own.

“I need time,” is all I say.

“I’ll give you time, Romano, but first thing Monday morning, I want an answer.”

My hands clench into fists, frustrated it has come to this, but with a polite nod, I exit the room and get the hell out of here.

Outside the building, the driver is waiting. I demand he take me straight to the airport, and during the car ride, I organize my jet back to the States.

It’s a fifteen-hour flight back home, giving me ample time to think about my next move both personally and professionally. But then on a whim, I stop overthinking and text Ava, who sends a text back with the address and a thousand unnecessary emojis.

I should have slept on the flight but managed only three hours. Adrenaline surged throughout me, forcing me to pace the aisle of the plane while trying to clear my head. This takeover will change everything. Our plans to launch this platform in the States will be like no other launch ever. The platform is designed to become a viral trend, and everyone knows that trends are the most significant organic money stream. Let the people do the work, not us.

But Lexed…fuck, that is not in the cards. I somehow need to convince the chairman to allow us to acquire the company without Lexed. As if I can ever work with Lex again, the guy loathes me.

I end up falling asleep from exhaustion, but it’s short-lived. By the time I wake up, we are just about to land.

There is no time to waste. My driver, Jeffrey, is on standby, ready to take me to the Hamptons. I quickly dress in a pair of jeans, polo, and sneakers before we land—not wanting to arrive in my business attire.

It’s an almost two-hour drive to East Hampton. When the houses become grand, and the roads quiet down, Jeffrey drives the car to a large property which appears to be overlooking the ocean.

It’s enormous, but nothing surprises me anymore. I’ve grown accustomed to visiting places just like this, and the irony is that despite my very wealthy back account, I don’t even have a place to call home.

My penthouse in Manhattan is being leased, as is my penthouse in London. Several years ago, I purchased a few condos in the Upper East Side and Tribeca to grow my investment portfolio, but lost count of how many.

The Four Seasons isn’t exactly home. My realtor had lined up a few viewings, but I canceled, unsure of what I’m even looking for.

With my overnight bag flung over my shoulder, I walk in through the grand entrance to see Ava strolling toward me, wearing one of those kaftan dress type things young chicks wear on top of a bright blue bikini.

Ava claps her hands with a wide grin. “You made it.”

“I did.” I smile in return, allowing her arms to wrap around me for a hug. Ava lets go and motions for me to follow her. “Wait, is your mom around?”

“My mom? Yeah, I think she’s in the kitchen.”

“With or without your dad?”

“Please, my dad in the kitchen? Without.”

I follow Ava through the house and down the long corridor until we arrive at the kitchen. Charlie is standing with Adriana, slicing a watermelon. They both turn around, and before I can even think of how to apologize to the woman who is just as much of a mother as my own, Charlie wipes her hands on her apron before extending her arms out with a forgiving smile. “Come here, you.”

I move toward where she stands and welcome her embrace. Even though I tower over her, her arms wrap around me so lovingly, as if she is still my protector despite being old enough to protect myself.

Our relationship changed after mine and Amelia’s affair was revealed, and a part of me didn’t know whether it was Lex’s influence or Charlie’s decision to keep her distance. In the end, what did it matter? I fucked up and need to mend the bridges I burned.

We both pull away, but she continues to stare with sparkling eyes and unshed tears. God, I’d forgotten just how much Amelia looks like her. Everything but the emerald green eyes.

“Let me get a proper look at you,” she says, cupping my chin. “A very handsome man indeed.”

“You have to say that. You’re my auntie,” I muse.

Charlie chuckles softly. “Hmm, maybe. But I would never lie to the one and only Will Romano. How have you been?”

Her question, while polite, has more weight than anyone else’s. Charlie is someone I’ve always trusted. She’s never let me down, and always encouraged me even when I felt like a disappointment to my own parents. And so, in this moment where vulnerability is at play because somewhere inside this house is the woman I still love, I let my guard down to the one person I can trust.

“How long do you have?”

Charlie caresses my cheek with her hand. “For you, Will. As long as you need.”