‘We can ask Rain if she knows anyone who can pose as the guest.’

  ‘Rain?’

  ‘Yes, Rain. She wants to help, so let her.’

  ‘Okay, but once this is sorted, I never want to see that woman again.’

  Even as Lauren said those words, her heart knew they were far from the truth.

  ‘Right, I’m going to pick Ben up from school. I’ll see you later.’

  Arriving at Ben’s school twenty minutes later, Lauren climbed out the car and leaned against the bonnet, the warmth of the sun kissing her face. She tapped her foot lightly, glancing at her watch as she eagerly waited for school to finish. She had missed him so much. She couldn’t wait to see him again. What she wasn’t looking forward to was the talk they were going to have.

  The school bell rang, and moments later, Ben emerged from the crowd of children, his backpack bouncing on his shoulders as he spotted Lauren and ran towards her, a wide grin on his face.

  Lauren took him in her arms, squeezing him tightly. ‘Hey there, champ! How was school today?’

  ‘Guess what? I got an A on my maths test!’

  ‘Wow, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you. Let’s go and celebrate.’

  Ben nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yeah! Can we go get ice cream? Please, please, please?’

  Lauren laughed. ‘Ice cream sounds great, but I was thinking of something even better. How about we go to Burger Haven?’

  Ben’s eyes lit up. ‘Really? Burger Haven is the best!’

  ‘And so are you. Come on, jump in.’

  They climbed into the car, and as they drove towards the restaurant, Ben talked excitedly about his day at school, regaling Lauren with tales of playground adventures and classroom antics. Lauren listened with rapt attention, her heart swelling with love for her son.

  Before long, she pulled up outside ‘Burger Haven’, a family-owned restaurant, which had been a staple in their lives for as long as Lauren could remember.

  The bell above jingled as they entered, and they were shown to a table straight away.

  ‘Can I get a cheeseburger with extra pickles? And a chocolate milkshake too?’

  ‘Of course, you can. It’s a special day, after all.’

  Ben looked at her perplexed. ‘Special day? Why, Mum?’

  Lauren leaned over and ruffled his hair. ‘Just because I get to spend it with my favourite person. That makes it special.’

  Ben fidgeted with the salt and pepper shakers. ‘We’re learning about space now. Did you know Jupiter has ninety-five moons?’

  ‘That’s amazing! I bet you’re having a lot of fun with that. How is Jay?’

  ‘He moved away … I miss him.’

  Lauren’s heart sank upon realising she hadn’t been there to comfort him. ‘I’m sorry to hear that, sweetheart. It’s hard when people leave, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yeah. But we promised to stay in touch. He said he’ll send me snapchats.’

  ‘That’s good. Sometimes, people leave, but that doesn’t mean they stop caring about us. We just have to find new ways to stay connected.’

  ‘Yeah, I guess so. I miss Nanna, too.’

  Lauren’s voice caught in her throat slightly. ‘I know, Ben. I miss her too. It’s been hard without her, hasn’t it?’

  ‘Yeah. She always made the best cookies and told the funniest stories.’

  ‘She did. She loved you so much, you know. And even though she’s not here with us, we still have all those wonderful memories. She’ll always be a part of us.’

  ‘I wish she didn’t have to leave.’

  ‘Me neither. But sometimes, people have to go, it’s part of life. It’s hard, but we learn to remember the happy times and keep them close to our hearts.’

  ‘I’ll always remember Nanna.’

  ‘Me too, Ben. Me too.’

  A waitress approached their table.

  ‘Hey there, you two! The usual for you, Ben?’

  Ben nodded eagerly. ‘Yes, please! Extra pickles and a chocolate milkshake.’

  ‘And I’ll have the veggie burger with sweet potato fries. Thanks, Carol.’

  Carol gave them a warm smile then walked off with their order. Ben leaned back, swinging his legs under the table. Lauren watched him, her heart heavy with the weight of what she needed to say. The plaster had to be pulled off and there was never going to be the right time. Better to get it over and done with now.

  ‘You know, Ben, I’ve been thinking a lot about our family lately.’

  Ben looked up, curious. ‘What about it?’

  Lauren’s voice was gentle. ‘About how sometimes, families have to go through changes. And those changes can be tough, but they can also help everyone be happier in the long run.’

  Ben frowned, picking at the napkin in front of him. ‘What kind of changes?’

  Lauren took his small hand in her own. ‘Well, I’ve been wondering how you’d feel if . . . if your dad and I didn’t live together anymore.’

  Ben’s eyes widened, his voice shaky. ‘You mean like getting a divorce?’

  Lauren nodded slowly. ‘Yes, sweetie. It’s a big word, and it can feel really scary. But it doesn’t mean we wouldn’t still be a family. It would just be a little different.’

  ‘But . . . why? Don’t you and Dad love each other?’

  ‘We do, in our own way. But sometimes, people need to live apart to be happier. Your dad and I want to make sure we’re both the best we can be for you. And sometimes, that means being apart so we can both be better parents to you.’

  ‘Would I still see Dad?’ Ben asked quietly.

  ‘Absolutely. You’d see him just as much, and we’d both still love you just as much. That will never change.’

  Ben’s eyes welled with tears. ‘But I don’t want you to split up. I want us to be like we are now.’

  Lauren moved around the table and took Ben in her arms. ‘I know, sweetheart. It’s hard to understand, but we’ll make sure you’re okay. You’re the most important person in our lives, and we want to do what’s best for you.’

  Ben pulled back slightly. ‘Will I still have my room and all my stuff?’

  Lauren wiped a tear from his cheek. ‘Yes, nothing about your room or your things will change. You’ll still have your home, your toys, and everything you love. We’ll make sure of that.’

  Just then, their food arrived, and Carol gave Lauren a compassionate look as she set down the plates.

  ‘I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I still remember her eating the chilli burger. I still can’t forget the look on her face,’ she recalled fondly.

  Lauren smiled at the memory. ‘That was one meal she never forgot.’

  Carol gave her shoulder a squeeze before walking off. Lauren returned her attention to Ben, who was staring at his cheeseburger.

  ‘Will we still come here, to Burger Haven?’

  Lauren brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. ‘Of course we will. This can be our special place, no matter what. Just you and me.’

  A small smile tugged at his lips. ‘I guess it’s okay then.’

  ‘You, me, and Dad. We’re a team, Ben, and we’ll get through this.’

  ‘Okay.’

  Lauren smiled through her tears. ‘I love you so much. More than anything in the world.’

  ‘I love you too.’

  She kissed the top of his head, feeling a glimmer of hope despite the challenges that lay ahead.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  The chatter and clatter of the busy coffee shop seemed to fade into the background as Rain’s mind drifted back to the moment she first laid eyes on Lauren. It felt like a lifetime ago now, but the memory still gave her butterflies in her stomach.

  ‘Earth to Rain,’ Clara said playfully, setting the coffees down on the table and snapping Rain out of her reverie.

  Rain blinked, pulling herself back to the present. ‘Oh, thanks,’ she said, mustering a grateful smile as she wrapped her hands around the warm ceramic mug, letting the heat seep into her skin.

  Clara slid into the seat across from her, one perfectly shaped eyebrow arched in curiosity. ‘Okay, out with it. What’s got you looking like someone just told you they cancelled your favourite show?’

  Rain let out a heavy sigh, her eyes flicking around the café before settling back on Clara. ‘This is where Lauren and I first met,’ she said, her voice tinged with longing. ‘The second I saw her, it was like . . . like everything else just disappeared. And when she actually called me, I swear my heart nearly leapt out of my chest.’

  A knowing smirk played at the corners of Clara’s lips as she took a sip of her latte. ‘Mmm, how very Mills and Boon of you,’ she teased.

  Despite herself, Rain couldn’t help but crack a smile at that.

  ‘Believe me, I would’ve thought the same thing before it happened to me,’ she admitted with a short laugh. ‘But I’m telling you, Clara, it was real. That instant, undeniable connection, like the whole world just clicked into place. I’ve never felt anything like it.’

  Clara leaned back in her chair, studying Rain intently. After a moment, she set her cup down with a soft clink. ‘I’m gonna be straight with you, Rain, because that’s what friends do. This whole situation sounds like a whole lot of drama, especially for something so new.’

  Rain ran a hand through her tousled hair.

  ‘Don’t you think I know that?’ she said, a little more sharply than she intended. Catching herself, she exhaled slowly through her nose. ‘Sorry. I just . . . I can’t help how I feel. Lauren’s special. Different. I know I messed up by not being upfront about Fay, but I really thought I was protecting her.’

  Clara tilted her head, not entirely convinced. ‘Protecting her from what exactly? The facts? Listen, healthy relationships aren’t built on a bed of secrets and half-truths, no matter how well-intentioned.’

  ‘I see that now,’ Rain acknowledged ruefully, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her mistakes. ‘I just wish I could go back, explain it all to her properly. But she won’t even give me the chance.’

  Taking another sip of coffee, Clara considered this, her forehead furrowed in thought. After a beat, she set the cup down decisively. ‘All right, here’s what you’re going to do. First off, you need to give Little Miss Trust Fund some breathing room to process this atomic bomb you dropped on her. Lord knows the girl’s got enough on her plate right now without you popping up to twist the knife in.’

  ‘But—’ Rain started to protest, but Clara cut her off with a stern look.

  ‘I’m not finished. While you’re giving her space, you need to focus on priority number one – finding the kingpin at the hotel so you know Fay’s safe and sound. Once that’s handled, then you can worry about fixing the mess formerly known as your love life.’

  Rain opened her mouth to argue, but the words died on her tongue. As much as she hated to admit it, Clara was right. Fay’s wellbeing had to come first, no matter how much her heart ached for Lauren.

  ‘You’re right,’ she conceded with a sigh, fiddling with the paper napkin on her untouched coffee. ‘I just . . . I can’t bear the thought of losing her. Not when we were just getting started.’

  Clara reached across the table and laid a comforting hand over Rain’s. ‘I know. But if it’s meant to be, it’ll work out. Lauren just needs some time.’

  Rain swallowed hard past the lump forming in her throat and nodded. ‘Yeah. Yeah, you’re right,’ she said, trying to inject some confidence into her voice.

  Just then, Rain’s phone lit up with a text from an unknown number. Her first instinct was to ignore it – she wasn’t exactly in the headspace for chitchat, but something made her hesitate, her thumb hovering over the screen. Could it be Sydney?

  Curiosity won out and she opened the message, her eyes scanning the words quickly. ‘It’s from Lauren’s sister,’ she said, glancing up at Clara with a hint of surprise. ‘She wants someone to go undercover at the hotel, pose as a guest looking to score some drugs. You up for it?’

  A mischievous glint sparked to life in Clara’s eyes and she grinned. ‘Oh, you don’t even have to ask. I was born for this role.’

  Rain couldn’t help but laugh, the first genuine smile she’d cracked in days. ‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’

  Rain laughed. ‘Great. I need to go and check up on Fay first. She hasn’t been replying to my messages. I’m sure she’s fine but I just want to double check.’

  ‘No problem. Let’s go.’

  Rain felt a surge of gratitude for her Clara’s unwavering support.

  ‘I don’t know what I did to deserve a friend like you, Clara. Honestly, I’d be lost without you,’ she said, her voice thick with emotion.

  ‘That’s what I’m here for.’ She flashed a warm smile before turning more serious. ‘But really, I believe everything happens for a reason. Call it fate, call it God’s plan, but I truly think that what’s meant to be, will be.’

  Rain let those words sink in, feeling a glimmer of hope spark in her chest. ‘You know, you might be onto something there,’ she mused, a thoughtful expression settling on her features.

  If that’s true, then maybe I don’t need to be so afraid of losing Lauren. If we’re meant to be together, we’ll find our way back to each other, no matter what.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Lauren paced the length of the living room, her mind swirling with thoughts she struggled to keep in order. The weight of what she needed to say pressed down on her, making her steps feel heavy. She had rehearsed this conversation countless times, crafting and recrafting her words, but now that the moment was here, her stomach churned with anticipation and dread.

  The sudden sound of the front door creaking open yanked her from her turbulent thoughts. She turned, her heart skipping a beat as Jake entered, looking worn yet familiar. His suit jacket hung carelessly over his shoulder, and a weary smile crept onto his face as he caught sight of her.

  ‘Hey, babe,’ Jake said, his voice carrying the casual ease that once comforted her. ‘What’s for dinner?’

  Lauren’s stomach twisted at his attempt at normalcy, a painful reminder of the gulf that had grown between them. ‘Funny,’ she replied, her voice flat and devoid of amusement.

  Jake’s smile faltered, and he sighed, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes. ‘It didn’t used to be a joke, you know. You’d have given me the tightest hug and told me you made my favourite.’

  Lauren felt a pang of nostalgia for the days when things were simpler, when their love felt unshakeable. ‘Those days are long gone, Jake,’ she said quietly, the words tasting bitter on her tongue.

  Jake nodded, his expression tinged with sadness as he walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink. ‘I know. Do you ever wonder if we made a mistake?’ He offered her a glass, and she accepted it, the coolness of the tumbler a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.

  ‘We were young,’ she said, taking a sip and letting the warmth of the alcohol soothe her nerves. ‘And idealistic.’

  ‘Oh, very,’ Jake agreed, a faint smile playing on his lips. ‘You more than me.’

  Lauren couldn’t help but chuckle, a brief moment of levity breaking through the tension. ‘Where did it all go wrong?’

  Jake’s smile faded, replaced by a look of deep contemplation. ‘I guess we just stopped trying,’ he said softly. ‘Long before you . . . well, long before everything went to hell.’

  She met his gaze, her heart aching. ‘That’s all in the past now.’

  Jake turned to her, a glimmer of hope lighting up his eyes. ‘Is it?’

  Lauren took a deep breath, the words she had been dreading to say pressing against her lips. ‘Yes. Jake, there’s no easy way to say this, but . . . I want a divorce.’ The words spilt out, tumbling from her lips before she could reconsider.

  Jake’s face contorted in confusion, the weight of her words sinking in.

  ‘I’m not happy, Jake. I haven’t been for a long time. I think it’s best if we go our separate ways.’

  His expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he processed her revelation. ‘We have a son together, Lauren. You can’t just walk away from that.’

  ‘I’m not walking away from Ben,’ Lauren said firmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. ‘But I am walking away from you.’

  Jake’s jaw clenched, anger flashing in his eyes. ‘If you think I’m going to let you take my son away from me, you’ve got another think coming.’

  Lauren felt a surge of anger rise within her, hot and consuming. ‘Oh, so now you care about him?’ she shot back, her voice laced with bitterness. ‘Where was that concern when you were off screwing Fay behind my back?’

  The accusation hung heavily in the air, the silence that followed thick with tension. For a moment, Lauren thought she saw a flicker of guilt cross Jake’s face, but it vanished just as quickly as it had appeared.

  ‘You know what? I’m sick of this,’ Jake said, his voice dripping with frustration. He got to his feet and poured another drink, downing it in one go. ‘You think you know me, but you don’t. You know nothing about me apart from the villain you’ve made me out to be.’

  Lauren scoffed, her eyes narrowing in disdain. ‘Please, Jake. Don’t start playing the victim now. You were the one who ruined our marriage.’

  ‘Did I?’ he challenged, his eyes locking onto hers with a fierce intensity. ‘Did I really?’

  ‘What? Are you going to start denying it now?’ Lauren shot back, her heart pounding in her chest.

  ‘Lauren, I never admitted to it in the first place. You just wanted to believe I did so you could justify distancing yourself without feeling guilty for never loving me.’

  The accusation hit her like a punch to the gut, leaving her momentarily speechless. ‘I—’

  ‘Save it, Lauren. It doesn’t matter anymore,’ Jake cut her off, his voice cold and detached. ‘I’m done with the games too. If you want a divorce, I’ll give you one. I’ll have the solicitors on it tomorrow.’

  He placed his drink on the table with a decisive thud and headed for the door. ‘Not everything is as it seems.’

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19