Distance Between Us

CHAPTER TWO

Amelia

Perfection was not a preference for Amelia Handoff.

It was not about survival but a standard.

A legacy.

From dawn, she had been working in her suite, overseeing every detail of the charity fundraiser.

Amelia's fundraisers was one of the things she was known for, and it was her pride.

No one, not even her father argued with her about how to handle a fundraiser.

She was that good.

The museum had to be transformed into something ethereal….white orchids cascading from crystal stands, gold-rimmed glassware catching the light, ornate lightings.

She stood there, taking it all in as she talked with one of her interior designers.

“The lighting needs to be softer after eight,” she instructed calmly. “Dim, but not dull. I want warmth, ambience, natural.”

“Yes, Miss Handoff.”

“The press wall…shift it two inches left. I would like the background logo to be centered in photographs.”

“Yes, Miss Handoff.”

Her designer took note of every word, not daring to question her or interrupt.

Though they have worked for years, her input was next to nothing, as Amelia handled almost everything.

Amelia had a reputation, a reputation to maintain.

She was the Heir to a multi- billion dollar company which meant that she has more than enough money, that she could never spend it all.

Yet in the world of the rich, they didn't care who you were or how beautiful you looked.

They cared for one thing only…. Appearance, reputation, perfection.

So tjis event had to be flawless. Investors would attend. Politicians. Clients. Her father has entrusted so much.

Every camera flash, every comment would be a reminder that Amelia Handoff was not just the billionaire’s daughter.

She was capable.

She was in control.

She was perfect.

But beneath the silk blouse, diamond studsand perfectly polite smile, everything wasn't as perfect as she made it seem.

Beneath the air of confidence, power and perfectly poised moved, there was pain.

Earlier that morning, a few hours before noon in a private clinic across town, a doctor had folded his hands and spoken gently to her.

“I’m sorry but the chances are extremely low. Near impossible.”

She had nodded as though he was talking about the weather, instead of a delivering a crushing news. “Are you sure?” She asked again.

“Positive”. He repeated.

“That’s okay, I understand,” was all she said rather than breaking down or asking for more options.

She did not ask why it was so, she simply accepted it because that is what a Handoff does…. They don't cry about things.

You process, handle and move on.

No sign of weakness is tolerated even though it hurts like hell.

Now, hours later, as florists asked for final approvals and caterers requested signatures, the words echoed in the hollow spaces of her mind.

You can’t get pregnant.

You can’t have children.

It was hard to scrap the statement out of her brain as it kept bouncing around like a ball in the confines of her mind.

The statement should have broken her.

Instead, she felt… still.

As though some future version of her had quietly dissolved and she was left standing in its place.

“Miss Handoff?” her assistant prompted softly. “Are you alright?”

“Of course,” Amelia replied, offering a small, practiced smile.

Her smile was so perfect and believable that even the assistant believed that nothing was wrong

Her father taught her father that appearances were everything. When you act and look as if you're okay, people will believe it and eventually, you will believe it too.

She had built this empire alongside her father. Through patience, grit and discipline.

She's been through more tougher situations and there's no way she'll let this crush her.

And yet...

As she looked down the balcony, she could almost hear the soft echoes of a child's laughter.

It's quite funny because up until she got this announcement, Amelia had never really thought about a life as a wife or a mother, it was always part of some distant future that she wasn't quite ready for.

Never had she once thought about kids or a family but nowadays, it seems to be all that she can think of and the pain the pain of realizing that she could never really have that….

On some days, it was too much for her alone to bear.

The air whipped across her cheek, sending her hair flying about her face.

From the balcony, she could see down to the city and the road below.

She would never admit it but for one fleeting moment as she stared at the bustling city below, she felt the urge to throw herself over the railing and end it.

It was just for a moment but the feeling was so strong that she nearly gave into it….

But then she saw him.

When you're in a position of power you meet a lot of people.

Smart, charming, handsome, cunning, egocentric narcissistic, abusive…the list goes on.

Of course they tried to hide it in the hopes that they can get something from you but when you're in a powerful position like hers, you become good at reading people.

But the moment she saw him from her vantage point over the railing, she could immediately tell there was something different about him.

Maybe it was a casual way he threw his head back or the deep belly laughter that rumbled out of his chest whenever someone said something funny or something as simple as his casual clothes but he didn't look like the rest of the men she'd been with.

Amelia didn't realise she has been staring until he looked up and their eyes met, the corners of his lips tipping up in a small smile.

Embarrassed, she tore her gaze away but it was too late.

Mystery man was already heading towards her…