Page 54 of My Forbidden Billionaire
I can feel my heart stop as Clem’s words sink in.
My mind races, trying to come up with some kind of response that won’t devastate her. She’s just a child, after all, and I don’t want to burden her with the weight of my heartache.
“Oh, sweetie,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “That’s not quite how it works.”
“Why not?” she asks, her brow furrowing in confusion. “You and Miss Andrews obviously like each other a lot. And you’re both grown-ups. It’s not like you have cooties or anything,” she says, a hint of a giggle in her voice at the last part.
I can’t help but chuckle along with her, but my heart is heavy with a sense of loss.
Clem is right—the connection between Josephine and me is obvious to anyone who’s paying attention. But it’s not that simple. Life isn’t always like the stories we read in books, where love conquers all and the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset together. Real life is messy and complicated, and sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good.
“I know it seems that way. But … there are things that grown-ups have to consider that kids don’t,” I say, pausing for a moment to collect my thoughts. “Sometimes, things just don’t work out the way we want them to. And that’s okay. We just have to learn to be grateful for the people who are in our lives, for however long they may be there.”
Clem looks up at me with big, searching eyes, and I can see the worry etched across her features. “But Daddy, you’re sad. I don’t want you to be sad,” she says, her voice trembling slightly.
“I know, sweetie,” I say softly, reaching over to brush a strand of hair out of her face. “But sometimes being sad is a part of life. And it’s okay to feel that way. What’s important is that we keep going, even when things get tough.”
She nods, her eyes still searching my face for answers. “But what about Miss Andrews?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I have to say next. “Miss Andrews is a wonderful person. And I care about her very much. But sometimes, even when two people care about each other a lot, it’s just not meant to be. And we have to learn to accept that, as hard as it may be.”
Her eyes fill with tears, and I feel a lump in my throat at the sight. I hate making her cry, but I know that I have to be honest with her. “But … what if it is meant to be?” she asks, her voice trembling with emotion.
I shake my head. “It’s not. I wish it were, but it’s just not the right time for us. Maybe someday things will be different, but for now we have to focus on what’s important. And what’s important is our family,” I say, my voice firm but gentle.
Clem sniffles, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. “I know, Daddy. I just wish things were different,” she says, her voice small.
“I know, sweetie. But all we can do is keep moving forward and try to make the best of each day,” I say, offering her a small smile. “Now, how about some dessert? I picked up some ice cream on the way home.”
My daughter’s eyes light up at the mention of dessert, and I feel a small sense of relief at the temporary distraction.
Chapter Twenty
Josephine
“Remind me why we’re here again? This line hasn’t moved in forty minutes.” I can tell just by the look on Larisa’s face that she’s getting hungry. Not just hungry, but hangry.
“We came here because Jo has been moping around for the last two weeks. Not to mention, it’s the best Korean restaurant in the city, remember? Those guys from that YouTube channel said so,” Emmy replies.
It’s true. I have been moping around. Ever since I opened that stupid rule book two weeks ago, and had to break the news about it to Jacob, I’ve felt heartsick. I’m talking, curl-up-in-bed-and-not-leave-for-days kind of heartsick.
It’s like I finally realized what I’ve been feeling all along, but now it’s too late to do anything about it.
I didn’t even feel this bad after my breakup with Tom…
“Oh, right, of course. Those guys from that YouTube channel. At this point, I’m convinced you’d eat a park bench if someone on YouTube told you to do it.” Larisa jokes.
“You might be right.” She laughs. “But apparently everyone in Boston saw the same video I did. I didn’t realize it would be such a long wait.”
They’re right. We’ve been waiting in line outside this Korean restaurant for what feels like ages, and it appears to be stagnant—a strong sign that when we’re finally seated, the food will be excellent.
But my hands and feet are freezing, and my head is starting to grow dizzy with hunger. Still, my thoughts circle around what happened between Jacob and me. And at this point, I would do anything to get rid of this nagging pit at the bottom of my stomach.
“…I can’t take it anymore.” Larisa grabs a granola bar from her purse, rips it open, and begins to chew.
“What are you doing?” Emmy asks.
“Taking control of the situation before I starve.”