Her Sweetest Mistake (Amelia) novel Chapter 96

Best friend Dad

Best friend Dad

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As they pulled into the drop–off area, Cheryl’s mother turned in her seat. Her brows furrowed, her lips pressed together as she studied Cheryl’s face.

“Are you sure about this?” she finally asked, her voice soft but searching.

Cheryl swallowed hard, nodding. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life, Mom.”

Her mother hesitated, then leaned forward, placing a warm hand over Cheryl’s. “It’s just… you spent so long keeping this a secret. Are you sure your feelings are real and not just—”

“They’re real,” Cheryl cut in, her throat tightening. “And they’ve been real for a long time.”

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she finally let the words spill from her chest. “I tried to move on. I tried to forget him. I even convinced myself that if I just stayed away long enough, the feelings would disappear. But they didn’t. Mom, I feel incomplete without him. Every morning, I wake up with this… ache, like something is missing.

And no matter how hard I tried to fill the void, nothing worked. Keeping it a secret, trying to bury it—it only made things worse. I was miserable. I still am. And the only time I ever felt truly happy was when I was with him.

Her mother’s eyes softened, but before she could respond, Daniel let out a sharp exhale from the driver’s seat.

“That son of a—” he bit out, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “If I ever see him, I swear to God, I’m going to kill him for keeping this from me.”

Cheryl let out a small, sad smile and leaned over, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You don’t have to, Dad. I know what I’m doing.”

Her father’s jaw was clenched, but his expression wavered, betraying his concern.

She pulled back, meeting both their gazes. “I love you guys. But I have to go.”

Her mother sniffled, nodding as if trying to be strong for her. “Then go, sweetheart. And don’t let anyone make you hide your love ever again.”

Cheryl smiled, blinking back tears. “I won’t.”

She grabbed her bags, inhaled deeply, and walked toward the entrance without looking back.

When she landed in the U.S., the determination in her chest burned even brighter. She wasn’t going to hide anymore. She wasn’t going to pretend.

She was going to let the world know that she was in love with George Carter.

And it would start tonight.

As soon as she got to her apartment, she pulled out a sleek black dress—one that hugged her figure in all the

–

right places and styled her hair into soft waves. Her makeup was flawless, her lips painted a daring shade of

red. She wasn’t just going to show up at Vanessa’s birthday party.

She was going to make an entrance.

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Best friend Dad

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The venue was packed when she arrived. The music was loud, laughter and chatter filled the air, and warm golden lights cast a glow over the elegantly decorated space. She stepped inside, her heart racing, scanning the room for Vanessa.

When she finally spotted her, she felt her stomach flip.

Vanessa was mid–conversation when Cheryl approached, but the moment she turned and saw her, her eyes went wide with shock.

“Cheryl?” Vanessa blinked, as if she wasn’t sure she was seeing correctly.

Cheryl grinned, stepping forward to pull her into a tight hug. “Happy birthday, V.”

Vanessa hugged her back, but when they pulled apart, she was still gaping. “What the hell are you doing here? I thought-”

“I need to talk to you,” Cheryl cut in, her voice firm but excited.

Vanessa raised a brow, crossing her arms. “Oh, this is going to be good.

Cheryl took a deep breath, her heart pounding in anticipation.

It was time to tell her everything.

“1

Cheryl tugged Vanessa into a quiet corner of the venue, away from the loud music and curious eyes. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she swallowed hard, trying to gather the right words.

“I need to tell you something,” she started, her voice shaking slightly.

Vanessa leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. “Yeah? What is it?”

Cheryl inhaled deeply. “I’m in love with your dad.”

Vanessa’s expression didn’t change, so Cheryl rushed on, her words tumbling out in a desperate confession.

“I’ve been trying to keep it a secret, and I know I should have told you sooner. I’m sorry for hiding it from you, but I just… I can’t do without him. I know it might be weird for you, and I’ll understand if you don’t approve, but I love him, Vanessa. I really do. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to you–and to him—that I’m worth staying with forever.”

For a long moment, Vanessa simply stared. Cheryl’s stomach twisted in knots, awaiting the angry outburst.

Then Vanessa laughed.

Not just a chuckle, but a deep, hearty laugh that had her tilting her head back in pure amusement, Cheryl was confused.

“You think I didn’t know?” Vanessa snorted, wiping at an imaginary tear. “God, Cheryl, do you really take me for

an idiot?”

Cheryl blinked. “What?”

Vanessa smirked, arms still folded. “Did you seriously think I didn’t know you’ve been fucking my dad?”

Cheryl groaned, covering her face with both hands. “Vanessa!”

Vanessa only laughed harder. “Oh, come on. You weren’t exactly subtle. The way you looked at him, the way he looked at you. Not to mention how miserable he’s been since you left. The man’s been drowning himself in work and whiskey. He even flew out to see you.”

Cheryl’s breath hitched. “He–what?”

Vanessa nodded. “Yeah. I guess you just didn’t see him.”

Cheryl’s heart clenched. George had come for her. He’d flown across the world because he couldn’t stay away.

Vanessa rolled her eyes playfully. “So stop standing here looking like a lovesick puppy and go get your man already!”

Before Cheryl could even process everything, Vanessa grabbed her hand and dragged her back toward the crowd.

The party was still in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the space. Cheryl’s eyes darted around, searching, and then she saw him.

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