Chapter 131 Epilogue
…TWO YEARS LATER…
THE morning sun poured through the windows, painting the living room in warm gold. Hazel laughed from the corner, sprawled on the rug with her sketchpad and crayons, creating worlds of color and imagination. The twins tumbled nearby, squealing and chasing each other around the couch, while Amelia sipped her coffee, her expression calm and composed.
It was a simple scene— chaotic, noisy, alive— but to Amelia, it was perfect. For another freaking time in years, she felt in control, grounded, and whole. No lingering shadows of betrayal, no chasing ghosts of what could have been. Only the people she loved and the life she had chosen.
Later that morning, there was a knock at the door. Adrian had arrived, in a calm, polite, and professional demeanour. He was to take the kids out for the day. Amelia opened the door, he expression neutral, and heart steady. She had learnt control over the years.
“Good morning, Amelia,” Adrian said, offering a cautious smile.
“Morning, Adrian,” she replied, stepping aside to let him in.
The twins ran toward him immediately.
“Daddy! Daddy!” they shouted in unison, jumping onto him, hugging his legs. Hazel followed, waving a small backpack.
“Hi, Dad!”
Adrian’s face lit up with genuine warmth.
“Hey, my little troublemakers! How are my favorite people today?”
Hazel grinned, holding up her sketchpad.
“I drew us at the park! See?”
Adrian leaned down to examine it.
“Wow… you really captured everything. I love it, Hazel. You are amazing.” He ruffled her hair gently, then looked up at Amelia, hopeful. “They have been doing well?”
Amelia nodded, her voice neutral.
“As you can see. They have been fine. Breakfast was on time. School schedules are set.”
Adrian tried to bridge the gap with a smile.
“I packed the kids’ lunches too, just like Hazel likes— turkey sandwiches and apples. I figured they would enjoy it.”
Hazel squealed, hopping up.
“Yay! You remembered, Dad!”
The twins clambered into his arms, giggling.
“Let’s goooo!” one shouted. “We are hungry!”
Adrian glanced at Amelia, a small flicker of hope in his eyes.
“Maybe after school we could… take them to the park? They haven’t had a proper outing in a while.”
Amelia’s lips pressed into a thin line.
“That is fine, Adrian. Whatever schedule works for you. But only you can.”
He sighed deeply. Then he hesitated, his voice softer now. He spoke, “And… how are you? Really?”
Amelia looked him in the eye, unwavering.
“I’m fine. Managing. Just making sure the kids’ lives run smoothly.” She sipped her coffee deliberately, pausing as if to punctuate the distance she was keeping.
Adrian’s jaw tightened, his hope dimming but not gone.
“I know it has… been difficult. I want you to know I’m here if the kids need anything, or if… you ever need me—”
“Let’s keep this strictly about the kids, Adrian,” Amelia interrupted, tone calm but firm. “Don’t involve me.”
He nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. The warmth of the room drained, leaving only a polite, sterile air between them.
“Ready, kids?” Adrian asked, gently scooping up the twins. Hazel grabbed her backpack and followed, all chatter and excitement.
“Bye, Mommy!” Hazel called.
“Bye, Mom!” the twins echoed, waving their little hands wildly as Adrian opened the door.
Amelia stood in the doorway as they left, the click of the car door echoing behind them. The house was quiet again, peaceful in a way it hadn’t been in years.
She returned to the living room, letting herself sink into the couch. And then her phone rang. Smiling faintly, her voice warm and easy now, she picked it up.
“Hey, baby,” she said softly. “How is the meeting going?”
The morning sun streamed across her face, and for the first time in a long while, Amelia felt free, at peace, and in complete control of her life.
END OF BOOK 1
SEE YOU AT BOOK 2
TOO LATE FOR SORRY MR. BILLIONAIRE: MY EX-WIFE'S NEW MAN