Page 16 of Finally Found You

I hesitantly walk farther into the apartment, feeling a mix of curiosity and trepidation as I explore Lysander Spearman’s sanctuary. Is there anything in here I could use against him?

My eyes wander to a wall of custom-built bookshelves filled with a diverse selection of books. His obvious passion for reading is impressive, adding intellectual depth to his already enigmatic persona.

Do not like him. He’s not hot, or dreamy, or… He’s now your enemy. It’s crazy how life can change in an instant. Just yesterday, I wanted him to be the man who would help me forget my shitty situation for at least a night, but today, he’s the one who might destroy what’s left of my family.

As I continue to explore the place, I notice a collection of family photographs adorning a side table. The tender smiles and shared laughter captured within the frames reveal a man who cherishes his family. Each picture tells a story of love, connection, and the importance of those who matter most to him. And wouldn’t it be nice if Kenzy had a father like him?

Should I just leave and hope for the best? She deserves to be happy. This could be her chance to have it all.

But these are just material proof of a fantasy life. He could be a terrible man who won’t love his child the way she deserves. I want to believe he didn’t know about Kenz, but Aunt Elsie told us a different story. Didn’t she?

I can’t abandon Kenzy when we don’t know anything about Lysander Spearman.

My attention shifts to an exquisite wine rack standing proudly in the corner, showcasing carefully selected bottles. I can’t help but imagine the intimate conversations we might share over a glass of his favorite vintage, unraveling the layers of his soul, one sip at a time.

But I shake off the thought almost immediately.

No fantasizing, Camilla. He’s off-limits.

“Nonna, why did you leave me with this mess?” I mumble, feeling drained and famished.

I make my way back to the sleek, modern kitchen. The polished marble countertops and state-of-the-art appliances serve as a stark reminder of just how wealthy this guy is. Money he’ll undoubtedly use to keep Kenzy, no matter how hard I try to fight him.

Let that go, eat something, and then you can call JJ. Together you can think about a solution to this new development.

I open the stainless-steel refrigerator, my eyes scanning the neatly organized shelves for something to eat. Before I settle on what to cook, I grab my earbuds and call JJ. I need to start problem-solving this issue. She’ll help me come up with a solution.

“Did you see her?” she asks instead of greeting me.

“Yep,” I answer and give her an update.

“What are my options?” I ask JJ, pulling out all the ingredients to cook seafood pasta.

“Aunt Claire is looking into it,” she answers. “Neither of her parents relinquished their parental rights, but neither has taken care of her since day one. It’s a special case.”

“Wow, you just spoke like a true lawyer. Are you sure you’re happy becoming a neurosurgeon?” I ask her.

“Sarcasm. The best weapon to avoid all the pain.” She sighs. “What’s going on?”

“He wants to take her away from me,” I say, and that’s when my internal faucet opens, and I start crying.

“Cami?”

“I can’t lose her, too,” I sniff.

“She’s finally crying,” JJ announces to whoever is with her.

“I wish she were here,” I hear someone.

“Me too. Tell her we love her,” someone else chimes.

“Mom and Aunt Claire send their love,” JJ mumbles. “Do you want us there?”

“Nope. I’ll be fine,” I sniff again. “This is neither the place nor the time to wail like a baby who lost her mother.”

“You lost your mother,” JJ reminds me. “Sure, she was technically your grandmother, but she raised you. There have been a lot of changes, and you haven’t had the time to assimilate them or to grieve your losses.”

“I know,” I agree, wiping away the tears that have made their way down my cheeks. “It’s just… everything feels so overwhelming right now.”

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