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Billionaire's Lost Girl 41
Elaine After dinner, Jessy took the kids upstairs, then returned to sit with us at the table. I sipped cautiously from my glass, still marveled by the tasty meal we just had. “You're a really good cook, Jessy,” I beamed at her. “Thanks for the meal. It was fantastic.” She rested her elbows on the table, leaning her jaw heavily on the heel of her palm and smiled back. “Thanks for coming to see us, too. We really love having you around.” I nodded, warmed by how kind she was. Her simplicity and hospitality was too endearing from someone who lived in money. I was glad that she knew her roots, and her kindness was all thanks to her parents' upbringing. “So you clean and sweep as well?” She nodded. “Of course. The house is my station,” she glanced at her husband who was watching us converse intently. “But Samson is so paranoid about me losing the baby even though I'm in my eighth month. He got me a cleaner and gardener, but I dismissed her earlier today because she wasn't feeling so well
Billionaire's Lost Girl 42
ElaineThe days passed by in a whirlwind and before I knew it, it was Friday already. Max was still in the dark about Finn. Each second that passed, it got even harder to pick up my phone, call and tell him. At this point I was really scared about his reaction. I'd spent almost every night at his place, and whenever he came over to mine, Finn was in school or hanging out with Cora. I kinda hoped that he'd catch on, with the small footwear by the entrance doorway or the little, children books littered on the Lucite table in the living room, but so far he was oblivious to the details, and I had no idea how to break it to him.Yesterday, Jessy invited me over to their place again, and I was surprised at how differently Bruce and his assistant treated me. No searching. They just pulled open the gates and admitted me into the house. Turned out that Jessy wanted me to wear a cool dress of hers and save my money. Ryan was playing with the kids when I arrived, but was delighted to see me as w
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It was exactly 8 PM when I got out of the house to go over to Max's place. The rain was pelting down hard, and I didn't have an umbrella, so I got drenched pretty badly.His eyes widened in surprise when he pulled open the door and saw me standing there, all wet and shivering. “My goodness, Elaine,” he gasped, pulling me inside at once and holding me close, getting himself wet as well. “What's wrong with you? Why didn't you come with an umbrella?”I wanted to tell him I didn't have one but he was already dragging me with him toward the stairs. “You naughty girl. Don't you care about yourself? Come on, let's get you cleaned up.”“Wait — ” I clamped a hand on his wrist to stop him. He swiveled around, a look of relief crossing his face when I crashed my lips against his. Groaning, I locked my arms around his neck, shoving my tongue out to meet his. We savored each other's mouths, our lips moving in sync for a few minutes before I drew back for air. “I'm so sorry,” I blurted out honestly
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“And there you are, all glammed up!" Jessy cooed excitedly as she helped me apply some cherry-scented lip gloss. She drew back to let me stand and take a full look at myself in her vanity mirror and I gasped, tongue-tied.The gold-colored, short, sequinned dress she'd lent me stuck to my body like a second skin, the sharp slit at the side exposing my shiny, porcelain thighs. My hair was rolled up into a curt bun, and a glittering tiara was balanced on my head with studded diamonds. Jessy had also given me her personal crystal bangles and expensive necklace. I felt like a midnight queen. The gown was strapless, and my makeup was completely top-notch. I was buzzing with nerves and happiness. I'd never looked so... glorious and to think it'd taken the whole day for me to get ready. I hadn't caught a glimpse of Max since the day started, and I knew he missed me as well.I turned to her with tears streaming down my eyes. I didn't care if it would ruin my makeup or not. “I can't even — ”Sh
Billionaire's Lost Girl 45
MaxLeading Elaine into the tastefully decorated living room, my jaw went slack at how sizzling the atmosphere was. The entire room was set into a lovely Amazon theme and I was really impressed with the decoration company. We caught sight of Jessy and Samson making their way over slowly, due to Jessy's pregnancy. She looked radiant in a long, silver gown with no make-up and her hair cascading down her shoulders. Elaine took her arm from Samson and looped hers through it. They both smiled at each other and giggled.Seemed like they'd hit it off quite better than I imagined.“Attaboy,” Samson patted my back fondly as he leaned against the bar counter. “Your girl looks stunning tonight. I'm surprised that she bodied that dress quite well.”“Yeah,” I mumbled, distracted by the way Elaine threw her head back as she laughed. So tender and gracious.“Quit staring now, and tell me what you'd like to drink. Hey, John,” he waved at the waiter, snapping his finger for him to come forward. “I'll
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Max The party began winding down a little past midnight. Jessy and Samson had already retired upstairs to tuck the kids in, while Ryan and Elaine gossiped in low tones as they shuffled their feet on the dance floor. Everyone was exhausted but happy, and while I observed things from my position beside the bar counter, I realized that for the first time in years I was enjoying this, and it was all thanks to the lovely woman whispering in my best friend's ear at the moment. “Well, this is sickening,” Manny snorted, no doubt following my gaze to the dance floor. “I haven't seen you look so smitten over a woman before. And it's...quite odd.” I turned to him with a glare. “Shut up.” He nudged my side. “Can't blame you, man. She's lovely.” I shrugged. “Tell me something I don't know.” We both lapsed into silence once again, watching her. “It must be a weird feeling for you, right? I mean, falling in love with someone wholeheartedly for the first time.” “Yeah,” I nodded without looking
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Elaine I lay naked beside Max, listening to him snore softly while my heart hammered wildly against my ribcage. It was a dreary Monday morning and we'd just gotten back from San Francisco where we had fun over the weekend. I'd called Cora before we alighted the plane to sleep with Finn for the night and make sure he didn't come out while I figured out a way to tell Max. I couldn't hide it from him any longer. The bond we shared at this point was too sacred, too important for deception. All through last week, working beside him at the office was bliss. He became more understanding, more patient, and more professional, and we snuck in a lot of kisses between edits. It had become natural to wake up beside him every morning. It felt more than right. I sucked in a deep breath, bracing myself for what I was about to do. I even muttered a silent prayer before shaking him lightly. “Hey, Max.” “Huh?” he replied sleepily, turning to face me. “Sweetheart. What's wrong?” I swallowed a hard lu
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ElaineIt was a little past five when I left the house with Finn for some fun time at an amusement park nearby. Cora was flunked with work, and needed the space. I needed to clear my head off my wandering thoughts about Max. He still hadn't called, and I wasn't expecting that he'd listened to my voicemail as well. Right now, I was trying to see the bright side of things and spend time with my little man.I'd also called up Jessy to narrate what had transpired between Max and I, as well as promise to have the dress she borrowed me washed, ironed and returned tomorrow. She was sympathetic, and offered to help talk to Max but I declined. I needed him to truly forgive and come for me this time, and not because he felt pressured to do so.“Careful, sweetheart,” I called out to Finn as he raced around with little, gangly kids his age. The evening breeze soothed my skin and helped me process my thoughts more clearly. Plus, I felt a certain kind of peace I'd never experienced before, even tho
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Billionaire's Lost Girl Epilogue
Elaine“Hey, Cherry.”Two words. Two fucking words whispered sexily in my ears and I was close to exploding. It felt as though my body was on automated response to anything that had to do with him. I sat still, rigid as he pecked my left cheek, before turning to scoot a chair back to sit, his knees touching mine, his eyes lingering. Samson hugged Jess and waved at Ryan, before sitting down as well.What the hell was happening?“Hi,” I blurted out at last, swallowing hard. He clasped my hands in his, the heat from his hands calming my goosebumps while making my pulse race. He stared at me intently, a mischievous smirk on his lips. The last time he looked at me this way was that night, right before I told him all about Finn. My eyes darted to Jess who seemed equally confused. Samson sat, all laid back, with his usual cold, domineering aura.Oh, fudge.“Why are you boys back early?” Jess finally asked, her face scrunched up in confusion. “Has the party ended? Ryan?”Ryan shrugged. “I don
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Elaine“I'm warning you, Elaine. One of these days, you'll have no choice but to give that young man a chance. Look at how much he's texted you... it'll be sad to leave him in the lurch,” Jess said, glancing over the rim of her wine glass at Ryan, who nodded in approval. “You're twenty-seven and you have the entire world on the heel of your palm. Make the best use of it.”We were seated on the outdoor patio upstairs, adjacent to the children's living room. Jess stood up from time to time to go check up on the baby who was fast asleep in his crib. Ryan was having a bit of a sour time with Jake bailing out from the whole party thing, but didn't want to call it off. I could've gone, if Jess was strong, but she hadn't completely recovered yet and it wasn't wise to take a new baby to a party so we all decided to hang out here. Besides, the last person I wanted to keep bumping into was Max, who was undoubtedly in attendance.Rolling my eyes, I waved her advice off. “I told you guys, remembe
Billionaire's Lost Girl 78
MaxThe reflection of the hanging strobe lights flickered across the pool. It was a little before sunset, and the waiters were dressed in bright white starched shirts and red glittering pants, circling with trays balanced on their curt fingertips. It was a pretty chill Saturday night and Ryan was having a party to celebrate his one year anniversary with his boyfriend, Jake.I was seated with Samson and the rest of the boys. Jess was home, taking care of the newest member of the Sturm family — Ashton, with Ryan helping her out, despite being needed here. Samson was agitated, and I knew he wanted nothing but to bolt out of this place and go home to her. I didn't blame him though, Jess was one in a million, and there were times I was forced to concede that their love for each other was better than the best fairytale out there.Before he met Jess, Samson was a party whore. He fucked around, with multiple girls, stayed at clubs till dawn, yet still managed to turn up for work in the mornin
Billionaire's Lost Girl 77
ElaineIt was a few months till Autumn, and the air was becoming chilly. Max was letting me have the car for a day while he stayed home with Finn at his place. I pulled into the driveway, turning off the ignition. Finn hooted and clapped in delight.“We're home!”He'd begged to stay with Max for the weekend, as well, and while they hanged out, I planned to get my shit together and try a blind date out. I wasn't getting any younger, and tying myself down by what had happened wasn't doing me any good.Looking up at Max through the rear view mirror, I caught his eyes, his lips parted as though he wanted to say something. It had become a habit for him to do this each time I was about to take the car back home with me — lingering as though he had more to say. He twirled the keys in his hands idly, not taking his eyes off me even for a second. At last he whipped his gaze to Finn. “Hey, soldier. Mind going in while I talk with Mamma for a bit?”“Okay, Daddy,” Finn giggled, snatching the keys
Billionaire's Lost Girl 76
ElaineIt had been two months since Max Sturm attempted to take my son away from me.Two months of not seeing or speaking to each other. Two months of pain that refused to go away.My mother once taught me that time was the greatest healer. Wounds heal with time, same with misunderstandings. But the gap between Max and I only deepened as the day progressed. I couldn't get over my hate for him, even with the fact that unity was strength and Finn needed us both at this crucial point of time in his life. I didn't know how to forgive him, and since he wasn't making any conscious effort to make amends for all the pain he caused, I figured that, perhaps he felt the same way. He hated me as well.I stopped searching for a job and just plunged deep into an abyss of emptiness, sadness and reflectiveness. Ivy and the other girls tried to get my spirits up, and I even received a response for an important interview I signed months ago, but there was no motivation to work. The fear of having Finn
Billionaire's Lost Girl 75
MaxAfter the court proceedings, I didn't go home immediately. Instead, I took a detour to Samson's place, to tell him the news. I still couldn't get over my guilt. Elaine was beyond distraught. I hated the way she looked at me. Like I was the most disgusting human she'd ever been cursed to encounter, and maybe she was right. I was taking things too far. I wasn't in my right senses — I was letting my paternal instinct ruin everything.Riding up the elevator to the top floor, I ran a hand through my hair, feeling like shit. The judge had instructed that I sort things out with Elaine. That the least thing Finn needed right now was his parents fighting. I'd never want a situation where I would be one to ruin my boy's childhood, so I had to be the bigger person and try to make a conscious effort at reconciliation. But the deal was, I had no idea how to face Elaine. She hated me. And rightly so. I was a fucking dickhead.The elevator bell clinked, and the doors drew apart. Walking into the
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Elaine I rushed up the stairs that led to the entrance of the mansion, hardly seeing anything, thanks to my rage. Max must've been expecting me, for he drew the door shut behind me the second I whizzed in.I whirled around to face him, thrusting the papers into his face. “Do you mind explaining what the fucking hell this is?”“Calm down, Elaine. Deep breaths,” he stated calmly.“Don't tell me to calm down!” I howled. “How long have you known him, Max? Four damn seconds and suddenly you think you've got what it takes to look after him for the rest of his life?”He scoffed in irritation. “He's safer with me, Elaine. You're the one going to club, meeting strange men and doing drugs.”“I'm not doing drugs. I was drugged! It could happen to anyone.”“That's not a valid excuse either. Why on earth will you leave Finn at home to go spend time with spoilt random people at a club? You're not in highschool anymore, Elaine. You're a mother. And you've got to act like one.”I glared at him, my t
Billionaire's Lost Girl 73
ElaineI laid haphazardly on the parlour couch, half-dozing off. My joints were aching and it felt as though bricks were in my head. The room was silent with Cora sitting on the sette opposite, her brows knitted together worriedly. It was a half past one, so it wasn't yet time for her to pick Finn up from preschool.“So, you honestly don't remember any of the other boys except Sky?” she frowned, adjusting herself to peer at me closely. “What are the chances that they were the ones responsible for drugging you? And why would they do that? You weren't alone with them. They didn't drug Ivy or one of the other girls.”“I'm lost, Cora,” I muttered, shaking my head gently while yawning. “It could have been anyone who slipped something in the drink, but the boys are the prime suspect. Things went downhill the minute they approached us. I'm not sure it was Sky...” I trailed off, rubbing my temples softly.“Well, thank heavens you're getting better now. The doctor said that the drugs, coupled
Billionaire's Lost Girl 72
MaxIt was a few minutes past ten in the night when my phone trilled on the table, disrupting the otherwise quiet solitude of my study. I looked up from the manuscript I was working on, pushing the tortoise-shell glasses I'd recently gotten back over the bridge of my nose as I peered at the strange number on the screen.I'd never seen that number before, and a part of me felt irritated. Perhaps it was Ivy, or one of the girls in the proofreading department. Sighing, I picked it up at last.“Hello?”“M-Mr Sturm?” Ivy's frightened voice set off my hackles. I rose from my chair quickly. Something was wrong.“Ivy? What's wrong? You don't sound so good.”“I'm so sorry,” she blurted out tearfully. “It's all my fault. She wanted to leave when the boys approached but I stopped her...now she's...” she rambled on.“Calm down, Ivy. Deep breaths,” I stated calmly. “Breathe in...breathe out. Now, tell me what's wrong. Who did you stop from leaving?”“It's Elaine, Sir. She was found, knocked out co
