Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 5

Three years ago, right after the breakup, his nicotine addiction spiraled violently out of control. Two full packs a day was just his baseline to keep the roaring beast quiet in his chest.

But once his daughter came into his life, he refused to let anyone else raise her. Since he was always around the child, he had practically quit.

Tonight, however, he was already on his sixth cigarette.

"Daddy..."

Edmond froze, immediately crushing the cigarette out. He strode over and gently scooped up the little girl, who was still rubbing her sleepy eyes. "What is it, Tilly? Why are you awake?"

"I need to go potty..."

The little girl let out an adorable yawn, instantly snuggling her chubby, warm cheek against his pulse point.

With unmatched gentleness, he carried her indoors, took care of the bathroom routine, and expertly paced her room until she fell back into a peaceful sleep.

Just as he stepped out of Tilly's room, his phone buzzed. He answered it. "Tomorrow night?"

Edmond sounded thoroughly disinterested. "Your family has more than enough capital to back her project. Why come to me?"

"My cousin says it's a gold mine and wanted to give you the opportunity," Thurston said with a laugh. "She's not even married to you yet, and she's already favoring your vault."

Edmond lowered his eyes, his gaze freezing over. "Tell her to drop it. It's never going to happen."

"I know," Thurston sighed. "You're busy raising a kid, so you don't have time for romance. But Edmond, have you ever considered that maybe... the kid needs a mother?"

Edmond let out a harsh laugh. "Fine. Go tell your cousin that Tilly is the only child I will ever have. Every single thing I own is going to her."

The moment Tilly had entered his life, he had made that vow. It didn't matter that they weren't related by blood.

"You..." Thurston groaned. "I don't even know what to say to you anymore."

After hanging up, Edmond sat alone in his living room for a long time. Eventually, he reached up and pulled a thin black cord out from under his shirt. Two tiny pearls hung from the end of it.

It was almost impossible to imagine that a man as intimidating and impeccably dressed as Edmond Halley would wear a cheap necklace like this against his bare skin.

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