For Amara, the past couple of days had been a rollercoaster of emotions. Finnian was back to his old self, cool and distant towards her.


    Whenever they crossed paths at the film set or at the Everly family gatherings, they''d exchange a polite nod, a silent acknowledgment of each other''s presence, before going about their separate ways. It was as if they were mere acquaintances, not people who once shared something more.<fn17c1> Chapters first released on find[?]ovel</fn17c1>


    Yet sometimes, Amara couldn''t shake the feeling that she caught Finnian''s eyes lingering on her. It was fleeting, and he''d quickly look away, leaving her to wonder if it was deliberate or just a random nce.


    She convinced herself it was thetter.


    Amara often saw Finnian at the theater group, and he was always there for Liliana. The fact that he visited so frequently showed just how much he cared for her, leaving Amara with a sour feeling in her stomach. It solidified her belief that Finnian''s previous derations of affection towards her were likely just confusion, a mix-up between love and guilt.


    After all, Finnian saving her life twice must have been driven by guilt, she reasoned.


    Determined to keep Finnian out of her mind, Amara constantly reminded herself that his heart and mind were full of Liliana. Falling for him again was not an


    option.


    Finnian sat on the couch, his elbow resting on the armrest, lost in thought.


    Liliana approached, carrying a tter of freshly washed strawberries and grapes. "Finn, have some fruit," she said sweetly. "Let me feed you."


    She picked up a grape with her slender fingers and held it to his mouth. Finnian turned his head, his voice distant, "I can do it myself."


    Seeing him refuse her offer and take the grape himself, Liliana bit her lip in frustration.


    Despite Finnian''s frequent visits to the theater group, his mind seemed elsewhere. He was distracted, and she had caught him more than once looking at Amara.


    Finnian was usually calm andposed, not one to show his affections so openly. Yet, whenever he looked at Amara, it was as if he could tear his eyes away-


    subconscious act that spoke volumes.  s


    Just how much did he like Amara?


    The thought filled Liliana with jealousy.


    Her phone buzzed, breaking her train of thought. Stepping aside, she answered, "Hello, Mrs. Emma Everly."


    "Did Finne to see you today?" Emma''s cheerful voice rang through the phone.


    "He did," Liliana nced over at Finnian and replied.


    "I told you be a bit more proactive, and Finn will surely notice you! Make sure you take good care of him but don''t hold on too tight. Men don''t like feeling suffocated. Bnce is key, and you''ll win his heart."  s


    Liliana covered the phone with her hand, making sure Finnian couldn''t hear Emma''s advice. She replied with a quick "Okay" and hung up after a brief chat.


    She couldn''t bring herself to tell Emma that Finnian wasn''t really there for her. Emma thought they were hitting it off, but that was far from the truth. What was she supposed to do now?


    She bit her lip, her brow furrowed deeper.


    "Was that my mom?" Finnian asked, looking at her. "What did she say?"


    "Mrs. Emma Everly was just giving some advice, telling me to take care of myself and the baby, to eat well and think about the little one growing inside me. Nothing more," Liliana replied with a smile.


    belongs to s


    Finnian nodded, losing interest in the conversation, while Liliana maintained her<pposure, though her mind was gued with worry.