His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Jay sat with his phone angled close, proudly declaring he was googling “how to be the best uncle alive.”

Across the lawn, Sophia had her father cornered in one of her infamous negotiations. The poor man looked doomed, she never lost, not when she had him wrapped around her finger and knew exactly how to use it.

And then there was Liam.

From the moment Kelvin arrived, Liam had gone into overdrive- hovering, attentive, every move purposeful.

Are you sitting comfortably? Do you need more water? Do you want me to bring you something else?

It was Liam at his most protective, but the smug little quirk at the corner of his mouth betrayed him. This wasn’t only care. It was also a performance, a silent taunt meant for Kelvin.

And judging by the tight line of Kelvin’s jaw, it was hitting its mark.

I felt like the rope between them, pulled taut in a war no one else could see.

Finally, Kelvin crossed the space and asked quietly, “Emily, can we talk? Just for a moment.”

Before I could answer, Liam’s voice cut in, firm and sharp. “No. Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of me. I won’t let anything stress her, or the baby.”

The word baby hung in the air like a flag planted in enemy soil.

“Liam,” I said gently, touching his arm. His gaze burned, unwilling to bend. I leaned up and kissed him, quick and sure. That small concession was enough.

Kelvin and I moved to the edge of the garden, though I could still feel Liam’s eyes burning into my back.

Kelvin didn’t speak right away. He let out a long breath, shoulders sagging, as though he’d been holding it in all evening.

“Congratulations,” he said finally, his voice low.

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“Thank you.” I answered carefully.

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He dragged a hand over his face, tilted his head back to the stars, searching for words. A faint, helpless laugh slipped free.

“Damn.” he muttered, voice rough. “This is harder than I thought.”

He let the silence hang, exhaling slowly before turning his gaze back to me.

“The first time I saw you, Emily…” His mouth tightened, then curved in something caught between a smile and regret. “I knew I wanted you. And then I realized Liam wanted you too. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But I still hoped.”

Another pause.

“I love you,” he admitted quietly. “You probably already knew that. But once again…” his jaw clenched, “…Liam got there first. He won.”

The words sat between us, heavy.

Finally, he added, softer this time: “Maybe in another life, you’d meet me first. Would you say yes then?”

Something in me tightened. Not desire, just the weight of honesty and what it costs a man to lay it bare.

I gave

”

him a small, sad smile. “Let’s finish this life before we start rewriting the next one.”

That earned me a genuine laugh. He opened his arms, and I let him have a brief hug.

“Have a good life, Emily,” he whispered.

When I walked back, Liam was waiting, eyes sharp. He didn’t even wait for me to sit before he asked, “What did he say?”

“Nothing,” I said, smoothing my dress.

“Emily.” His voice was a warning.

“It’s nothing.”

On the ride home, he still hadn’t let it go. Every few minutes: What did he say? I batted each question away, enjoying his stubborn curiosity.

By the time we were in bed, he was still at it. Finally, with that devilish spark I knew too well, he

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shifted tactics.

His hands began to wander, slow and grazing every place he knew I couldn’t resist

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