I was all for casually eating, but Amelia absolutely devoured her food like she had been starved, like a famished bear that had woken up from months of hibernation. Brushing off her behavior as if I wasn’t in complete amazement, I diverted my attention to discussing where and what she fancied to do after the baby was born.
She was forthcoming with her thoughts, even mentioning that she played with the idea of opening a business or working again because she had enjoyed working before Blake Knightly had come into the picture. With the baby due in a few months’ time, I advised that she rest and experience motherhood first. Then, when she was ready to challenge herself with work and being a mother, she could go right on ahead.
It was strange, yet we discussed about the baby not being mine in a normal manner. Strange at best, but definitely reassuring that her attitude shift could be permanent. I even went out of my comfort zone and offered to be there for her in any case if the father turned out to be the unnamed, married man she had been involved with. It was a massive promise to make, but somehow seeing that tiny peanut on the screen earlier today had touched a place in my heart.
Right after dinner, she informed me that she had decided to go home and rest. So here I was, waiting out in the living room as she changed into her clothes, hoping that this amiable communication would never alter.
Amelia came out ten minutes later, dressed in a loose, soft cotton dress that her maid, Delia, had brought. Apparently, she’d made the call after showering and before she’d come out to eat dinner with me.
“Thank you—for being here.” She seemed shy all of a sudden, quite unusual again coming from her.
“This trip was… momentous.” Historic. Beaming like tomorrow was going to be better and brighter, I took her in my arms and held her tight. “One day at a time,” I murmured into her ear. “Just breathe and never let the past dictate your path.”
I felt her nod, understanding somehow. “You’re a great man, Toby. Maybe even better than your best friend,” she replied, bringing a smile to my face.
As I pulled her away from my body, she produced her purse and opened it, drawing out the signed divorce papers.
“I don’t have any clue what made you change your mind or what transpired that afternoon, but whatever this is, I hope it’s long-lasting.”
“Let’s just say that a vision came to me during sleep. Like a beacon or guiding light to show me the way.”
Well, that sounded hopeful, that vision… “I’m delighted to hear that. Truly, I am.”
She did somehow look less troubled. I supposed the hatred that had fired her soul for the past year or so had dissipated and found a different purpose—her unborn baby.
“Before I go, I just want to tell you that a woman that loves with all her heart would never let anything stop her from being with her man. Lucy gave every excuse to leave you. Think about it.”
Great point. However, I had realized that beforehand. “I know.”
“Good.” She smiled before stretching her neck as she stood on her tippy toes to kiss me on the cheek. “Until we meet again, Toby Watson.”
Indeed. “Until then, Amelia.”
Watching her leave, I stood there awhile, mesmerized and astounded of the turn of events.
The future had never looked this positive.
Optimism flowed through me and I had not felt this genuinely blissful in quite a long time.
My life certainly was bursting with surprises.
Chapter 16
Toby
The morning of my flight back, I woke up early, showered and dressed before the break of dawn. After ordering room service for breakfast, I decided to work for a few more hours before readying to leave the hotel and heading towards the airport. Ever since I got here, I had rarely used my mobile and it was overflowing with emails and messages, both business and personal. My morning revolved around that.
The hotel provided a private service to take me to the airport, making everything easy. The ride to the airport was different. This time, I actually saw Madrid, the city itself. It had been influenced by Romans, Iberians, Moors and Arab cultures; its unmarred beauty, historic wealth and style of architecture somehow saddened me because I hadn’t truly experienced the city. Sure, I had travelled here more than I could count and lived here during weekends when I was obligated to leave Marbella when work didn’t consume me. I had been wrapped in my own misery, so I had neglected to see something that was a distinct part of my life. After all, I had gotten married here, in one of the most historic Cathedrals in Europe.
Spain, overall, had been my home for the past year and a half. I had never thought I would feel that way, but saying goodbye to this country brought melancholy to my previously upbeat mood.
The thought of calling Amelia and letting her know that I was on my way to the airport came out of nowhere. After debating for a few minutes, I decided that maybe this wasn’t the appropriate time to call after last night. As she’d stated before, she was exhausted and in need of a good amount of rest. Making a friendly call would only interrupt in her day. Besides, I was almost convinced that she wouldn’t want to hear from me for quite some time. Maybe in a week’s time or two, but not immediately after what had occurred between us.
The substantial amount of truth she’d revealed would surely rankle her conscience—realizing and seeing what had transpired of her dire love of one man, her obsession and hatred developing into a string of disastrous events. She had brought down several people along the way. I could only imagine what it would be like to comprehend what had gone on in her mind, seeing the demon she had made of herself.
She was right, it was a tragedy. However, it was something that could be undone, and she could finally redeem herself again. She could be free and let go of the toxic past that had influenced and poisoned her entirety. I truly hoped that she would come out of it. I had meant what I’d said about being there for her, outcome of DNA results notwithstanding.
Just as I ended my reflection, the car parked outside the airport terminal. With a quick thank you and a hefty tip to the driver, I strode inside the cooled terminal, producing my passport and ticket.
I was paving my way towards the check-in desk when my phone started shrilling. I chose to completely ignore it as I slid the items in my hand to the smiling attendant. “Hello. To London Gatwick please.”
My phone rang again. Excusing myself before I took the call, I hunched over my back and covered one ear so I could clearly hear the call before I greeted the caller, “Hello.”