Chapter 22

For the past five years, the only person James was ever rumored to be dating was Amelia. Everyone, both in and out of the industry, thought they made the perfect couple. Maria didn’t want her kids to know too much about him. Just as she was about to turn the page, Ethan blurted out, “Mom, you knew him before, didn’t you?” She froze, confused—why would Ethan ask that? Did she ever mention James in front of the kids? Probably not. Ethan hadn’t even met him during her last blind date. Not overthinking it, she quickly picked up the magazine. “Nope. Never met. It’s late, you two need to get some sleep. Mommy’s got work tomorrow too.” She kissed both of them lightly on the cheeks and hurried off. Once she was gone, Ethan and Ella exchanged glances. Those chubby cheeks of theirs puffed up with matching dimples. Watching their mom leave, Ella tiptoed over and whispered in Ethan’s ear, “Hey, do you think we were right?” She looked smug, like a tiny mastermind who’d just cracked the code. Ethan