We walk side by side, and I take comfort in his presence, wrapping my arm around his waist. For once, I can say with certainty that I’m content knowing he’s one of my best friends—someone who genuinely looks out for me. There’s no lingering tension, no unspoken romantic feelings, just a solid friendship. And honestly? That makes everything so much easier.
As we head back toward the house, Joseph keeps his arm draped around me, and we’re laughing about the chaos at his work when I catch sight of Daddy standing at the door, watching us with a big, knowing grin.
I roll my eyes.
Joseph follows my gaze, and the moment he sees Daddy’s expression, he lets his arm drop from my shoulders with a chuckle.
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” I ask him as we walk up the steps.
“It was only heartburn, Deliah. Don’t be ridiculous. It is, however, good to see you coming to your senses. Come inside, you two. The evening meal is served.”
“He really will have a heart attack when he realizes we’re not getting back together,” Joseph whispers, and I laugh.
After dinner, we head into the living room again to talk. I tell them about the tour and everything that’s been going well. Mummy tells us about the luncheons she has planned next week,and Daddy sits there watching Joseph and me in some nostalgic world he is living in, while we sit next to each other, laughing and generally having a good time.
It’s getting late, and I know Daddy’s becoming weary. “Daddy, you should go to bed.”
“Not when I am watching you and Joseph rekindling your romance. It won’t be long before that rock trash is history, and you’ll be back here getting married in the rose garden, just like I planned. Nothing will make me happier. I finally have my Deliah back. The Deliah I love, not the girl that you had become. That girl… she wasn’t my daughter.”
My mouth drops open, shock slamming into me like a freight train. Heat rushes through my veins, my blood pressure spiking as Daddy’s words sink in. That’s when my breathing turns shallow, my nostrils flaring, anger curling in my chest like a tightening vice.
Beside me, Joseph places a steadying hand on my knee, a silent attempt to calm me.
But it’s useless.
The damage is already done.
“So, when I’m with Colt, you don’t love me. Isthatwhat you’re saying?”
“No, Deliah. I prefer you as the Deliah who grew up in this house. My little gir—”
“Well, I’m not yourlittle girlanymore, and stop thinking I am. This is me now. The trash that wears a black bra with a white top. The girl who parties it up with rock stars and the girl who’s sleeping with the lead singer because sheloveshim. This is me. This is who I am. And if you don’t like the new me, then you can get fucked!”
“Deliah,language!”
“No, Mummy. Daddy needs to know that Joseph and I arenotgetting back together. We love each other, yes, but as friends.Nothing more. So, get used to the fact that unless you get pregnant and have another daughter, and you’re okay with an age-gap romance, Joseph will never be a part of our family.” I look down at Joseph, who’s trying to hide his smirk.
“Joseph, take me to the airport,” I demand, my voice firm. Then, softening just slightly, I add, “Please.”
He smiles, nodding as he stands.
I turn back to Daddy. He’s still sitting there, mouth agape, completely stunned. Across from him, Mummy watches me with an unreadable expression until she gives me a slight nod of approval.
Without another word, Joseph takes my hand, leading me out of the room. As we head for the front door, he grabs my luggage on the way, his grip steady, unwavering.
And just like that, I’m done.
“I can’t believe you just told your father you’re sleeping with a rock star. I know he already knew it, but for you to confirm the fact would have definitely been a kick in the guts for him. I am proud of you, Deliah. You really have grown up, and to be honest, I’m kind of loving the woman you’re becoming,” Joseph shares as he sets my luggage in the back of his Audi.
It’s nice to know thatsomeonelikes the new me.
“Thanks, Joseph. He gets on my every last nerve. No one pushes my buttons like Daddy can, which drives me insane.”
Joseph walks around and opens my door for me—always the gentleman. “I know, but don’t let him get to you.”
After we slide into our seats, Joseph drives me to the airport, and we say our goodbyes, and for once, it’s not strained or full of anger. He holds me tightly, and I kiss his cheek.
Then he takes hold of my cheeks with his hands and forces me to look at him. “Deliah, don’t come home again unless it’s with the man you love. Colt makes you a better person, and I see how undeniably happy he makes you. Promise me you’ll stick withhim. And when the band’s world tour finishes, make sure you both come by to say hi. Princess Sophia misses you, you know.”
