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Chapter 30: Family Life
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 31: Christmas Together
As the sun brightens Maryanne's room, causing her to stir, she stretches, squinting. Finally, it's Christmas. She rolls to the side of her bed in a rush. Grabbing her phone from her nightstand, Maryanne sends a quick mass text to her entire family before throwing off her blankets and jumping up. She wonders if her family is spending today together, since she is unable to be there with them. Next year she will hopefully be able to spend it with them. Her plan is to bring Riley along if she is granted sole custody.It is odd for her not to hear any shouting from Riley. Geneva and the rest of the staff were given the day off, thanks to Max's generosity, so it is up to them to feed and care for Riley. It is a good opportunity to showcase their parental abilities.She cannot help but grin when she thinks about Riley opening her presents. The giddiness takes hold and she fights down the urge to jump around.Maryanne changes into a comfy pair of Christmas themed sweatpants and throws on
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 32: Presents Galore!
The three inhabitants of the mansion sit together in the living room, the snow outside glistening. Each present is handed out, placed in a pile next to each individual."Riley, open your first present." Maryanne returns to her seat on the couch, near Max.Riley sits cross-legged on the ground in front of the two adults.She bounces around giggling as she grabs the first box.Rifling through each present, Riley giggles and squeals every time she sees what she was gifted. Maryanne gave her a fairy princess indoor tent, as well as a few dolls and an indoor slide. Max on the other hand had bought her a tablet to play learning games on, a large remote control car that she can ride around in, and a makeshift ball pit.Max chuckles as Riley runs around, "Looks like she enjoyed them all."Maryanne nods, "I'm very glad you didn't go over the agreed upon budget."Displaying mock shock, Max folds his arms, "Of course, you asked me not to.""Here, open you presents." Maryanne turns so that her
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 33: Intimacy Abundant
Maryanne is curled up in a heap of blankets, watching The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is where Max finds her after laying Riley down for bed. She pretends as though she does not see him entering the theatre room. The movie has just begun and Maryanne listens to his steps descending the aisle almost in time with the opening song."Isn't this a Halloween movie?" Max begins to chuckle, lightening the air. He stands near her, his arms folded as he watches the moving pictures."It's the perfect movie for Christmas too." She attempts a smile only glancing at Max for a moment. When his gaze turns back toward her, though, she quickly averts her eyes back to the screen.He moves to sit next to Maryanne, watching the movie silently.After a while he says, "I want to apologize for earlier. You were right. I should have taken into consideration your feelings. I knew you wouldn't like me spending so much. I was only thinking about your safety. Ideally, I want to have a bodyguard assigned t
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 34: Dinner In The City
Trying not to be shocked at Max's question, Maryanne wonders, "Are you sure you want us there?"Through her phone, she hears Max laugh. "Yeah, of course, why wouldn't I?"She shrugs, even though she knows that he can't see her. "You had a long day. I'm sure you're exhausted.""I want to have dinner with the both of you though."Maryanne looks at the clock on her wall, "It might be too late for Riley to go out.""We can stay in the city. My penthouse has been empty for months. I'm sure it's okay for Riley to stay there one night.""Oh," Maryanne drifts off, her mind reeling with images of the condo.Max's voice shakes her of her reverie, though, "Maryanne it will be okay for one night, right?"She blinks in order to clear her thoughts, "Yeah, it'll be fine." It's only for one night, and it's not like there are strong memories of the two of them there."Good, I'm glad. Where do you want to eat?"She shakes her head once more, forgetting that she is on the phone. "It doesn't mat
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 35: This Is All Yours??
It is difficult for Maryanne not to let her mouth drop open with awe at the sight of the large building in front of her. Is this where Max works? No, is this really the building he owns?There must be over forty floors, the entire siding of the structure gleaming glass. The moonlight of the early evening glints off parts of the building, shimmering on the material."Woah," Maryanne releases a sigh as she stares up, her neck aching as she bends it back.Max watches her from the corner of his eye for a moment. "It's not that great of a building. Nothing for you to be so starstruck about," he chuckles at her, his lips curling as he catches the amazement in her expression."What are you talking about?" Maryanne only glances at him momentarily, her brow furrowing, before she looks back up at the building in wonder, "This is huge." She shakes her head at Max's reaction before looking down at Riley who is staring at a flock of birds. Maryanne begins to laugh, "Riley could care less about
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 36: Rude Awakening
Maryanne tries to act naturally under the intensity of Daniel's inspection. He is acting polite, and yet his eyes are constantly roaming Maryanne. Not in a creepy way, but as if he is noticing that she does not quite belong in the glittering dress that Max had bought her. "You have worked with Max for a while," she finally asks.Daniel nods, watching as Riley ignores the both of them and sits on one of the chairs, twirling around in circles. "Yes. I have been working with him for close to seven years now.""That's a lot of time together."He folds his arms, "I hope to be able to spend another seven with him as well. To see Max grow as a CEO and a leader throughout the years has really been an honor."Maryanne isn't sure what else to say, so she only nods and peers around the room. Daniel's voice beings to shift, a tightness forming in the back of his throat, "I do have to say, though, that the last few months Max has been quite off his game."Swallowing her unease, Maryanne refu
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 37: Walls Built
Maryanne remains silent the entire drive to the penthouse. Her mind refuses to calm down as thoughts about Max and his company constantly run through her brain. Is she really holding him back? If he didn't have a child tying him down, he could be in Europe or Asia right now negotiating the details for his new companies.They weren't dating, and yet she still felt the guilt of responsibility for holding him back from his potential. Is Daniel right?Max, having not bothered her in the slightest the entire drive, speaks now, his voice gravelly, "We're here."Maryanne is swarmed with memories of the penthouse as she stares up at the high-rise. The pictures that had been texted to her and also the moment of heat Max and she shared the one time she visited the condo. It was the one moment that she was actually vulnerable and almost gave herself to him. Her one second in lapse of judgement. The warring of emotions has caused her to space out and not realize that Max has already exited the
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 38: Avoidance
It has only been two days since their trip into the city, and yet Maryanne knows that Max has noticed her distance. He has made an effort to search throughout the house for her. He finds her in her small hideaway in the library where she hides, reading a book. He also finds her in the back yard, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa, even though no one ever goes out the back door. He seems to be constantly keeping an eye on her.When he finds her, he tries to muster up a warmhearted smile, even though Maryanne can sense the odd pain in his gaze. He brings up questions about her work, or how she is handling the cold weather. Soon it will be the end of January. One more month closer to the end of their year together. All Maryanne has to do is hold out and keep her emotions close. It is becoming increasingly difficult, though, as Max grows more and more persistent."Maryanne, there you are." Max erupts into Riley's playroom where Maryanne sits, cross-legged on the floor pretending to clean up t
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Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 50: The Final Decision
Sitting in the pristine courtroom, Maryanne tries to remain calm. For the last year she has been dreaming of this day. For the chance to fight for Riley and gain custody.It is different now. Maryanne glances to her side and looks at Max who sits tensely, talking with his lawyer. She wonders if what she is going to do will be the best for Riley.The judge leans forward from his seat, "From what I have understood, this has been quite a year for the both of you, as I am sure it has been for Riley. I had my reoccurring doubts about how you two would manage the time spent together in one house, but I can see it has worked very well for you. I understand that you each want sole custody, and I am willing to grant it to one of you, but I would like to hear your testimonies on why you deem yourself fit for sole guardianship."Maryanne nods and organizes the paperwork she has in front of her. Taking a sip of her water and then taking a deep breath in, Maryanne clears her throat. "Thank you,
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 49: Confrontation
Maryanne grips her phone tightly, her body trembling as they pull into the parking lot of the old house. It isn't far from where their house is. Caroline was this close all along.Max puts the car into park and turns the ignition off, "Maryanne, you shouldn't've come. Stay in the car." He glances at her for only a second before opening his door.Maryanne bites out, "I am not staying in here when Riley is in there." She swings open her own door, fighting the tingle in her legs causing her muscles to be weak. She takes a sharp breath in and tries to reorient herself before fear causes her to panic."Maryanne," Max warns as he quickly moves towards the front door.Maryanne refuses to back down and is right behind him, her eyes wide with terror.Max glances back toward her before huffing, "Fine, just call the cops while we're here. We can't wait for them to arrive but having them here will help.""Okay," she nods and swipes open her phone.It takes a few rings before the call is answ
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 48: The True Culprit
It has been several hours since Maryanne stood before the reporters and spoke about Riley. Nothing has come of her speech except more phone calls with strangers' saying how sorry they were and that they hope that Riley is found quickly.Maryanne can't help but think it is odd that the kidnapper has not called them yet. If it was related to Max's work, then it would be about a ransom. Max has enough money. So why not call and blackmail him into giving them an insane amount of untraceable cash? What else could be a motivator?Max paces back and forth across the living room. Neither have been able to go back to their rooms. It is too close to Riley's for comfort. Maryanne has barely slept. The exhaustion is taking its hold on her, but she is fighting it. She shouldn't be sleeping while everyone else is still awake and searching for Riley. Max has barely shown any sign of exhaustion. He is grim and alert at the same time.He grumbles, pausing at the main window and watching the reporters,
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 47: Optimistic
"Max, are you sure that this will work?"They both sit within the living room, printing off pictures of Riley that read 'Missing: Riley Ryder' at the top and the bottom says 'Reward: $1,000,000'. Maryanne sits and stares at the picture, wondering if they will ever see her again.Max shrugs, "I can only hope. If nothing comes of it, then I'll raise the amount. I'll use this house if I have to.""What if they aren't able to find her?""They will, don't worry." He pauses as he stacks some of the paperwork. Geneva rushes about around them, grabbing papers and heading out the door with them.One of the detectives enters the living room, his cellphone in hand. "My men are searching the entire town and into the city to find Riley."Max straightens, facing the man, "Do you have any leads?"He cringes softly, "Not at this moment, no." he turns to Maryanne, his voice gentler, "We wanted to ask a favor of you, Maryanne, if that is alright?"She frowns as confusion lines her features, "Me?
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 46: Waiting Game
Maryanne is huddled on the main couch of the living room; her body still not calm. Her hands tremble as she worries about Riley. There still has been no new updates regarding the case and it has been hours. The head detective has been telling Maryanne and Max to remain in the house. They have set up a trace on their phones in case the kidnapper calls with a ransom. They need the both of them within the house in case they get that call, so that they can talk to the culprit. Although Maryanne is petrified of talking to anyone remotely close to a suspect, she only wants Riley home, safe. She will do anything she can to make sure that happens. Max enters the living room, hanging up on a call, but Maryanne isn't able to hear who it was with. He sighs and stands quietly for a moment, just watching Maryanne as she stares off across the room, her eyes wide and bloodshot. Her knees are up by her chest, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders for warmth. She tries to tune out the aggravating voi
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 45: CRISIS!
Maryanne frowns when she picks up her phone that is vibrating against her desk, echoing within the library. Geneva? Why would she be calling her right now?"Hello," she answers after bringing the phone to her ear.The maid sounds like a whimpering mess. Maryanne can hear through the phone that she has been crying by the wilt in her tone, "Oh Miss, I am so sorry. I don't know what to do. I called the police, they're on their way. I haven't told Mister Ryder yet. I don't know what to do."Tension tightens its grip around Maryanne's heart." Geneva, slow down. What are you talking about?"It takes a moment before Geneva is able to compose herself, "It's Riley, Miss. She's gone."Dread causes Maryanne's entire complexion to pale and her chest to fall into her stomach, "What do you mean, she's gone?""I can't find her anywhere. The back door is broken, the window shattered, and her room is a wreck. I just cleaned it before she took a nap, so it shouldn't have been so messy." Geneva stops
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 44: Happy Ending?
"Why won't you make what we have official?"Maryanne doesn't have enough time to process what Max has said before he ambushes her with the question. She channels everything in her power into not choking on her own saliva.Once she has composed herself, she says, "Because, Max, I'm not sure what this even is.""Maryanne, you have feelings for me, right?""Yes." Although she doesn't want to admit it, there is no way around it.Max shrugs, his brow wrinkling, "Then what's the problem?""It's not just as simple as going out with you." Maryanne's body is tightening with frustration. How can he not see it?"Why not?"Working hard not to release her irritation, Maryanne breathes in deeply. "Because we have history Max."He scoffs and waves his hand as though he is brushing off their previous interactions, "I don't care about the past."Maryanne wants to scream at him. She was crushed by what he had done. Although she now knows that Daniel sent her the pictures, she is still not cert
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 43: Awkward. . .
As the sun shines into the bedroom, slowly rousing Maryanne, she groans. Stretching, the blanket shifts against her bare skin and causes a cold shiver to wrap around her body. Releasing a short breath, tension explodes in her chest when the memories from the night prior wash over her. She holds down a gasp lodged in her throat as she turns her head and see's Max lying next to her. She tries to push herself to the edge of the bed, her mind racing with what to do. As she remembers each moment of their night together, a heat thickens in the pit of her abdomen, her body fighting against her mind.Checking once more to make sure he is asleep, Maryanne slips from under the covers, pushing away the cold biting at her neck, and grabs a t-shirt from her closet. Once on, she grabs a clean pair of underwear and some sweatpants. "Good morning." As Max's gravelly, half-asleep voice rumbles through the room and shakes Maryanne's chest, she freezes.Hiding her embarrassment, she tries to say conf
Her Billionaire and Her Baby Chapter 42: Night Of Passion
It was probably a very bad idea to drink at dinner. With only three glasses of wine in her system, Maryanne was very tipsy. Her vision is blurred around the edges, while her head is light. Although their ride home is for the most part smooth, Maryanne finds herself shifting back and forth, unable to keep herself steady. Max eyes her, concerned, and places his arm around her shoulder in order to hold her upright."Are you drunk," his voice is deep and intense as his hot breath hits her ear. Maryanne holds back the soft moan that fights its way up into her throat. This is not good. Her willpower to hold back is starting to weaken. She places a hand on Max's knee in order to help steady herself, but it only causes Max to jump with the sudden movement."Maryanne," he says cautiously.She is unable to create a coherent sentence so she just hums, "hm?""Are you alright?"Maryanne nods, her head lolling back. She can see the lights of the house down the street. She closes her eyes and
