Three

Julian grinned as he watched Faye play with her cousins. He stood there, feeling proud of her.

“I'm sure today isn't Saturday.“

Julian turned to his half-brother who raised a brow at him. “I'm also certain today isn Saturday.”

Isaac, his half-brother on his mother's side obviously didn't like it because his face twisted but then slowly, he grinned. “Sandra's going to throw a fit.”

Julian pulled his phone out and looked thoughtfully. “She's probably busy that she didn't know I sneak Faye out today.” He shook his head in disappointment. “She will raise hell for sure.”

“Oh... now that sounds dangerous.”

Julian chuckled. “Nah, I can handle her. You know me."

“The last time you said something along those lines, Sandra got pregnant with Faye."

Isaac and Julian turned to see James approaching, they laughed just as James handed Julian a beer. “I just wanted to teach her a lesson.”

“I say, you better prepare yourself with it then.” Isaac mused. “Julian you should always choose your battles.”

“I"ll make sure I'll win this time.”

They all watched as Isaac's wife and kids dotes Faye. Julian was thankful, his family's side dotes Faye like a princess. His mother said it was because Faye was special and the little gap Sandra that started to leave a hole needs to be filled by not only him but his whole family.

The media and public wasn't aware of this of course, he took great deal of protecting his family but he can't quite be successful with trying for Faye because Sandra was simply the people's favorite. Very few and trusted people told him about the cold treatment the Master Parker was giving his granddaughter unless it was in front of the media and other people.

Julian had never seen Sandra's father dote Faye like a princess behind all that cameras but he can't really ponder about it since he'd rather have his skin peeled off than to be in the same room with the old man. It was just fucking obvious that Sandra's father hold a great deal of hate towards him and was venting it out on Faye, Julian swore if the old bastard ever dare lay a finger or say things that could break Faye's heart, Julian himself will send the old bastard to hell.

Julian knew, of course and admits that what he did in the past was a great disappointment. He didn't only covet with an older woman but a married one at that. He was young and immature, he was damn foolish be he couldn't call it a mistake... alright, a lot of times he thought just as that. It was fucking mistake but he can't put the blame to anyone else but himself, he was told Sarah Parker was a selfish woman behind that entire sweet aura... he didn't listen. He ruined a family, though a brokwn one but still a family, especially to the public's eyes then Karma came knocking on his door named Sandra Parker.

How ironic. What goes around comes around.

He often wonders what would have been his life if he was a young sensible man but he can't think past that, he just wonders but never thought past it. He can't because he has Faye, he's a father now and it was just impossible to think anything other than that anymore. He apologized to his family of course, they were mad and just like the rest of the world... scandalized, but nevertheless they love him and accepted him back. In return, Julian straightened his life, accepted his grandfather's offer since he was the heir. He learned and matured, he's quite proud of himself.

Faye shrieked in glee when her cousins run after her with a water gun and taking the men's attention. Faye was squealing and calling him for help but she was definitely laughing so hard her stammer got worse but nobody minded, it always get worst when she was nervous and super excited but it was alright, it doesn't matter. When she stammers around them they just let her and very rarely correct her words because they wanted her to know she was accepted and loved just the way she is.

“Y-you stop right nn-now!” Faye pointed at her cousin with a scowl and then her eyes narrowed but her scowl didn't last long as she laughed loudly when her cousin tackled her down the grass.

“Maaan, that's scary. For a second she looks exactly like Sandra, well younger version but damn.” Isaac murmured and James choke his beer. “Where the hell is Shawn, by the way?” Isaac frowned. “I told him today is a family gathering! What the hell is that kid doing in his life, anyway? 23 and living like a pig, that damn brat needs a position in the company.”

“Probably spending time with his dear Sandra of course.” James chuckled. “Funny how he stays loyal to her.”

“That traitor.” Isaac shook his head.

“Well, birds with the same feather flock together.” Julian murmured.

He still hasn't forgotten the little rat for participating in operation: Ruin Julian Fernandez's life by Sandra Parker. He can't really do anything about it though, Shawn was his cousin, blood was thicker than water... and one of their grandfather's dying wish was to look out for Shawn no matter what. Shawn's parents died when he was two and he was also the youngest grandkid that's why their grandfather took a great deal of the little rat. Julian and his cousins were taught that family comes first no matter what, those weren't just words nor a rule... it was a task, a responsibility, a promise firmly enforced by their grandfather, not that Shawn got the message when he basically threw Julian on the clutches of evil.

Julian was foolish but Shawn was one spawn of Satan... or spawn of Sandra to be precise.

Julian and Isaac may not share the same father but Isaac was all Fernandez, he was raised as one and he acted just like one and more sensible than Julian in fact. When their grandfather passef away Isaac and Julian had been studying Isaac shouldered his responsibility and waited until he came back and by the time he was ready to take his place in the society and business world, Isaac grinned at him and said. “I'm fucking done. I hate this responsibilities.” But from time to time, Isaac still manages the main family's expenses and money in general and he was hating on Shawn more and more, that brat.

“His parents should have left him a thick book of conditions and rules before he could spend his trust fund.” James mused.

Faye came running towards him with wide and excited eyes and him and her uncles all could do was stare down at her ans wait for her to speak. “It's auntie H-hannah's birthday n-nn-next monthhh!”

Julian crounched down to wipe her sweat away. “Yup, what do you have in mind?”

Her grin was so big, Julian can only grin back. “I wanna c-come!”

Julian was starting to reply when she interrupted him again. “Aunt H-hannah said mo-mm-mommy can c-come and slii-sl-sleep overnight!" She clapped happily. “Le-let's bring mommy! Daddy, mommy needs... needs t-to come!”

Julian's grin slipped a little but he was fast enough to recover while Isaac and James groaned.

“That woman... Hannah... She's up to something again.” Isaac grumbled. “I'll talk to her. Now.” When he left, James can only sigh as Julian cupped Faye's chubby cheeks.

“Faye can come and sleep over.”

She frowned at him. He realized she do that every time he was about to single out her mother of the conversation, his kid was picking up, fast. Smart little girl. Damn Hannah.

“M-mommy too?” She asked seriously.

“Mommy is busy for sure so she can't come...” He said softly but he immediately remedied. “But dad is going to be there and he will sleep over too! Maybe he can read Faye her favorite book before she goes to sleep?”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and damn if she doesn't look exactly like Sandra. There was something despite the age that resembles her to her mom and sometimes when Faye was upset and frowned she looks nothing but her mother and yeah, it was scary.

“I-I will t-te-tell mommy wh-when I-I see h-hh-her... Faye m-misses mommy.” She said it so firmly she almost sounded like Sandra too. “I want mommy a-and d-dd-daddy.” She still looked suspicious but then just like any other kids she turned back and run towards her cousins.

“Damn, Faye is getting attached with her mom. It's natural but, dude... you know you have to take her." James said in a low voice.

Julian sighed deeply as he stood up. “I know. That's why I'm doing everything I can, fast.” He sighed. “It's going to be hard but I can't let Faye grow up in that kind of environment. I was told she was mostly ignored by her grandfather, I asked her one time if he grandpa bonds with her, she said he was scary and doesn't like her.” Julian was stiff. “Did you know Fays calls him Mr. Parker?”

James frowned. “I'm sure Sandra had no knowledge about that. Or about what the hell her father is doing and getting into. She may not be very nice but I hope she won't be ruined, she's after all Faye's mother.”

“She doesn't know a thing.” Julian let out a breath. “And it's better to stay that way. She wouldn't believe me, anyway.”

“She doesn't know her father's company is deep debt and that you're one of a potential buyers of the company and she has no idea he was cold to Faye?” James asked.

“I made sure I do it anonymously. Mr. Parker won't know anything until the day of bidding but before that I will make sure he doesn't have any options but to sell his company to me, of course we will to pay their debts but it doesn't matter.”

“And Faye?”

Julian sighed. “I need to get Faye's full custody because once Sandra and her family finally found out that the Parker Industries is ours.” He drunk his beer. “Once that happened

and I have nothing but temporary rights with Faye, God knows what Sandra will do, she could take Faye away completely. I'll be damned if even the right to see my own daughter grow up is denied and taken away from me.”

“Well, it's your grandfather's dying wish... to take the Parker's company in our hands.” Then James chuckled. “...and funny how we are all wary of Sandra. Like she's the biggest villain.”

Despite himself, Julian chuckled.

**********

Julian pulled over in front of Sandra's house, it was late at night and sure, Sandra's maids are all outside, waiting. Damn. The woman was obviously home, not that he cared but on Saturdays and Sundays every time he take Faye home Sandra wasn't home and he never have to face her. Sometimes when he secretly sneak Faye– like today– out when she wanted to watch a movie or play, the maids would help him.

He gathered the sleeping Faye on his arms, when she squirmed wrapping her hands around his neck to snuggle closely, Julian crooned soothingly, rubbing her back and arranging her into his arms. One maid rushed to him, wanting to take Faye.

“Miss Sandra's home...” One maid said in a hushed tone. Even Sandra's helpers knew how suffocating the tension is every time he and Sandra had confrontation.

He shook his head and walked inside Sandra's home. He realized as he walked at the marbled stairs that Sandra's home is just like her... glamorous, near to perfection, cold, and eerie of mystery and danger lingers somewhere in the corner.

The doors opened and Sandra slowly stared up, Julian walked inside with Faye on his arms, her maids right behind him. She stood up and walked towards him, intending to meet him halfway and no second did one of them looked away, only making Sandra smile warmly but the tension formed, nasty and lingering in the air.

They stopped when they reached each other, her maids had their heads bowed but was stealing glances at them. Sandra's eyes fell on their sleeping daughter in his arms and shook her head and looked up at Julian, he narrowed his eyes at her, his gaze penetrating and angry. The tension thickened and it seems only Sandra was the only one who wasn't aware or maybe she was because that smile of hers only thickened the tension that got the maids squirming in their spots.

“I'm taking Faye to bed. Then you and I'll talk.” Julian announced, his tone also demanded a command that could make one flinch and when he made a move Sandra raised her hand, her smile widening beautifully.

“Take Faye to bed.” Nobody stepped forward and Julian only glared at her. She chuckled and her voice softer. “I said... take Faye to bed.”

It's amazing how every maid present rushed to Julian and gave him a pleading mix with panic looks, he gave Sandra a look and grudgingly hand the sleeping Faye into one of them but not before he kissed her forehead. They all rushed away leaving the two of them facing each other, the silence seemed to shy away for the tension was near suffocating.

“I must say..." She started, not breaking the eye contacted. “I wasn't amused by what you did earlier.”

“Were you furious?” He whispered but loud enough for her to hear.

She smiled and his gaze fell on her lips as she said. “Very.”

Damn her. She knew she's beautiful and she let everyone know about it, people do and loved being reminded.

“I hated it.” She continued with her honesty. “It made me hate you more.” She tilted her head and Julian drag his gaze back to her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest. “You took Faye without my permission. Without calling and asking me... her mother. The whole day you're gone with her and not one did you even call to tell me where you are, you take her home by 9:32 in the evening. Don't you have respect to me?”

A slow smile came to his lips. “Do you want me to answer that?”

She smiled wider, clearly she was enjoying this. “Damn you, Julian Fernandez.” She stared at his face, amusement dancing on her eyes. “My God. You're still handsome.”

He chuckled, low. “I must be honest. You're beautiful yourself. Physically of course, unfortunately I can't say the same about your inner beauty.”

“You're also a very infuriating bastard.” She mused and motioned with her hands. “You wanted to talk? Please let's sit down.”

“I'd rather stand.”

She didn't move. “Whatever, suits you.”

“It's about Faye and the classes you're forcing her to attend.”

“Please do tell. I'm breathless to hear it.”

He had put his tongue between his teeth to keep them from grinding, when he spoke his voice was on edge. “She's five years old, Sandra. You're making her take up so much for her age can handle. She's supposed to be learning the fun way and she'a supposed to be carefree and playing, not burrowed through her lessons you're forcing her to take.” He watched her face. “You know she can't be uncomfortable and stressed because her stutters worsened.”

Her demeanor changed but she knew he wasn't done yet and he glared at her. “Did you know her teacher calls her stupid? Because she stutters?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Who said that?” She waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, don't bother. It doesn't matter who. I'll fire them all first thing in the morning. Is that all? Could you leave now? I kinda don't appreciate you wording me in such manner in my own home.”

Julian gritted his teeth. “Sandra.”

It was it, just plain and simple. The warning was clear but the damn woman simply doesn't get it. “I wouldn't be standing here and talking to you in such manner if you would only give time for your own daughter. Woman, do you have any idea how Faye needs your attention? How much she craves for your love?”

“I love my daughter just enough and she knows I–”

“It's not enough!” Her eyes widened he raised his voice, he balled his fists. “It's not enough for her." He bit out. “She needs your attention, your fucking times, she need to feel and see you love her not just to know you love her! She needs her damn mother.”

He shook his head. “All the more why you're not fitting for the role as Faye's mother. All the more why I need to take her away from you, it's better to save her the heartbreak than see her stand in a corner waiting for you, when you'll ever look her way and show her you truly love her.”

She stared at him blankly, blankly. They stared at each other for a moment that seems to be an eternity, Julian's eyes narrowing in contempt. She took a step forward and another, and another but Julian didn't move if anything else he tilted his head, anticipating.

She took another step invading his personal space. Pressing her soft little body's against his, she tilted her head on the side and look up at him through her ridiculously natural long lashes, her fingers came to trace his neck tie, perfect nails grazing the fabric up to his throat, playful eyes never leaving his as she whispered against his mouth. “I'll give you one more chance and then... things will get nasty.”

When she let go and stepped back, Julian grabbed her wrist rather alarmingly and pulled her against him. “Do. Not. Threaten. Me.” He gritted out, her eyes narrowing hatefully as he grip on her wrist tightening.

“I'll make sure to get Faye's custody, I don't give a shit if I have to drag the case and you in court for a year.” He leaned closer to her till their lips were so close, each breath was felt by the both of them. His eyes is intense and his voice carried a promise of threat. “The house is on my side, they will favor me Sandra and you know it. I'll make sure you'll have the very least chance in winning the fucking case." He whispered dangerously at her.

For a moment they just stared at each other. He let her go harshly that she almost toppled back but she managed to balance, she glared at his back as he walked away.

**********

Father and daughter bonding! Just a few days ago Business Tycoon Julian Fernandez surprised his princess Faye by picking her up personally in school! Such a sweet and loving

father this man, Mr. Fernandez. He took his princess to the mall for some kiddie shopping. Not only had that but a few spotted the doting father taking his princess to spend time with the rest of Fernandez family!

But we are more curious about Faye Fernandez's beautiful mother and socialite Miss Sandra Parker, no matter how civil they (Miss Sandra & Fernandez family) act towards each other it's been clear that the glamorous beauty and brains is not welcome in the Fernandez's golden residences. We are all wondering about her reaction to th–

Sandra hurled her iPad towards the wall where it shattered. She wiped the tears away rather harshly. Nobody made her cry, nobody, if there's wbw one, she made sure they pay for every tears she cried no matter if it was from frustration, hate or pain. Sandra Parker's come with a price.

Julian Fernandez isn't exception. She was so damn furious with him, how could he. How dare he?! Just who the hell was he to barge in her home and question her way of upbringing Faye? Just who the hell is he to disrespect her in her own home?! In her own territory? How dare him talk about taking Faye away from her? He has no right to say such things to her. He doesn't know her, he has no idea who the fuck she was. He was insufferable and he made her life a living hell but she wouldn't let it.

Sandra isn't a weak woman with silly fantasies bordering her brain. She was too busy facing the dirty reality to waste her time for some fantasy or rainbows and unicorns. She was the kind of woman who means everything she says, every actions she does is well planned, calculated. Evey word that came out from her lips laced with dangerous sincerity and firm.

“Damn you, Julian Fernandez. You'll pay for this.” She wiped her tear stricken face and stared at her reflection.

No. She's not one who pretend to be tough and bad and cold. She is bad and she acts like an angel, she's simply evil and she liked it that way.

“M-mommy?”

She turned, her daughter stood in the door way in her pajamas, a new teddy bear hugged tightly on her chest. Faye's eyes were wide and shocked, and she never saw her mommy cry before. Sandra though as someone she wanted to protect from the cruel world and its soulness humans, Faye.

If she loves someone it would be Faye and Sandra will make sure her daughter will grow up strong and smart enough to know that the world cold and cruel with money and fame reigns. Her daughter will be watched and judged by everyone, they will question her existence, some friends will turn their backs and hurt her. Her every move will be talked about and she never can get away, Sandra will make sure Faye is ready for that kind of world.

Faye swallowed. “M-mommy?” Her voice was so small.

She motioned for Faye to come and her daughter walked idly towards her. “W-wh-wh-www...” Faye swallowed and closed her eyes, she loudly counted from one to ten, a habit Sandra taught her daughter so she could collect her thoughts and words carefully next time when she stutter.

“W-why is m-mommy crying?” She asked fearfully, reluctant as she stood before Sandra, Faye reached for her strained cheek and wiped the tears away with her little hands.

Ohhh Julian Fernandez make her cry and she will make him pay for it. She can't wait.

Sandra sniffed and touched Faye's cheek. “It's your daddy's fault.” Faye's eyes widen and Sandra cupped her face and kissed her forehead lightly. “He wants to take you away from mommy... Do you want to be away from mommy, Faye?”

Faye gasped. “N-NO!” Then she wrapped her tiny arms around Sandra. “Then, don't let your daddy take you away from me.”