Who's hungry?

“Uhm Ryan, right?” Amelia asked, feeling her cheeks heat up. “Last night was uhm... interesting.”

“Interesting? That’s one way to put it,” Ryan said with a laugh. “You were pretty feisty for someone who doesn’t look like she parties often.”

Amelia rolled her eyes. “Well it’s not exactly my scene. I just needed a break, you know.”

Ryan tilted his head, his expression softening. “Tough day?”

Amelia sighed. “Tough life. Let’s just say I’ve had a lot on my plate lately, and last night was my way of forgetting it all, even if it was just for a moment.”

Ryan nodded, his gaze steady. “I get it. Sometimes you need to let loose. But hey, if you ever need another escape from reality, I’d be happy to join you.”

Amelia hesitated. “Uhm, I don’t know if that’s a good idea…”

Ryan raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Huh? Are you saying no to a good time, Amelia?”

She laughed despite herself. “Fine. But don’t expect me to be all dancing and acting crazy again.”

“Nah, I'll be the crazy one this time. I promise"

Ryan handed her his phone. “Put your number in. I’ll call you next time there’s a chance for some chaos.”

Amelia hesitated but eventually keyed in her number. “I feel I'm gonna regret this.”

“Never,” Ryan promised with a wink.

*************

Amelia returned home, Mikey ran to her, his small arms wrapping tightly around her waist.

“Mom, is your headache gone?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

She kissed the top of his head. “It’s much better now, sweetheart, Thank you.”

Mikey beamed up at her, and Amelia felt a wave of gratitude for her little boy. He was truly her anchor.

Mel emerged from her room, adjusting her jacket as she prepared to leave for work. “You look like you had a wild night,” she teased, giving Amelia a knowing smirk.

“Let’s just say it was eventful,” Amelia replied with a chuckle. “You're the one who set me up" She smiled

“Me?" Mel said with a cheeky smile

Mel was at the door when a knock sounded. She opened it, revealing Kris standing there with Leo beside him.

Before anyone could react, Leo dashed past Kris and into the apartment. “Mikey!” he yelled, running straight into his friend’s arms.

Mel raised an eyebrow, glancing between Kris and Leo. “Wow. He looks just like you.”

Kris chuckled, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Really?”

Mel’s tone turned sharper. “You wouldn’t recognize your kid if he were standing right in front of you.”

Mel wasn't referring to Leo anymore

Her words hung in the air, and Kris’s smile faltered. Mel turned to Amelia, whispered, “Good luck,” and left without another word.

Amelia crossed her arms and blocked the doorway. “I didn’t say you could come in.”

Kris smirked and stepped closer. “Your door wasn’t locked.”

Leo ran up to Amelia, tugging on her sleeve. “Can I play with Mikey, please?”

Mikey joined in, his big eyes pleading. “Please, Mom?”

Amelia sighed, unable to resist. “Fine. But keep it down.” She ruffled Mikey’s hair as the boys ran off to his room, giggling.

Kris stepped inside, his eyes scanning the cozy apartment. “Why weren’t you at work today?”

Amelia shrugged, moving toward the kitchen. “I went out.”

Kris’s tone sharpened. “Went out where? To see that guy who dropped you off last night?” His voice dripping with jealousy.

Amelia laughed, pulling a pan from the cupboard. “And if I did?”

His jaw tightened as he closed the distance between them. “Have you forgotten that you signed a—”

“Contract?” Amelia cut him off, her tone mocking. “Yes, Kris, I remember your precious contract. But I have my own life. Or am I just here to do your bidding?”

Kris grabbed her wrist, his eyes blazing. “Don’t push me, Amelia.”

She yanked her hand free. “I’m going to make lunch. Help yourself to the TV.”

As Amelia busied herself in the kitchen, she heard the TV switch on. The sound of the news anchor’s voice caught her attention.

“Fox Enterprises faces turmoil as stocks are being cut off while big companies are being pulled from partnership. Amidst the entire crisis, rumors circulate about a new chairman being declared…”

Amelia peeked out of the kitchen to see Kris staring at the screen, his expression unreadable.

She walked over, taking the remote in her hand. “What’s going on?”

Kris didn’t look at her. “Do you know why my grandfather wants me to get married before I can inherit the company?”

Amelia was taken aback. This was the first time Kris had ever talked about something this, Amelia had to admit, she also wondered.

He continued, his voice quieter now. “It’s because he believes a family man is more than able to carry a company, just like he carries his own family”

Amelia had a questioning expression on her face

"He says he wouldn't have gotten to where he is today if it wasn't for my grandmother. He always says my Dad failed as a family man, he wasn't always there for me when I needed him, it was always my grandfather and i. He just doesn't want me to turn out like him”

Amelia didn’t know how to respond. This was unexpected, She had never seen Kris this way and it made her see him in a different light.

Kris turned to her, his gaze intense. “I’ve never had to think about anyone but myself and Leo. This whole thing... It's new for me. Even if it is fake.”

Fake? His words cut deep into her heart, she had almost forgotten that they were just acting

Before she could respond, he pulled her closer, tilting her chin so their eyes met. “I know I can be an asshole sometimes.”

Amelia suppressed a laugh, quietly agreeing in her head.

The silence between them grew heavy, and before she realized it, their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. She felt herself melting into him, her arms wrapping around his neck.

But the moment was interrupted by the sound of tiny footsteps.

“Mom? Dad?” Mikey and Leo stood in the doorway, their faces a clear expression of confusion.

Amelia and Kris pulled apart, both blushing furiously.

“Uh… who’s hungry?” Amelia asked, trying to deflect.

Leo cheered, Amelia set the table and they all sat down to eat.

“Mom, are you dating Leo's Dad?" Mikey asked as he faced the two.

"No”

"Yes”