Messy-sexy Past

Amelia could barely keep her emotions in check as she stood by the car, her hand frozen on the door handle. Nick had just said "sorry," a word that carried way too much weight between them. She wasn't ready for this kind of apology, especially not after everything that had gone down. Without giving Nick the chance to open the door for her, she quickly yanked it open herself, sliding into the passenger seat.

Nick just stood there for a second, swallowing hard, realizing Amelia was putting up walls again. He hurried around to the driver's side, sliding behind the wheel, trying to figure out what to say next.

"I just... I know it's been rough for you. I can't imagine what it's been like raising the twins on your own, finishing your degree, and handling all that stress." Nick's voice was softer than she remembered, but it still had that edge, the one that used to make her heart race, but now just made her anxious. "You did amazing, Amy. I mean, look at you. You're one of the top grad students. That's no small thing."

Amelia snorted, the kind of laugh that wasn't really a laugh, just a way to hide how much everything still hurt. "Yeah, well, I worked my ass off to distract myself from how much my life sucked. And surprise, now I'm here. But you don't need to apologize. You weren't the reason for any of it."

Nick tightened his grip on the steering wheel, glancing over at her before focusing back on the road. "But what if I hadn't let you walk away six years ago? Maybe it wouldn't have been so hard for you."

Amelia's eyes flashed with anger as she turned to face him. "Nick, don't try to play the guilt card with me. You never wanted kids with me. You didn't plan for any of this, so don't start acting like you're suddenly full of regrets. They are not yours and you're not guilty."

Nick sighed. "It's not that I didn't want kids with you. I just... I always made sure you were careful with the pills, 'cause I knew how hard it would be."

"Enough." Amelia's voice had a sharp edge now, like a knife cutting through the tension in the car. "You were always so good at playing the hero, weren't you? Making sure everything was 'right,' treating me like your little sister... until … until you shoved your dick inside my pussy." She let out a frustrated breath, staring out the window, trying to block out the memories flooding back. "I am a woman... a mom, remember? So stop talking shit." She threw a sharp look. "Can we just focus on why we're here? You need me for your dad, right?"

Nick nodded quickly, knowing better than to push her further. The last thing he wanted was to bring up more of their messy-sexy past, especially when he could feel his body reacting to her presence in all the wrong ways. He got a boner. Why did it have to be like this?

***

Amelia and Nick stepped into the VVIP room that looked more like a hotel suite than a hospital. The only giveaway was the doctors and nurses moving around outside. Amelia's eyes fell on someone she almost didn't recognize. Mr. Zhao, once a healthy, strong man—the kind of guy who aged like fine wine, still handsome like Suri Cruise's dad—was now a shadow of his former self.

The man, who once had a powerful presence, now lay weak and helpless. He was incredibly thin. Pancreatic cancer had eaten away at his life, his good looks, and made all his wealth seem pointless now.

"Dad, Amelia's here to see you," Nick whispered into his father's ear, gripping his frail, wrinkled hand tightly.

Slowly, Mr. Zhao's old, tired eyes opened. They filled with tears as he looked at the woman standing before him. "Amelia?" he muttered, his voice shaky, almost like he was unsure if it was really her or just a memory.

Amelia took a deep breath, her heart heavy. She had prepared herself for this, but seeing him like this hit harder than she thought. This was the man who had once been a giant in her life, and now, he looked so small, fragile, like a strong wind could carry him away.

She stepped closer, offering a soft smile despite the lump in her throat. "It's me, Mr. Zhao."