Page 70 of Billionaire's Desire

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As we lie there in the quiet, she suddenly speaks up.

“You know, I never showed you any pictures of my best friend, Poppy,” she says, her voice soft and sleepy.

I’m surprised by her sudden change in topic, but I don’t want to interrupt her train of thought. I nod, encouraging her to continue.

“Talking about the bakery really brought back memories of her. I really miss her. And I wish you two could have met, you know. She was the best person I ever met.”

I can feel her sadness and pain, and I wish there was something I could do to make it go away.

“I wish I could have met her, too.”

Then, she takes out her phone and starts scrolling through photos.

“Actually, babe, I think I know just the right picture to show you.

Here, this is us,“ she says, stopping at a picture of two girls sitting side by side in what looks like a park.

That is definitely a younger version of the woman I am falling in love with, but surprisingly, I recognize the young girl seated right next to her.

Same eyes.

Same face.

Same smile.

I have seen several variations of her face, but the one that stands out most is the blown-up picture that was used at the memorial.

My heart skips a beat as I look at the photo.

It’s the same woman who was engaged to my brother before she tragically died in a car accident.

Penelope.

A car accident in which her best friend was driving.

Her best friend, Meg.

Like the world’s most tragic puzzle, everything falls into place.

Penelope and Meg.

Maggie and Poppy.

Poppy.

Maggie.

Finn.

My Maggie.

Finn’s Pen.

Fuck!

I feel my stomach drop in shock and I don’t know what to say.

Maggie notices my reaction and looks at me quizzically.

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