Lucas and Sylvie didn’t need her, and they hadn’t for a long time. Not only did they each have their own lives to attend to, but they’d also made it clear there was very little room for her in their lives, and it wasn’t out of cruelty or malice. Neither of them understood how truly difficult her life was or how lonely the past few decades had been.
And she intended to keep it that way because it wasn’t their burden to carry.
Nor was it ever going to be.
Regardless of whether she chose to make her separation from Eric more permanent, she wasn’t going to let it taint herrelationship with her children. She hadn’t suffered in silence for all of those years just to falter at the finish line.
With a determined nod, Amy finished the rest of her treats and paused to retrieve a bottle of water and pay Emily for the order.
On her way out of the bakery, the two women exchanged another understanding look. As Amy wandered back in the direction of Ashley’s house, she couldn’t help but feel as if she’d accomplished something great today. In all of her time playing house with Eric and rubbing elbows with the rich, influential, and beautiful people of the city, Amy had never once found solace among them.
Or anything even closely resembling a friendship.
By now, all of them would’ve heard of her stunt, with Eric working double-time to make her into a devious and callous woman with no regard for his feelings or those of their children. Amy knew most of the wives wouldn’t hesitate to bad-mouth her, but she had a feeling a small portion of them envied her.
She had done the unthinkable, and they were still rooted to the spot.
Even though she had no idea what her next move was or what her life was meant to look like moving forward, at least she was going to be the one calling the shots.
It was about time too.
Chapter Five
She paused to pour some water into the mugs. “I’m sorry it’s taking me a while to make the tea. I still don’t know where things are, and I know Ashley said to make myself comfortable…”
Lily drifted closer and leaned against the other side of the counter. “I wish you’d let me help you.”
Amy finished pouring the water and set the kettle back on the counter. “You’ve already done a lot for me. I have to do some things on my own.”
Especially if this was going to be her life now.
With a smile, she placed the kettle back on the counter next to a sleek black air fryer and a toaster. Then, she retrieved a yellow rag from in front of the sink and wiped down the marble counter. Ashley left the kitchen spick-and-span, but Amy still didn’t want to disturb anything. After shutting several of the open kitchen cabinets, Amy rummaged through the remaining open drawers for some cutlery. Once she was done, she carried a tray out with some mini sandwiches, a pitcher of peach iced tea, and three mugs of steaming hot tea.
Liam, Lily’s son, stood with his face pressed to the double glass doors, overlooking the small backyard. As soon as Amyset the tray down, Lily placed a hand on his shoulder and said something into his ear. Slowly, Liam spun around, his shaggy and unkempt hair glistening underneath fluorescent lighting. His dark eyes regarded Amy intently, and she tried to avoid looking at him directly.
He was the spitting image of Lance, Lily’s ex, but he had a little bit of his grandfather in him too, especially around his jawline and the broad shoulders that filled out his green button-down shirt. After pausing to tuck his shirt into his jeans, Liam sank into the brown leather armchair. In silence, he leaned forward to pick up his tea, fingers curling tightly around the mug.
Amy and Lily sat down next to each other.
“You didn’t have to come and check on me,” Amy began, pausing to rearrange the sandwiches on the plate. She handed it to Lily and picked up another plate to do the same, peering at the mini croissants they’d picked up from Emily’s bakery. “I’m doing fine.”
Lily patted her on the shoulders. “I know you are, but can’t I check in anyway?”
Amy leaned back against the brown leather couch, and it made a low creaking sound. “As long as that’s all you’re doing.”
Amy appreciated her stepdaughter checking in, but she didn’t need saving.
Nor did she want it.
It was time for her to step out of the shadows and stand on her own two feet, no matter how daunting and herculean the task seemed.
“I promise I’m trying not to meddle,” Lily said between bites of food. She paused to swat away wisps of wavy auburn hair. Then, she twisted so she was facing Amy directly, brown eyes soft and earnest. “Are you sure you’re okay though?”
Amy took a long sip of her tea, and it burned as it slid a path down her throat. “Yes, I’m sure.”
Lily sighed and glanced back at Liam. “We’re worried about you.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about.” Amy waved their comment away and tried to hide the tremor in her hand. “How is Laura’s leg, by the way? Is it healing nicely?”
