Blurred lines in a forbidden fairytale [Taylor x OC]

{65} what if I told you she's a mastermind?

Taylor's POV:

The faint sounds of morning seep into my consciousness—the hum of distant traffic, the rustling of fabric, and the soft pad of tiny footsteps against the floor. I crack my eyes open, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings until I remember where I am. Aurora's apartment.

I'm lying on the couch, my body stiff from the awkward position I slept in. I shift slightly, and that's when I feel a tiny weight climb onto me.

"Mommy," Felicia whispers, her voice sleepy but sweet.

I blink down at her, and she's already nestled against my side, her little face pressed into my shoulder. Her warmth seeps into me, and for a moment, everything else fades. I wrap an arm around her instinctively, holding her close.

"You're up early," I murmur, my voice rough from sleep.

She peeks up at me with her big, curious eyes. "I had a dream about the beach. Do you think we go back someday...just the two of us?"

I force a small smile, brushing her hair back gently. "Maybe. We'll see."

She sighs contentedly and burrows closer, and my chest tightens. I don't deserve this kind of love, not after everything I've done.
We lay there in silence for a few minutes until the soft creak of a door opening catches my attention. I glance up to see Sina stepping into the living room. She's dressed in casual loungewear, her expression cautious but kind as she takes in the scene.

"Good morning," she says quietly, her eyes flicking between Felicia and me.

"Morning," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sina moves closer, sitting on the edge of an armchair across from us. "How are you feeling?" she asks, her tone gentle but probing.

I hesitate, unsure how to answer that. "I don't know," I say, though the words feel hollow.

Her brow furrows slightly as she leans forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "Aurora didn't tell me much, just that you needed help. I don't want to pry, but... do you want to talk about it?"

I glance down at Felicia, who's now playing with the edge of the blanket draped over me. The thought of explaining everything again—not just to Sina but with Felicia right here—makes my stomach churn.

"No," I say finally, shaking my head. "I appreciate it, but... not right now."

Sina nods slowly, her expression understanding. "Okay. Well, if you change your mind, I'm here."

"Thanks," I say, though it feels like I'm brushing her off.

She stands and heads toward the kitchen, calling over her shoulder. "Can I make you some breakfast? Coffee? Tea?"

I hesitate again, my body and mind warring with each other. My instinct is to say no, to push everything away, but Felicia shifts beside me, looking up expectantly.

"Can we have pancakes, Mommy?" she asks, her face lighting up.

I exhale softly, stroking her hair. "Not today, sweetie. But maybe Sina is kind enough to make you a sandwich." I glance toward Sina and manage a polite reply. "I'm not hungry right now, but...I think Feli would like to eat something. If you don't mind? Otherwise I can make something for her myself."

Sina nods. "I don't mind at all. Toast with Nutella okay?" she asks my daughter who quickly nods.

"Thank you," I respond kindly.
Sina's movements are deliberate and unhurried as she starts making herself coffee and something to eat for Felicia. She's giving me space, I realize, which I appreciate more than I can express.