282 Can’t Tell Him

I blinked, still processing. Our eyes met. Her brown eyes searched mine. “What’s going to happen… between you and the triplets?” My breath caught in my throat. I nodded. “Thank you.” Before I could respond, he reached for my hand. I hesitated… then slowly nodded. “Then I’m coming too.”

There. I said it out loud. “Mmhmm,” she hummed, glancing toward him, then back at me. “Well, he’s definitely not looking at his coffee.” She leaned forward just a little. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he walked in.” My eyes widened. “But your son–” “Is his,” she confirmed softly. “There’s no doubt. But I never told him. I was too afraid of what it would mean for him… for us.” She sighed deeply, her gaze falling to the table as if the truth weighed too much to look me in the eye. “First, he thinks he can’t get a woman pregnant.” Sofia didn’t press it further, thankfully. Still… hearing Sofia say it made something inside me settle.

I stiffened slightly, unsure of what he was doing. Sofia sat straighter. She smirked slightly, her voice teasing. “You know Lord Frederick?” The question settled heavily between us. “And the third?” I asked quietly, though I already knew. I turned back to her. “Of course.” “Forgive the interruption,” he said, his voice as smooth as velvet. “But I couldn’t walk out of here without saying hello. It’s good to see you again.” I nodded slowly, blinking away the sting in my eyes. “Thank you.” “Olivia,” she said gently, “I don’t know everything you’ve been through. And I won’t pretend I understand all the pain you’ve carried–but I do know one thing. I’ve seen the way those men cherish you.” “I couldn’t tell him…” Sofia whispered, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup. “Lady Olivia,” he said smoothly as he stopped at our table. His eyes rested on me for a beat longer than necessary. Sofia had noticed.

Instead, her voice shifted tone–softer now, a bit more serious. “Can I ask you something?” “I know,” she whispered. “I will someday… but not just now…” I offered a small, dry smile. “Why not? I could use a distraction.” I rolled my eyes and muttered, “Great…” Sofia and I sat in silence, sipping the last of our drinks. There was something strangely comforting about sitting with her like this. We’d missed so many years of sisterhood, but somehow… this felt easy. I frowned slightly, unsure of what she meant. I cleared my throat and tried to keep my expression neutral. “Not really… I only met him during my welcoming party. Briefly.”

282 Can’t Tell Him

I couldn’t help but laugh. Her shoulders slumped. “Because we’re related.” She raised her hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. But… in all honesty, he’s a good man. A bit serious, but polite. He has a long-standing relationship with our family.” “They love you,” she said firmly. “All three of them. No matter what has happened–or is happening–you should never question that. It’s obvious in the way they speak about you. That kind of love… doesn’t disappear, even when it’s messy.” She grinned. “Great. Let’s wear something fabulous and make the whole room stare.” They did love me. I looked down at my hands. “I don’t know,” I admitted truthfully. “I really don’t. It’s complicated. Everything is… confusing. But they’re my mates. My second chance mates.” I quickly looked away, pretending to stir my empty cup. That word hit harder than I expected. It’s funny how I was also in this shit with the triplets.

Olivia’s POV

I froze. Sofia chuckled softly. “Seems like someone has a little crush.” But then he gave a polite nod and continued further into the café, accompanied by another man I didn’t recognize. They took a seat near the far window, their backs partially turned… but Frederick’s gaze found mine again. And just like that–he nodded politely and turned away, walking back to his seat, where the other man was now standing, ready to leave. Sofia held the envelope, staring at it like it might explode. “That man is… dramatic,” she muttered with a half-smile. Before she could finish, the bell above the café door chimed softly again. She glanced at me and shrugged. “Yes. I think I need it. A little air, a little music… maybe a drink or two to clear my head.” A small, fragile piece of me that had been fighting to breathe. I stared at her. I knew she was right. She gave me a sad smile. “With everything I have. But sometimes… love isn’t enough.” “He does,” she replied, sipping from her cup again. “But he visits often. Something about trade routes and estate borders… he has business here. And our late father trusts him.” My brow arched. “Why is he here, though? I thought he lived outside the territory.” I never doubted their feelings. I frowned. “What do you mean?” “And the second reason?” I asked gently.

My brows drew together, a mix of concern and curiosity swirling in my chest. “Why?” He straightened and glanced between us. “An invitation. Tonight is my birthday. Nothing grand. Just a quiet gathering with wine, music, and maybe a little dancing if the mood allows. I’d love it if you both came.” He had left his seat and was now walking directly toward us, his presence calm but commanding. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, were fixed on me. I looked away, my gaze drifting to the window beside us. The reflection of Lord Frederick still lingered faintly in the glass, his subtle glances in my direction making my skin feel a little too warm. I hated the feeling. The attention. He hadn’t expected to see me either. That much was clear. Sofia didn’t look surprised. Instead, she nodded slowly like she already suspected it. I shot her a look. “Please don’t.” She smiled softly. “Just don’t let fear make the choice for you.” I looked at her, still stunned. “Are you going?” “I’ll be expecting you.” Then, from the corner of my eye, I noticed movement. Sofia took it cautiously. “What is it?” My lips parted, but no sound came out! Because walking through that door, dressed in a dark navy suit and carrying himself with the same quiet confidence I remembered… was Lord Frederick. His steps faltered for the briefest second. “Is his,” she confirmed softly. “There’s no doubt. But I never told him. I was too afraid of what it would mean for him… for us.” She sighed deeply, her gaze falling to the table as if the truth weighed too much to look me in the eye. “First, he thinks he can’t get a woman pregnant.” Sofia didn’t press it further, thankfully. Still… hearing Sofia say it made something inside me settle.

I reached across the table and gently placed my hand over hers. “He deserves to know he has a son.” And gently–far too gently–he lifted it and pressed a kiss to the back of it. I was silent, absorbing all of it.

<282 Can’t Tell Him