Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 75: Talk to Her

Chapter 75: Talk to Her

Arec’s POV:

Sam was right. This whole thing did scare me. But I was beginning to realize that the idea of walking away, of pretending I didn’t feel anything when I was around Ella, scared me even more.

I let out a sigh, rubbing my temples, trying to clear my mind. "So... what do I do now?"

Sam looked at me like I’d just asked him the simplest question in the world. "Talk to her," he said, shrugging, as if it was nothing. "You don’t have to confess undying love or anything dramatic. Just... be honest with her. Tell her what you’re feeling. At the very least, it’ll clear up any confusion."

I shook my head, the weight of his words hitting me like a ton of bricks. "Honesty," I muttered, half to myself. "You’re really asking a lot."

Sam laughed, clapping me on the shoulder. "Welcome to real relationships, Arec. You’ve been playing it safe for too long, keeping your distance behind this whole ’business arrangement’ nonsense. Maybe it’s time you let yourself fall a little."

I couldn’t help but crack a smile, though the thought sent a tightness through my chest. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time.

Before I could say anything else, my phone started ringing. I held up a hand to Sam, signaling for him to wait as I reached into my pocket to check the caller ID. It was Reginald Michael, my godfather. Of all people, I hadn’t expected him to be the one interrupting this moment.

"Reginald," I answered, forcing my voice into something calm. "Good to hear from you."

"Likewise, Arec," he replied, his voice a comforting baritone that held the same warmth it always had. After the usual pleasantries, he got to the point. "Listen, I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it to the wedding. Some urgent business has come up, and I just... well, I just can’t get away. But I promise, I’ll make it up to you."

A pang of disappointment hit me, though I forced myself not to dwell on it. "I understand, Reginald. I know you’re busy. Just... take care of what you need to. We’ll catch up when things settle down."

We exchanged a few more words before ending the call. I slid my phone back into my pocket, exhaling a deep sigh as I tried to shake off the strange heaviness the call had left behind.

"Who was that?" Sam asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Reginald," I replied, watching Sam’s expression shift with amusement. "My godfather."

Sam let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "Man, sometimes I forget that you’re practically royalty. I mean, the godson of Reginald Michael himself? If I were you, I’d be living in luxury and taking private jets to brunch."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but chuckle. "He was already my godfather before he became the wealthiest man in half the world, you know."

"Yeah, yeah." Sam waved me off, grinning as he took another sip of his coffee. "Details, details. So, what did he say? You looked pretty intense after you hung up. Did he disown you or something?" He leaned forward with a smirk. "If so, let him know you’ve got a sexy friend who’s available and more than happy to take your place."

I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head at his ridiculousness. "Sam, you’re incorrigible."

"Hey, what can I say?" He shrugged, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Life’s too short to be serious all the time, my friend. Besides, this whole ’fake wedding’ thing of yours is spiraling out of control. I mean, how many people in your life are getting involved in this charade?"

"I have to make it convincing enough for my grandmother," I answered, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Reginald just told me he won’t make it to the wedding because of some last-minute business emergency."

Sam arched an eyebrow. "Oh? That’s disappointing, I guess. But on the bright side, you could use this as an opportunity to get something big out of him. I mean, missing his godson’s ’wedding’? That’s huge."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Right. I’ll just ask him for a jet to make up for it."

Sam grinned, clearly delighted. "Exactly. Imagine it, flying off in style for all your fake honeymoon plans. You could whisk Ella away to some luxury villa, play the part of the doting husband..."

"Very funny," I replied, rolling my eyes. But his words stirred something in me, an unexpected curiosity. What if things weren’t just pretend? I shook off the thought, trying to ignore the way it made my heart race.

He nudged me with his elbow. "Come on, Arec. Admit it. You’d love to take her somewhere, just the two of you. Private jets, beaches... all the romantic stuff you claim to be ’too practical’ for. And I’m not even going to ask what you’d do with all that alone time."

I shot him a look, though my cheeks warmed. "It’s not like that, Sam. Ella and I... we agreed..." I hesitated, realizing I was more uncertain than I’d thought. "It’s just... complicated, okay?"

Sam shook his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You’re lying to yourself again, my friend. You don’t do complicated unless you want to, and it seems to me like you want to. Like I said you’re just scared to let yourself feel it."

The words hit me square in the chest, but I managed to keep my expression neutral. "Maybe. Or maybe I’m just trying to keep things from falling apart."

Sam’s smile softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Look, Arec. You’re overthinking this. If you’re feeling something, then feel it.

Don’t let fear stop you from figuring out what this is. I mean, worst case scenario? You tell her how you feel, and she feels the same. Best case scenario? You get to be with someone who makes you happy. It’s a win-win."

I nodded slowly, his words resonating with something deep inside me. He was right. I’d been so focused on controlling everything, on keeping my feelings in check, that I hadn’t even considered the possibility that Ella might feel the same way. And even if she didn’t... at least I’d have clarity.

Sam stretched, standing up and tossing some cash on the table for our coffees. "Well, I think my job here is done. Go on, lover boy. Go get your girl."

I stood up too, feeling lighter, like a weight had been lifted. "Thanks, Sam. I mean it."

He grinned, clapping me on the shoulder once more. "Anytime, Romeo. Now go and don’t make me regret giving you this pep talk. I expect nothing less than success, and maybe a my own private jet, as a thank you gift."

I laughed, rolling my eyes, but despite myself, his words made me feel... hopeful. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to stop holding back, to let myself feel whatever this was without worrying about what might come of it.