Page 111 of Love so Hot

"You know, your mother and I went through something similar when we first met..."

"I remember Mom told me once she was a lobbyist."

My father snorts. "That's the diplomatic way of putting it."

I blink in surprise, my tears momentarily forgotten. "You and Mom? But you two are like... the poster couple for true love."

Dad chuckles, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "We are now, but it wasn't always that way. When I first met your mother, she was a firebrand activist, protesting against her family's very company, which I was working for at the time.”

My jaw drops. "No way."

"Way," Dad confirms with a grin. "We argued constantly, debating environmental policies and corporate responsibility. But somewhere along the line, between the heated discussions and the shared moments of laughter, I fell head over heels for her."

I try to picture it: my parents, young and idealistic, on opposite sides of the battle lines. It's a startling image, but also strangely comforting.

"So what happened?" I ask, leaning forward eagerly. "How did you two make it work?"

Dad's expression softens, his eyes distant with memory. "It wasn't easy. We both had to compromise, to find a middle ground where our love could flourish. Your mother taught me to see the world differently, to question the status quo and fight for what's right. And I like to think I showed her that change can come from within, that sometimes the most effective way to make a difference is by working together."

I let his words sink in, feeling a flicker of hope ignite in my chest. Maybe there's a way forward for Larry and me after all.

"Thanks, Dad," I whisper, squeezing his hand. "For sharing that with me. It... it helps, knowing that you and Mom went through something similar."

Dad smiles, pulling me into a warm hug. I bury my face in his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of his aftershave and letting the comfort of his embrace wash over me.

"So," he murmurs, pulling back to look at me. "Are you going to stay for a while? Give yourself some time to figure things out?"

I hesitate, torn between the desire to run back to Larry and the need to sort through the tangled mess of my emotions. But in the end, I know what I have to do.

"Yeah," I say softly, managing a small smile. "I think I'm going to come home for a bit, until I can figure out what my heart really wants."

Dad nods, his expression proud and understanding. "We'll be here for you, sweetheart. Always."

Chapter Fifty-Four

Lawrence

The sun sets,casting its light through the bay window, stretching shadows across my Norfolk house. I returned yesterday, unable to stay in Greenwood Hollow. I told my staff to return as well, keeping only a skeleton crew at the satellite office.

I sit in silence, interrupted only by the crackle of the fireplace. Each flicker of the flame brings back memories of Willow—her laughter, her touch. The room feels empty without her. I feel empty without her.

A sudden knock breaks the quiet. Startled, I get up from the armchair, my muscles stiff from sitting. With slow steps, I approach the door, expecting neighbors or a forgotten delivery.

But when I open the door, it isn’t sympathy or packages. Roman, Victor, and Sebastian stand there, their smiles a welcome relief.

“Surprise!” they shout in unison, their voices familiar and comforting.

Roman’s eyes sparkle with mischief, as always. Sebastian's steady gaze shows his understanding, and Victor's nod acknowledges the difficulty of my situation.

“Guys, what—how did you—” I stammer, caught off guard.

“Told you I was gonna find a way to come see you,” Roman says, walking in casually. “You made it easier by coming back to civilization, and I thought you could use some company.”

“Couldn’t let you wallow all by yourself now, could we?” Sebastian adds with a smile.

Victor claps a hand on my shoulder. “We flew in to lift spirits. Yours, specifically.”

I step aside, letting them in. They're already all familiar with my house and they make themselves right at home. Roman heads right to the bar to pour drinks, and Victor and Sebastian each lounge on the sofas.