~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ The wedding ceremony was over. We’d exchanged rings, signed documents before witnesses, and all that. David was all smiles. It’s unexpected, but there it’s. His arm didn’t leave my back. He was true to his promise, and he didn’t leave my side. He gave me attention, as a person and as an object. David’s uncle glared at me after I told the wedding planner it’s fine to go on to the next stage. Which was removing everyone from the church and moving them to the reception hall for dinner and reception. I thought everything was fine. Everyone’s happy. “Are you insane, woman? It’s far too early. The hotel preparations won’t be finished for your guests, and everyone who arrives there will find themselves turned away. How embarrassing. Are you looking to embarrass your guests? How uncouth? David, I can’t believe you think she’s Belgrave. See her,” David’s uncle loudly exclaimed, stomping towards us. His cane banging hard on the har
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ Maria didn’t waste time and that kept everything going with a smooth grace I found enjoyable. Other than my uncle’s outburst, it went well in my perspective. Maria’s smile hadn’t left her face all day, and I loved seeing it. Now, with dinner is over, speeches are over, cake cut, marriage documents signed, and first dances done. I’m more than ready to leave. We should head to the airport. I’m not thrilled to maneuver through the airport.I knew my private plane was ready this morning. We’d processed our documentation and flight plan days ago. Jake and Josy stored our luggage on the plane for us this morning. The wedding planner would take care of the clothing we used today and return it to our home. She’d have Maria’s wedding gown cleaned and packed into protective archivist clothing packaging. “Are you ready David?” Maria said from behind me. I turned around when I heard her question behind me. There she was, standing beh
~ MARIA HARGROVE ~ David was true to his word, and we did land in London, England. Not some other London. He’d teased me most of the way there in the most affection ways. But he wouldn’t touch me on the plane. When I asked him why? David said, “You were Maria Bell then. But now you’re Maria Hargrove. I expect others to respect you, and I must lead by example, don’t I? Isn’t that what all leaders are supposed to do?” He said this in a light tone, but I heard how serious he felt about it. There’s no way I could prepare myself for his words. It’s like a man uttering that he loved you without warning. Or proposing marriage. If David didn’t now have a track record of doing things like this, I would panic. “David, you would’ve not have that long ago. I’ve not changed. It’s you that’s changed and I appreciate it. No, I love it and you all the better for it. Just don’t let it slide back.” “I don’t won’t. But tonight, I want us to forget about the
~ MARIA HARGROVE ~ “Maria, welcome home. You arrived at the perfect time. I can’t believe I’m saying this. Jake has bought out Chris Skylar’s company! What is the world coming to?” Josy came rushing forward to meet us. “Oh, hi. I hope your honeymoon’s good, and you better have some pictures or video. No, I don’t mean naughty stuff either. Did you bring back any souvenirs?” “If you mean a baby? Yes, we did.” I smiled and waited for that to hit through Josy’s rambling. “No, I don’t mean a baby. I mean a new purse for me. Wait. You’re pregnant?!” Josy squealed. “David, you couldn’t keep it wrapped long enough to do a little tourist type thing?” “Josy. Honeymoon. I did what normal men do. I got busy.” David said with a smile on his face as Jake clapped him on his back as he congratulated us. “Let’s get you all home. I guess I can’t say two anymore. Now, can I?” Jake asked with a humorous half smile. He let the sec
~ MARIA HARGROVE ~SEVEN MONTHS LATER I had a month, maybe six weeks, until I would give birth to a baby boy. The Hargrove family members were beside themselves, keeping David and me happy because of the baby. The baby impressed them when they learned of it. But their traditional attitudes found satisfaction when they learned our baby was a boy. I would be faultless in their eyes. The collaboration project wasn’t a collaboration as it started. Now, it spanned three divisions of Hargrove Tech. We would use it as a headquarters for all three divisions where we could share research and resources between divisions. With the ground broken and construction started, we were working with the division as they were right now. I’ve settled my business in preparation to hand it over for a time to Josy. So, I could give birth without worrying about the business. Then I could spend my time settling my baby into life at home, bonding with him, healing, an
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ I sat on David Hargrove’s lap and poured him champagne as I listened to him plot with his assistant. They intended to wage war on a rival company I knew. David expected no one to lead the firm when the owner died. He crowed to Jake, his assistant, about having signed contracts today that sealed his control. I didn’t listen to too much. I’ve learned I’ve no role in his business and no influence. He’s oblivious to his mistake. It’s pointless to speak. Everything’s lost, including David. “Jake, I hope Sabrina received her copy of the contract. We’ll discuss the announcement another time. Old Belgrave just needs to put his other foot in his grave.” David said. Jake nodded, and they laughed in enjoyment of their plot. While I died a slow death on the inside. “Then the competition will end. She’ll sign Belgrave Tech over. Then, I won’t need her, and my family’s screwed.” David Hargrove dragged me to this club. He’d insisted he needed t
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ “Are you there, Miss Belgrave?” Mr. Edwards asked. Oh, God, my father’s dead. I’m alone. There’s no one coming to save me. No apologies. No redemption. He’s gone. How do I mourn someone I hate yet loved? It hurts. I blinked at the phone as my senses returned. “Oh, yes. I’m here. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting this.” My voice breaks. I can’t cry and damage my makeup. I must return to the club. The bouncers won’t let me in if I’m a mess. “Miss. Belgrave you have an appointment with me at nine tomorrow morning and your presence is mandatory.” His words were firm, yet urgent, as if it wasn’t a choice. This call and his other attempts at calling me over the last month made no sense. How had he found my number? Until tonight, I never answered him. “Why? I was disinherited years ago. You need to check your records.” I wouldn’t be doing anything without assurances there weren’t mistakes. There’s no way I’ll be the famil
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ Outside cabs waited for clubgoers. I gave one the address of the condo David maintained for me and sat back. That’s my last glimpse of David. With my other phone, I dialed a number. “Hi, Josy love. Can I still stay on your sofa for a few nights?” “Maria hon. My door’s always open for you. Stay as long as you need. Did he kick you out? Or did you leave him? No, you can tell me when you arrive.” A female voice said. “It’s worse Josy. I need a friend. Who’s willing to help. When I say I need a big favor it’s an understatement. Yeah, we’ll talk. You can say no. If you don’t want to help. I’m just running out of options.” “I’ll have tea ready. Girl, you know I’ll help you hide the body.” Josephine (Josy) Soaper’s been my best friend since I left home. I cried again. It’s too much. My body turned icy as I accepted my father’s death. I’d never fix things with him. If I screw up, I’m on my