Fated To Not Just One But Three novel Chapter 282

282 Can’t Tell Him:

282 Can’t Tell Him

I blinked, still processing.

Our eyes met.

Her brown eyes searched mine. “What’s going to happen… between you and the triplets?”

My breath caught in my throat.

I nodded. “Thank you.”

Before I could respond, he reached for my hand.

I hesitated… then slowly nodded. “Then I’m coming too.”

There. I said it out loud.

“Mmhmm,” she hummed, glancing toward him, then back at me. “Well, he’s definitely not looking at his coffee.”

She leaned forward just a little. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he walked in.”

My eyes widened. “But your son-

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I only doubted if their love was enough.

I turned slightly–and there was Lord Frederick.

Her eyebrows lifted. “Really?”

“But you still love him,” I whispered.

My breath caught in my throat.

I glanced up instinctively–and froze.

She looked up at me, her brown eyes filled with a tired kind of sadness. “Our families have been at war for decades, Everything about us… screams we’re not suppose

work.”

Then he turned to Sofia, reached into his coat, and pulled out a black envelope sealed with gold wax. He handed it to her with a small smile. “And this–this is for you.

282 Can’t Tell Him

I reached across the table and gently placed my hand over hers. “He deserves to know

he has a son.”

And gently–far too gently–he lifted it and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

I was silent, absorbing all of it.

Olivia’s POV

I froze.

Sofia chuckled softly. “Seems like someone has a little crush.”

But then he gave a polite nod and continued further into the café, accompanied by another man I didn’t recognize. They took a seat near the far window, their backs partially turned… but Frederick’s gaze found mine again.

And just like that–he nodded politely and turned away, walking back to his seat, where the other man was now standing, ready to leave.

Sofia held the envelope, staring at it like it might explode. “That man is… dramatic,” she muttered with a half–smile.

Before she could finish, the bell above the café door chimed softly again.

She glanced at me and shrugged. “Yes. I think I need it. A little air, a little music…

head.” maybe a drink or two to clear my

A small, fragile piece of me that had been fighting to breathe.

I stared at her. I knew she was right.

She gave me a sad smile. “With everything I have. But sometimes… love isn’t enough.”

“He does,” she replied, sipping from her cup again. “But he visits often. Something about trade routes and estate borders… he has business here. And our late father trusts him.“@

My brow arched. “Why is he here, though? I thought he lived outside the territory.”

I never doubted their feelings.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“And the second reason?” I asked gently.

(282 Can’t Tell Him

My brows drew together, a mix of concern and curiosity swirling in my chest, “Why?”

He straightened and glanced between us. “An invitation. Tonight is my birthday. Nothing grand. Just a quiet gathering with wine, music, and maybe a little dancing if the mood allows. I’d love it if you both came.”

He had left his seat and was now walking directly toward us, his presence calm but commanding. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, were fixed on me.

<282 Can’t Tell Him

“Forgive the interruption,” he said, his voice as smooth as velvet. “But I couldn’t walk out of here without saying hello. It’s good to see you again.”

“Olivia,” she said gently, “I don’t know everything you’ve been through. And I won’t pretend I understand all the pain you’ve carried–but I do know one thing. I’ve seen the way those men cherish you.”

“I couldn’t tell him…” Sofia whispered, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup.

“Lady Olivia,” he said smoothly as he stopped at our table.

His eyes rested on me for a beat longer than necessary.

Sofia had noticed.

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Instead, her voice shifted tone–softer now, a bit more serious. “Can I ask you something?”

“I know,” she whispered. “I will someday… but not just now…”

I offered a small, dry smile. “Why not? I could use a distraction.”

I rolled my eyes and muttered, “Great…”

Sofia and I sat in silence, sipping the last of our drinks. There was something strangely comforting about sitting with her like this. We’d missed so many years of sisterhood, but somehow… this felt easy.

I frowned slightly, unsure of what she meant.

I cleared my throat and tried to keep my expression neutral. “Not really… I only met him during my welcoming/party. Briefly.”

282 Can’t Tell Him

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Her shoulders slumped. “Because we’re related.”

She raised her hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. But… in all honesty, he’s a good man. A bit serious. But polite. He has a long–standing relationship with our family.”

“They love you,” she said firmly. “All three of them. No matter what has happened–or is happening–you should never question that. It’s obvious in the way they speak about you. That kind of love… doesn’t disappear. Even when it’s messy.” 2

She grinned. “Great. Let’s wear something fabulous and make the whole room stare.”

They did love me.

I looked down at my hands. “I don’t know,” I admitted truthfully. “I really don’t. It’s complicated. Everything is… confusing. But they’re my mates. My second chance

mates.”

I quickly looked away, pretending to stir my empty cup.

That word hit harder than I expected. It’s funny how I was also in this shit with the triplets.