My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 70: Fuck or leave

"Mom, Carl, can you excuse us for a few minutes? I want to hear what he has to say," I said, keeping my voice steady.

"No problem," they answered almost in unison, though I knew curiosity was burning through them.

They disappeared down the hallway. I cleared my throat loudly — a warning signal.

A faint shuffle behind the wall.

"Carl," I muttered.

Silence. Then a door clicked shut.

Good.

I folded my arms and faced him. "So. What is it you want to talk about?"

Peter exhaled slowly, as though choosing each word carefully. The living room felt smaller with him in it — heavier.

"Sharon... I understand this situation is shocking. For both of us. But we can't pretend it doesn't exist. I know you might feel uncomfortable relating to me because of Patricia."

"It's not that," I replied quickly, though even I wasn't sure what it was.

He studied my face with unsettling softness. "I've admired you for a long time. Even when you were little."

I let out a small, awkward laugh. "Me? What exactly did you see to admire?"

"Your eyes," he said gently. "They're like mine. And you're beautiful. You got that from my mother's side."

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Oh... thanks."

"I'm happy to know you're my daughter." He smiled — not the polished business smile I was used to seeing, but something warmer. Almost hopeful.

I looked down at my hands.

"To be honest," I admitted quietly, "a part of me always felt like my dad wasn't really my dad. He treated me differently. We were never close. I used to wish I had... better."

His expression softened. "Then maybe this is your second chance. I want to be that better father. You don't have to feel awkward around me."

I hesitated. "What about Patricia? Won't she hate this?"

"We've spoken," he said firmly. "She understands. There's nothing she can do to change the fact that you're my daughter. My first."

I blinked. "Wait. First?"

He nodded. "You're older than Patricia. By ten months."

My mouth fell open. "Wow. You know more about me than I know about myself."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Maybe."

He shifted slightly. "I was thinking... maybe we could have a family dinner tomorrow evening. At my place."

My stomach tightened. Their house. Their world.

"I don't want to intrude," I murmured.

"You're not intruding. You belong." He paused. "You can invite Stephen."

My head snapped up. "How did you know i was with Stephen?"

He gave a knowing look. "I know more than you think. And no, I'm not angry. Patricia said she's no longer interested. The partnership between our families stands regardless."

I stiffened. "I said 'was' for a reason."

He frowned slightly. "You don't have to end things because of old arrangements."

"You don't understand," I said quietly. "I need space. From everything."

I turned and walked out before my emotions betrayed me.