Page 131 of How to Fall for the Secret Billionaire
But I’m not normal. I’m not okay.
Because the truth is sharp now, and it cuts every time I breathe. I miss him. Dang, I miss him.
I try to distract myself. I mop the floors. I rearrange the teacups. I wipe down the brass key rack even though it doesn’t need wiping. But everything reminds me of him—how he used to lean against the kitchen island like it belonged to him, how he fixed the squeaky front door without being asked, how he kissed me in the garden like I was the only thing that mattered in the world.
And now he’s gone.
Because I told him to go.
Because I was scared. Because I let my pride speak louder than my heart.
I sit on the porch swing with a blanket wrapped around me, staring at the driveway, half-hoping his car will come rumbling up like this is some rom-com ending and he’s come back to fight for me.
But it doesn’t.
Instead, I sit there and finally say it out loud—to no one, to everyone, to myself:
“I’m in love with him.”
“Yes, sweetheart. You are.”
I flinch at the voice. Aunt Edie stands in the doorway, soft sweater wrapped around her shoulders, eyes kind and knowing.
Tears prick my eyes. I’ve been holding it together—shoving down the words, ignoring the ache, pretending this isn’t eating me alive. Everyone’s tried to get me to talk. Hazel. Thea. Juni. Mom. Even Dad, in his quiet way.
But I’ve refused.
Now it’s collapsing on top of me.
“Oh, Aunt Edie,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I was so stupid.”
She crosses the porch and pulls me into her arms without hesitation. Her hug is warm, solid, safe. Just like it’s always been.
“I thought he liked me. He was just testing the waters.” I cry harder, choking on my own disbelief. “I let down my walls, Aunt Edie. I believed him. I believed us. I’m so stupid.”
She doesn’t say anything. She just holds me tighter, letting me cry it out. When the storm quiets, and my breath comes in soft, hiccupping exhales, she finally speaks.
“Do you remember when I told you Cal reminds me of someone?”
“Yes.” I look up, blinking past tears, blotting my face with my sleeves like a kid.
“He was handsome too,” she says with a faraway smile. “Very sweet. Cared a lot for me.” There’s something fragile and wistful in her tone. “I lost him because I was just like you. Ultra-independent. Thought I knew it all. I didn’t like giving second chances.”
“You’re asking me to forgive him?” I suck in a breath, not sure if I’m offended or just exhausted. “He’s a billionaire. What could we possibly have in common?”
“You had a lot in common when you didn’t know he was a billionaire,” she says gently. “Why does the money change anything? It makes me wonder if he was right to keep that part of himself quiet.”
“Aunt Edie, I just… I don’t trust him anymore.” My voice trembles again.
“That’s okay,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “It’s getting cold. Go inside, sweetheart. Before the guests start arriving for Kettle Hour.”
I nod, my body heavy with grief. She pulls me gently to my feet, and I start toward the front door.
Just as I reach it, she calls out behind me, a twinkle in her voice.
“Don’t worry. We’ve all prepared a little surprise for you—something we know you’ll like.”
I pause, looking over my shoulder.
