Shadow Of The Past | ✔️

32| Tangled Emotions

NAOMI

Yesterday, as I returned home, voices filled the main living room. Amidst the chatter, I recognized Ace's distinctive voice. Ignoring the commotion, I headed straight to my current bedroom, too tired to engage further. My feet were throbbing from the day, and upon reaching the room, I collapsed into bed without even changing out of my dress, falling into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

_

"Hi, baby!" I exclaimed with joy as the door swung open, revealing my daughter Amara standing there, a smile brightening her face, with Aubrey just behind her.

I crouched down and enveloped her in a hug. It struck me how much I'd missed these moments with her.

"Hi, Momma," she murmured into my neck when we finally pulled away. "Did you have fun?" I asked, straightening up.

"Yeah," she replied with a nod.

Just then, Amara spotted Tristian in the car. "Is that Tristian in the car?" she asked excitedly, before I could say anything to Aubrey.

"Yeah," I confirmed, and off she ran. Aubrey and I watched as she dashed towards the car, Tristian stepping out, and Aubrey couldn't help but gasp.

"Damn, that man is hot," she whispered, and I shot her a look, almost seeing drool forming.

"You're lucky to have two hot men driving you around," she said, a hint of jealousy in her tone.

I smiled. "Your time will come," I reassured her.

"Yeah, it's taking forever," Aubrey sighed, turning around as we walked towards the house. "Wine?" she asked.

"Oh, yes, please," I replied.

Aubrey had sworn off dating after having her heart broken multiple times, starting from when she was seventeen. Since then, she'd remained happily single, not wanting another man in her life, though she couldn't deny finding them attractive.

"How was it?" she inquired as we settled in.

"It was good," I replied, though her narrowed eyes told me she sensed something more.

"There's something else. I know it," she pressed.

"Yes," I admitted.

"Spill," she urged, leaning closer.

"Remember the CEO who wanted to do business with me but I had to go to London?" I asked.

"Connor Slade?" Aubrey gasped, sitting up straight.

"Yes," I confirmed.

Her jaw dropped. "Oh my gosh, what happened?" she demanded, crossing her legs as she sat on the table.

"He asked me out to dinner," I revealed.

"Ahh!" Aubrey squealed in excitement. "Do you know how hot that man is? He's in the top ten hottest and richest men in the world!"

I couldn't help but smile. "I don't even know what to wear," I confessed.

"Oh girl, don't stress. I'll help you. Let's go shopping right now," Aubrey suggested eagerly.