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Billionaire's Lost Girl 59
Elaine“But it wasn't your fault, sweetheart,” Jess pointed out. “Max shares a whopping eight percent of the blame. He didn't wear a condom. He allowed himself get carried away.”“Doesn't matter much right now, anyway,” I shrugged, sniffling. “I went to the interview with high hopes, because I knew the pay would help me afford the rent in the coming months, and also take care of Finn's education. When he walked in and introduced himself, the room began to spin. I was too shocked. Too excited. Too angry to even think straight. So, I did what first came to mind. I denied ever knowing him.”Their eyes widened the more, and Jess slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my God, Elaine. That was...”“Ridiculous? Yeah, I thought so too. But what would you have me do, huh? He was so happy to see me again, and me... I just felt like a fool. I still felt betrayed by what happened last time at the club, and afraid that I might fall in love with him. I wanted a simple life for me and Finn, and so I th
Billionaire's Lost Girl 60
MaxI sighed in exasperation as I pulled up beside the curb, close to the fence and glanced up at the familiar white building I was slowly getting accustomed to. I couldn't believe that I was about to do this. This was worse than a fucking nightmare.How would he take it? Would he be offended? Would he be mad at me for not showing up all these years? But I hadn't a goddamn clue because his mother never informed me, and here I was still doubting the truth that was right in front of me.I had the evidence. Enough of them; the DNA test, his features... everything. Yet, somehow it felt so strange. So sudden. I felt as though I was having a bad dream and any moment now Elaine would pinch my cheeks and tell me it wasn't true. That he wasn't mine, or hers, and we could go back to having hot sex sessions and weekend vacations.I couldn't stop myself from loathing her so much. She had no right. No fucking right to keep something this huge from me for so many years. I didn't think I could ever
Billionaire's Lost Girl 61
MaxI sat quietly at the head of the dinning table, watching Finn as he fiddled with his Scrabble tiles, arranging words and calculating. I couldn't sit still. It was hard to believe, seeing my mini-me seated right in front of me, displaying his startling intelligence.I didn't know exactly how long I'd stayed watching him like this. I didn't care. I might as well watch him forever, admiring the way his brows knitted together in concentration. “We've been in here for way too long, Finn,” I said softly as I ruffled his blond curls. “Don't you wanna go out and ride your bike?”He turned his big, blue adorable eyes to me. “But it's spoilt.”Shit.I frowned in disappointment. “Oh.”“But Mommy said she's gonna get me a new one soon. She told me not to ride that old one because I might get injured.”“Alright then,” I glanced around. “Got any toy trucks around?”He shook his head. “No. But I've got books. I've got Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Wanna read to me?”Oh, fudge. This was way worse than I'
Billionaire's Lost Girl 62
ElaineI hummed softly to myself as I rearranged my desk, trashing worthless pieces of papers and sorting the manuscripts needed for the final review so I could hand them over to Max. It was a brand new Monday morning, and the long weekend haul was surprisingly refreshing.When I'd gotten home after job hunting the other day, Finn looked utterly pleased to have had Max around and gutted to see him leave. I had a wrecked home as proof of just how much fun they'd had. Max, too, seemed to be handling everything quite well. I'd sat with my mouth hanging open as they made arrangements to go out for a playdate on Thursday. Apparently, Max was taking the day off to spend time with him.It all felt so surreal. Too good to be true.He told me I could come back to the office, and although I'd pretended to be disinterested, I had to accept his offer back. I needed to keep a close watch on him, and also, he'd offered a generous salary raise as well.We'd been civil to each other all morning. Turn
Billionaire's Lost Girl 63
ElaineOn Thursday afternoon, I got out of the cab I'd boarded and crossed the street, moving towards the supermarket, my grocery list in hand. After so many months of saving, I finally had enough to pay for my rent for at least a year. I was so excited, and I couldn't hide the spring in my step. My next plan was to save up some more for Finn's education, and also to get him some new shoes and wears. I knew I could do it.“Good afternoon, Miss Elaine,” Pat, the security greeted me as he pushed open the door. I nodded in acknowledgement and slipped into the familiar store. Before I could locate the beverage section, my phone began ringing loudly. I pulled it out of my purse, my brows knitting together when it turned out to be Cora calling.“Hey, girl,” I said with a smile. “Are you home now? Max and Finn — ”“Oh...my... fucking God, Elaine,” she squealed breathlessly. “You're never going to believe it!”My frown deepened. “What's happening?”“Max has completely gone nuts! He went out w
Billionaire's Lost Girl 64
ElaineI took the stairs, two at a time, my chest heaving. I still couldn't understand why I was feeling so unsettled. As I neared Finn's room, I heard Max's low chuckle, followed by Finn's loud shriek. Burning with curiousity on what they were up to, I grabbed the door handle, pushing lightly.“Come on, Finn, my boy. Bounce higher!” Max screamed.“I... can't...go...any...higher than this, Daddy!” Finn replied breathlessly, launching himself higher, on his heels, on the bed. I stared at the both of them jumping in sync, my eyes popping out of their sockets in shock.“Oh, my goodness! Finn!” I gasped, rushing in. “What do you think you're doing? I warned you never to jump on your bed!”My blood boiled as I glared from him to Max, and back to him. He stopped bouncing, falling on his back. Max beckoned on him to hide behind his back. I stared at the both of them in horror, not believing what I'd just seen.“Hi, Mommy,” Finn muttered quietly, taking a shy peek at me from Max's back. “It's
Billionaire's Lost Girl 65
Elaine“We're here,” Max announced as we pulled up in front of his fancy mansion, grinning at Finn over his shoulder. “This is it, my boy. Daddy's humble home, and yours as well.”“Oh my goodness, really?” Finn gasped, jumping excitedly. I managed an eye roll and sat back with an exhale. I didn't know why I felt so sour. Maybe it due to the scent of the new leather exterior and Finn's seat.“It's so big, Daddy!” Max chuckled, unbuckling his seatbelt. I watched, face scrunched up in disgust as he got out and went over to help Finn out. “I'm glad you like it. Wait till you see the inside.”“Yippe!” Finn clapped in glee. “Thanks for bringing me here, Daddy. I love our house.”I resisted the urge to drag a hand down my face. Could this situation get any more pathetic? I didn't know if I could survive it. “We better get moving because I'll be taking Finn back with me once your thirty minutes is up,” I huffed harshly as I unbuckled my seatbelt. “He just started preschool recently and has
Billionaire's Lost Girl 66
Elaine“How dare you be so controlling, Max?” I yelled, jabbing his chest forcefully. “It is my life, and he's my son as well. I've been working under you for long, while still taking good care of him. You think I can't multitask?”“I don't think, I know,” he growled. “Finn comes first. Your job can wait.”I shake my head. “You selfish son of a bitch. You think that I'm weak? You've only known him for a week and suddenly you feel like you know what's best for him? Cora and I have been watching after him since birth, while still going about our individual jobs. I'm not incapacitated, and he will always come first. So butt out, and stop acting like a self-entitled jerk from hell.”He narrowed his eyes, his brows perking up in surprise. “I'm a jerk?”“Well, of course! You're worse than a jerk, and listen to this, real good," I fumed, poking my index finger at his chest. “You don't get to tell me what to do. It's my life. We're only sharing a son. Nothing more.”His lips stretched into a
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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
Billionaire's Lost Girl 74
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
