Happy Monday and Happy reading people :)

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Some days you are my poet and other days, my poetry – Unknown

You can go ahead with Phase-I

Zoe recollected the words from the letter that she received couple of days back. She wasn't sure if she wanted it now, but she couldn't hide it from Austin anymore. He had to know about it someday, but was it today? She questioned herself again. They were happy with what they had, Austin knowing the truth would change things between them. What if he leaves her? She just couldn't even imagine her life without him now. What would she do, where would she go? Austin is a nice guy, he wouldn't leave you! Her subconscious screamed and Zoe sighed heavily closing her eyes. It was back to square one. She snuggled more into Austin, trying to forget her worries in his warmth.

"Where are you lost?" Austin asked wrapping his hands around her waist, breaking Zoe's chain of thoughts.

"Nothing" she replied forcing a smile on her face.

"Babe, I've been observing from last couple of days, you seem lost. Is everything okay? Did anyone trouble you at your restaurant?"

"No. Everything is fine at work. Can I ask you something?" she sat on the bed and folded her legs. Surprised at her question Austin also sat next to her and held her hands.

"You know that you can ask me anything right. Just let it all out you'll feel good"

"If I tell you that I am not who I am, will it change something between us?"

"What are you talking about? And why would something change between us because of some stupid letter. I am lost! Please talk clearly cupcake"

Holding his hands in hers tightly. Zoe took a deep breath and looked at his face.

"I never told you about my family" she started in a meek voice and he nodded in encouragement for her to continue.

"My Grandma raised me after my Mom died in an accident when I was 5. I never saw my father. He left my mom when he came to know that she was pregnant. I hardly remember my Mom. I only know her from what my Granny told me." Zoe's chin wobbled but she composed herself blinking rapidly to push back those tears. Austin pulled her into his lap and hugged her close to his chest. Rubbing soothing circles on her back he kissed her head multiple times.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk. Please don't stress yourself. Lets sleep and talk about it tomorrow. Okay?" Austin tried to calm her down. Zone nodded her head in a 'No' and broke the hug. Austin wiped her face using his fingers and kissed her forehead lovingly.

"Let's get done with this for once and for all. After my Mom's death, Granny took me with her. Did you hear about the chain of bakeries 'Plum' ?" she asked him who was immersed in what she was talking.

"Yeah. I know that bakery. They sell the most amazing cupcakes. Mom used to take me there on every Sunday" he sighed dreamily thinking about those yummy-licious cupcakes making her giggle at his expression.

"My Mom was an equal partner in Plum. After her death, her share was legally transferred to me. Grandma saved all that money for my college and the remaining amount I used for opening my café. I still own 50% share, but all the profit I receive as my share from it, I transfer it to The Shining Stars orphanage." She finished to gauge his expression. His eyes were shining with pride. Holding her hands in his grip tightly, he kissed her forehead.

"I am so proud of you. Why are you telling me all this now?" his forehead were decorated with frowns.

"I just wanted to know if you are fine with me doing all this. I mean, it's a huge amount that I receive as a share of the profits every month. Its actually" she was cut in the middle by his finger that he put on her lips to stop her from talking.

"Just shh. Did I ever ask you anything about how much you earn, where do you spend it, how much do you save?" he asked and she nodded in a No.

"Did I ever make you feel that I am with you for the money you earn?"

"I didn't mean" but she was cut again.

"Did I?" his tone was firm and demanding.

"Never" she whispered looking down. She knew that it wouldn't make any difference to Austin, but she wanted to let it all out, which was unsaid in the last few months.

"Austin. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted to let you know about that so that you shouldn't know about it from a third person. You have been so patient with me, that it scares me. What-if you get tired of me and leave me? What-if I am not what you wanted in a person that you want to be with. What-if you get tired of my secret nature. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just scared." She started sobbing hugging him close to her heart.

"Calm down Zoe. What is wrong with you today? Why are you crying so much? Are you sure this is the only thing that is bothering you?" Austin was worried beyond words.

"No. I am fine. And I was just worried about all these things from quite some time. I just couldn't find the right time or opportunity to tell you about all this. I never wanted to hide anything from you." She started blabbering again making Austin sigh in helplessness. Is she PM-sing? A thought hit his mind and he looked at the calendar in his phone. She was PMsing.

"Oh baby! Come here. Stop crying first" he wiped the tears off her face and pulled her close. "I am not leaving you for anything in this world. And I am happy that you are giving the money to those kids, who actually need it. Now sleep. You have cried so much, and you'll have a terrible headache tomorrow morning." He laid down pulling her with him and closed his eyes putting an end to the 'stupid' discussion.

Zoe snuggled closer to him and placed a kiss on his heart with a small smile on her face.

'I love you' she mumbled and closed her eyes.

'I love you more' he whispered pulling her anymore closer if possible.

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Neeraja :)