Life With The Men I Love: Lies, Love and Pain

Chapter 19

$$$ INDIA $$$

"Daddy!" I squealed, feeling like a little girl again as I rushed over to him and handed my keys to the valet.

"Hi, Pumpkin," he greeted, wrapping me in a warm hug and kissing my forehead. He held me close for a moment, and I felt all the familiar comfort that only he could bring. "Let's get inside before the paparazzi blinds me with all these flashes," he said, opening the door and ushering me into the restaurant.

Once inside, we were escorted to the outside VIP dining area, set away from the crowds, giving us a little oasis for a father-daughter catch-up. As we settled in, I noticed how much he had aged since the last time we'd done something like this. But his smile, that same mischievous spark in his eye, was timeless.

"So, Pops, how's everything been going with you?" I asked, smiling as I met his gaze.

"Oh, just here living, princess," he replied. "I went to the doctor the other day for a check-up, and they said everything's fine. Not a scratch on me."

"That's great," I said, relieved to hear it.

Just then, a waitress approached our table with a cheerful smile. "Can I take your order?"

"Sure," I replied, glancing at my dad. "I'll have a grilled steak and a fresh garden salad. What about you, Dad?"

"I'll go for the steak as well, with a potato salad," he answered, turning to the waitress. "Oh, and bring us a nice bottle of your white wine."

"Absolutely, will that be all?"

I nodded and smiled. "Yes, thank you."

As the waitress left, my dad turned back to me, his face lighting up. "So, how are my grandbabies? And why didn't you bring them along?"

"They're doing great, Dad. They're out of town with Grey."

He raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Adrianna supposed to be in school?"

"Yeah, but Grey's mom, Eliza, is sick, so he took them to North Carolina to see her. Originally, he was just going to take Ivy, but he didn't want Adrianna to feel like he was treating her any differently just because her real father is now part of her life."

Dad nodded thoughtfully, a hint of respect in his eyes. "That's very considerate of him."

"It really is."

"So," he asked, leaning forward, "how are things going with you two?"

"Great. Really, we're doing so much better than before."

His brow furrowed slightly. "Oh? You guys weren't before?"

I hesitated, trying to choose my words carefully. "Well... we used to argue a lot. Now, we hardly do," I answered, keeping my voice light.

Just then, the waitress returned with our food, placing the plates and wine between us. We fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments as we started eating, savoring the meal and each other's company.

After a while, my dad cleared his throat, looking at me with a serious expression. "So... your mother mentioned you were having an affair with that boy who broke your heart twice back in the day."

The fork paused halfway to my mouth. I swallowed, reaching for my wine to buy myself a second. "Mom should really mind her own business and stop spreading mine," I muttered.

"India, watch your mouth," he scolded gently. "She's concerned. And she didn't spread your business; she only told me. She also mentioned that you ended it over a year ago."

"And?" I said, trying to appear casual as I took another sip of wine.

"Nothing, sweetheart. Look, India, I know I missed a lot of years in your life. I just want you to know that I'm here now, and I want you to make good decisions."

I managed a grateful smile. "Thanks, Pops. I appreciate it."

For a few moments, we ate quietly, each of us lost in thought. Then he cleared his throat again, a signal that he wasn't quite done with this topic.

"So," he began, his voice calm, "did you end it?"

I looked up at him, brow furrowing. "What?"

"Did you end the affair?" he repeated, his gaze steady.

"Dad, can we not talk about this?"

"You didn't, did you?"

I avoided his eyes, picking at the food on my plate.

"India Roselle Brooks," he said, his tone firm, "you didn't end the affair with that boy."

I couldn't bring myself to look at him. But then he said softly, "Look at me, India."

After a moment of hesitation, I slowly lifted my gaze to meet his.

"Why didn't you end it?" he asked gently.

"I did... but I got pulled back in two weeks ago," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Baby, why?"

Tears welled in my eyes. "Because... I love him, Daddy."

He reached across the table, placing his hand over mine. "But don't you love Grey? If you don't, then let him go."

"That's the thing, though—I love Grey with all my heart."

Dad let out a long sigh, his face etched with concern. "This is a tough one, baby girl. Trey hurt you twice, and both times it was for the same woman he's married to now. How do you know he won't do it again?"

"I don't know," I admitted, tears slipping down my cheeks. "And I hate it. I hate being with Trey and then going home to Grey. It's killing me inside, Daddy. I'm so in love with both of them, and I don't know what to do."

Dad sat back, studying me for a long moment. "I can't tell you what to do, because I've never been in your situation. But I can see this is tearing you apart. You're an adult, India, and this isn't an easy choice. But whatever you decide, know that I'm here, supporting you one hundred percent."

In that moment, I felt a wave of regret wash over me. Regret that I'd shut him out for so many years, held onto past hurts that now seemed so insignificant. He had tried to be there, to mend the broken pieces between us, and I had resisted for so long. But it wasn't too late, and here he was now. After everything, I felt like I could confide in him more than anyone else.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, Pumpkin?"

"I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for everything."

His eyes softened, and he reached across the table to take my hand. "I'm always here for you, sweetheart. Don't ever hesitate to call, whether you need something or just want to talk."

"Thanks, Daddy," I whispered, squeezing his hand.

He pushed his chair back and stood, coming around the table to pull me into a warm hug. I buried my face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of his aftershave, feeling the safety of his arms around me.

"I love you, baby girl," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too, Daddy," I replied, my voice barely a whisper as I clung to him, feeling the tears stream down my face.

As we stood there, locked in an embrace, I felt like that little girl again—the one who had always known her father would protect her, who had believed he could fix anything. The pain of the past, the complicated choices I faced now, all melted away for a moment, and I just let myself be in this moment with him.

Hey guys, the previous book is at 100k!!! Thanks to all the old and new readers. I never thought so many people would ever read the book when I started it. Thank you guys so much, I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

XoXO Lilly