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Dominic “You will be a grandfather, “ I tell the man, sitting opposite me in the small cafeteria. We arranged to meet during my lunch break today. Violet called me earlier but I told her I would be having lunch with a business partner. In a way that’s true. Frederick’s eyes filled with tears at the news I shared. “Thank you. “ he says,” For being here and telling me.” “I thought you deserved to know. “He nods and looks down at his hands, folded in front of him. “I hope you will find the strength in you to forgive me. ““I have nothing to forgive you for. “ I tell him. “No, “he shakes his head. “You do. I am not the father I was supposed to be. ““I have a father, “I argue. “And I will never argue that. But I would like you to listen to me. “I lean back in the chair and he takes this as a sign to continue. “When I met your mother, I fell in love with her at first sight. I swear. There is love at first sight. ”“I believe you, “ And I do. I fell in love with Violet the mo
Violet “I want a divorce!” I yell at him and throw the papers on his desk. Conor only looks at them briefly and then continues signing documents and going through the pile of work-related notes in front of him. “Are you listening to me?’I ask, trying to keep my voice calm, and placing my hands on his desk. “It’s over, “I say, “I can’t do this anymore. I’m done. “Conor finally looks up at me, bright blue eyes- almost the same as mine - fixing upon me. “I am not signing this, Violet, “ He says, “You know that. “He sounds indifferent. He doesn’t even care what I am saying to him. “Listen, Conor…”I clench my teeth and force myself to take a breath. “I agreed to this marriage only because I needed the money at the time. We both know this marriage was never meant to work out. “I finally admit what I should have said a very long time ago. “I don’t want this, “I say. “Please, you have to let me go. It’s the only way for us to be happy. ““I am happy. “He says shortly. Then h
Violet The driver opens the door for me and I get off fumbling with the present in my hands. “Thank you, “Evie smiles at the young man as he opens her door as well. The driver is tall and muscular, wearing the usual black suit. When I notice she doesn’t stop beaming at him, I pull her and smile at him, keeping my tone polite. “Thank you, Garreth, you are free to leave. ““Thank you, Madam.”He tips his head and gets back in the car. “Why don’t you ever let me talk to the hot staff? “ She complains, fixing her dress as we walk towards the manor. “Because it’s their job to be polite and you think they are hitting on you. ““And you think he doesn’t like me?”“Evie…”I roll my eyes and she giggles. “Come on, Violet, “ She says, pushing me very lightly. “Why are you so sour? ““Because I don’t want to be at the party. ““Oh, come on, “she says, “it will be full of celebrities, politicians and… and maybe the future king, even. “I scoff as we take the stairs and the butler opens
Violet I'm just standing there, in the middle of the chaos. It's like all of this is happening to someone else and I'm just an onlooker. “Dominic!” Someone says and rushes towards him to greet him. Dominic is surrounded by family, friends, and all those people he used to know. He has always been the most enigmatic man in the room. The one you can’t help but notice. Tall with broad shoulders and a confident look on his face. His black hair is slightly longer than it used to be. Deep, back eyes you can't NOT notice. This hasn’t changed. What’s changed is he seems to be smiling more. “How have you been, “ someone says and he smiles at them, replying politely. Dominic is dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. He used to hate suits and always said he can't breathe in them. Suddenly all the memories from before are flooding my mind and I am taking deep breaths to calm myself down. I can’t just run away, pretend I didn’t see him and this never happened, can I?He is only a few fee
Violet I hear the footsteps and pause. I don’t dare turn around. What will I tell him after all this time?And here, of all places. Why did he choose to come back now? My hands close into fists and I turn around.But the man coming my way is not Dominic.It’s Conor.And he looks pissed. Very pissed, at that. “What the hell was that in there?” He growls, coming to stand before me. I take a small step away from him. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”I say. “I just needed some fresh air, it’s really suffocating in there. “I’m keeping my voice neutral but he is already irritated to no end for some reason.“Suffocating?”He snorts. “You know perfectly well what I am talking about,” Then he takes a threatening step in my direction. Conor grabs me. Now, that it’s just the two of us, he has no reason to try to be careful and no one would see him.He grabs me really forcefully and pulls me towards him, looming over me.“I saw how you look at him.” he snarls. “At who?” I ask
Dominic “Why did we leave so early?” Anastasia sits in the car and takes the seat opposite mine in the limo. Then she leans heavily back with a pout. “We can leave, Massimo, thank you. “ I instruct and ignore her question. “Yes, Sir. “ The driver starts the car and the car quickly slips back to the busy streets of London. “So?” she asks, crossing her arms. “I didn’t feel like staying. “ I was hoping she forgot the question but here we are. “You haven’t been home in so long and you say “you didn’t feel like staying?” she exclaims. “That’s right. “ Anastasia gives me a pointed look but doesn’t continue asking. “I think your family is really cool, “ She keeps trying to start a conversation. “You don't know them. “ Despite my answer, she goes on. “And Conor seems like a real gentleman. His wife looked like a total bitch, thought.” That catches my attention and I look away from the window and the bright lights of the city ahead. “What did you say?” I try to
Dominic “Yes, that’s right. “ I tell Max. “Is this the same Violet Conor was in love with since high school?” “I... I have no idea. Maybe? Same name, I guess it’s the same woman.” I start glancing around the room for my cigarettes. I haven’t smoked for the entire evening, but I decide “fuck it,” “It must be her. But isn’t this the same one you dated?” Max goes on. “I mean, you went out with her a few times, but then Conor said he was in love with her so you dropped the whole thing. “ “We never dated. We just went out a few times. But yeah, maybe. “ “You don’t remember?” Max laughs, “Bro, you don’t just randomly date anyone. I am excluding the models like Anastasia you sleep with for a week or two. And you’re saying you don’t remember if that's the same, Violet?” “Maybe. “ I say and finally, spot my box of cigarettes. I pick up one and light it. I take a very deep inhale and Max argues. “What do you mean maybe?!” “All I am saying is this is in the past. She is married to
Violet I have a bad feeling about this. Contrary to my horror, most likely written on my face, Philip is smiling widely. Dominic - well, he is unreadable as always. “As you two know I am starting something new. “ Philip continues, “I’ve been planning for this for a while. “Philip turns to his son. “I asked you to come back home not just because of Grandfather. But also because I will need your help.” Then he turns to me. “And yours.”Dominic and I exchange a confused look. “I don’t…”I begin but Philip quickly says. “I am starting a new company. Dominic has proven to be capable of turning a small company into a huge, successful empire. On the other hand- you Violet have been doing a great job with your father’s smaller business... I know you're trying to make the company work. ““I…Yes, “I nod. “Great, “Philip opens his arms, “It’s decided. ““What do you mean it’s decided?”Dominic argues, “We haven’t decided anything. You said you’d needed me for a month or two. ““It… it
Dominic “You will be a grandfather, “ I tell the man, sitting opposite me in the small cafeteria. We arranged to meet during my lunch break today. Violet called me earlier but I told her I would be having lunch with a business partner. In a way that’s true. Frederick’s eyes filled with tears at the news I shared. “Thank you. “ he says,” For being here and telling me.” “I thought you deserved to know. “He nods and looks down at his hands, folded in front of him. “I hope you will find the strength in you to forgive me. ““I have nothing to forgive you for. “ I tell him. “No, “he shakes his head. “You do. I am not the father I was supposed to be. ““I have a father, “I argue. “And I will never argue that. But I would like you to listen to me. “I lean back in the chair and he takes this as a sign to continue. “When I met your mother, I fell in love with her at first sight. I swear. There is love at first sight. ”“I believe you, “ And I do. I fell in love with Violet the mo
Five years later Violet “Mom! I don’t want the red one!” I take a very deep breath. “Charlotte, please, “ I tell her for the tenth time, “Choose whatever you want. Just choose now. Please. “ The maid is looking at me, smiling. “I can help, miss. And you can prepare. I will let you know once we are ready.“ “It’s fine. Thank you, Marta. I’ve got this. “ I always refused to have a nanny to help me, even when Charlotte was a baby, but recently Marta’s been trying to help, seeing how busy we all are. Charlotte finally chooses the dress she will be wearing and we start preparing. Half an hour later Marta announces the driver is downstairs. “Coming!” I call out as I put on my earrings. “Mommy, you look pretty. “ Charlotte beams at me. “Thank you, sweetheart, “I kiss the top of her head, “Let’s go. Are you eager to see Aunt Evie and Uncle Max? ““Yes!” She claps and we head downstairs. “Where is Daddy?” She asks as I take her hand and we descend the stairs. “He is…”
Violet “They look suspicious, “ I watch Evie and Max as they try not to look at each other or at least not to be too obvious about it. “She went out to talk over the phone and he went right after her. And for some reason, they look really close after they come back home. Do you think it’s because of the accident and because they spent some time together?...” I look at Dominic. He looks… amused.“What are you hiding from me again? “I ask him, squinting my eyes suspiciously and he shrugs casually. If he does that, it means I am right. He is hiding something. “Dominic, “ I tell him and he eventually says. “I think they are together. And it's been going on for a while.” “What?” I exclaim, but…. Then I turn to look at them again. Among the sea of well-dressed, rich people with great manners they look so… different. As if they are in their own private world. “Yes, “ I mutter, “They are. Why didn’t they tell us?” Dominic gives me a pointed look. “Okay, you are right. We did
Evie I exit the dining hall and head down the corridor. This place is huge and I’ve always thought so, but right now it feels enormous.I pass by a library and a large door. I assume it’s a study and after I make a turn I am in front of the guest bathroom.Where is he? I keep walking and reach a darker corner of the corridor when I take another turn and bump into Max.“Woah,” I take a step back, startled. “You scared me.”As if I wasn’t the one who followed him out.“I did?” He lifts an eyebrow and folds his arms. Then Max leans against the wall next to him, observing me.“Are you following me?” “Why are you acting like this?” I hiss and glance around to see if anyone is coming.“This is what you wanted, right?”“Hmph,” I scoff and he unfolds his arms.Max leans towards me, his breath is on my neck.“I would kiss you,” he whispers and the words send a shiver down my back, “But I can’t remember.”My eyes flutter closed as he traces slow kisses down my neck. I bite my lip and lift my
Evie A few weeks later we are ready to go home. “I will arrive in the evening. “ I explain, “And you on the next day. ““I honestly don’t see why we arrive separately, “ Max admits for the tenth time today. “Because I don’t want to show up and tell them we are…”“What?”“That we are…” “See, “ he says, “You can’t even admit we are together. ““It’s not that, '' I protest, “Let’s just tell them when we are all together, or having a nice time, okay?”“I am not embarrassed to tell them. Are you ashamed of me?““What, no!” I exclaim, “I just didn't want to explain to Violet over the phone. And imagine Olivia’s reaction when…”“Fuck Olivia. “Max shrugs. “I can’t believe I'm going to say this, “ I declare, “But that's too rude. “He scoffs but eventually agrees. Max takes me to the airport and I almost miss my flight because I am reluctant to separate from him. “You chose this, “he reminds me, “We could be travelling together now? ““Don’t hold this against me. “ I point a finger a
Violet I take a sip of coffee when Dominic moves behind me, wrapping his arms around me. “Good morning, “ he kisses the top of my head and proceeds to the coffee machine. “I made some for you, too. “ I smile at him and he pours himself a cup. “What are you doing today?” He asks, and I take the cup to my lips when I suddenly get sick to the stomach. I swallow the bile and Domnic’s eyes flutter to me. “Val?”“Yes, yes. I am here, “ I put the cup back on the counter, “I have a meeting with the investors from Japan. “My stomach turns and I smile awkwardly at Dominic. “Excuse me. “I rush to the bathroom before he says anything and empty my stomach. I feel better right after. When I get back to the room Dominic is waiting for me to say something. “What is it?” he asks, approaching me “I just have been feeling sick these days, maybe it’s a stomach virus or something. ““Or it’s not. “Dominic sips his coffee, casually. “What are you talking about?” I frown and he looks at me po
Evie Max is taking my dress off, not breaking the kiss.“Are you okay?”I mutter against his lips as I see how restless and impatient he is. He unbuttons the last piece from my back, holding the upper part together.“Yes. You?”Max pauses only to say this and continues kissing me. We didn’t say anything to each other, not even hi when he got back. I didn't mind in the slightest but had to ask. “Of course.” I breathe out the words. He smiles and leans in, his lips on mine. Max trails kisses down my neck, then to my chest. He takes my bra off, and I am struggling with opening his tie. Max laughs against my lips against my frustration and helps me untie the knot. He slips the tie off and I can’t stop looking at him, at the way his pupils have dilated, making his eyes impossibly dark in the lights in the kitchen. “What?” He asks, cupping my face.“Nothing.” I smile,” Kiss me.”And he does, brushing his lips against mine, pushing me slightly and guiding me towards his bedroom. I have
Evie I get up before my alarm goes off and get dressed quickly. My classes start later today but I am still prepared to leave. I go to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee. Max is already there, smoking. I flinch, surprised when I see him. I was sure he was still sleeping. He is leaning back in his chair, dressed in an expensive suit and a watch, and his stubble has started to grow. The blue smoke curls around him in the cold morning light, almost the same blue as the one of his eyes. Max looks like those guys in the perfume commercials. As soon as I show up he sits up. “I will put this off, “ he says, scattering the smoke with his hand and exhaling. “No, no. It’s okay. Your place, after all. ““No, sorry. ““I don’t actually mind it. “I smile and proceed to the coffee maker. “Another coffee?“ I offer. “Yeah, thank you. “I pour some for him and myself. “I hope I won’t spill it this time, “ I joke and he smiles. “If you do, I'll do a better job at cleaning it. “As soon as
Evie I get back to Max’s place and wait for him to come back. Today sucked on all possible levels. I stared into the wall for a good hour, trying to accept that I was never seeing Tyson again, no one told me he was gone, someone was going to prison because of me, and I had money - MY money - that might change things for me. Because I know the family has money, but it’s not my money. And now- I will eventually be able to have something thanks to me, however small it is. At some point, I begin pacing around and I am unable to focus on anything. On top of it- Max comes back after eleven. We exchange a greeting and he heads directly to his room. I stop him.“I got a call from the lawyer. “ I say without any ado. “And?” He asks, pausing. Max looks like he is not here. Then I realize something’s off. “Are you drunk?” I ask. “What difference does it make?”“No, just… I thought you said you had to work. ““What’s with the interrogation? ““And what’s with the way you’ve been acting recen