~ 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
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ I watched Maria walk through the crowded club. “Come back, or I’ll replace you, Maria Bell. You aren’t the only sweet, little, nothing around here.” I shouted over the music. Damn it, this was wrong. I threw my glass in anger. Fuck, the predatory gold-diggers were circling the VIP section already trying to get my attention proving my point. I knew they couldn’t compare to my Maria, my Angel Bella. Maria’s like no other. Tonight, she irritated me. Contradicting me like that was a mistake. Taking phone calls. Leaving my side without my permission. Excessive drinking and the crying. What did she have to cry about? How dare she act out on my dime? “Jake, what’s your take?” I discovered with disgust; Maria had drained the champagne. I ordered another. When it arrived, it was different. “Maria? It’s not my place to comment David.” Jake didn’t look up from his phone. I frowned at him. He’d not used it all evening.
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ The limousine stopped before the building. My mind reeled thinking that she’d left. Our contracts weren’t over until I said so. I’d remind her of that as I disciplined her. Also, what did she know about Sabrina. The car hadn’t stopped before I’m getting out. I waved off my guards and driver. I entered without them. They didn’t need to see this. The building’s secure anyway. The doorman rushed to hold the door. In the elevator, the doors closed, and I gave him a sheepish smile and a wave. All I want is to speak with Maria. My behavior doesn’t matter, I own the building. I’m going nowhere. Maria doesn’t understand she’s not leaving. She’s my perfect lover. I’ve never met a woman like her. Her drawbacks are she’s a gold digger and has no pedigree. If it were different I’d have married her the first time I had her. But after the scandal I need a wife with a pedigree to satisfy my family. What I want doesn’t matter.
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ I entered Josy’s apartment, and she kicked my luggage aside. Josy ignored my bags and studied me with a horrified look. I must’ve been crying. Damn it. No one’s allowed to say I can’t tonight. I just lost my father and left the man I love. I’m considering living on the streets or battling with my stepfamily for a fortune I unprepared for. No one wants me back, so I’m on the fence. Do I risk everything again and fight? If so. How? It’s not realistic. “There you are. Are you okay?” Josy asked. She ushered me into the kitchen and pushed me into an old kitchen chair. She stood there in a pair of pink fuzzy slippers and a blue nightgown with a sleep mask perched on her head. “Did I wake you?” I felt horrible when I realized I’d woken Josy. I was about to cry again when she interrupted. “No, you don’t. No more crying. You didn’t wake me. So, don’t worry. Let’s have tea. Then we’ll talk.” Josy poured two cups and set one befo
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ We entered the law firm’s deserted lobby. Mr. Edwards stood waiting. We exchanged amused looks as we walked by him to the elevators. He didn’t recognize me. I’d met Mr. Edwards before I’d changed my appearance. Brown hair became the blonde David knew. Which became Revenge Red last night when I’d cut and dyed it. “Okay, confront or call him? I’m surprised he’s here and not upstairs.” “Call. I’m evil I’ll enjoy his honest reaction.” Josy said. He answered. “Mr. Allen Edwards.” “Sir, This is Maria Belgrave. Are you waiting for me? Or should I go upstairs for our appointment?” I wanted the call to sound like I was being discreet not rude. “Ms. Belgrave. How I missed your arrival?” “I’d prefer not to advertise my arrival sir. May we meet by the elevators.” “You are?” I hid my smile at his confusion. We had to walk by him. “Of course, I’ll meet you now.” Mr. Edwards hurried to the elevator
~ 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 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 ~ 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
~ 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 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
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ Some may say spending the night before the wedding together is bad luck. But David didn’t want to leave me alone. He didn’t want to leave my side. His words were something about not trusting people and their double standards. David promised me that he’d stay beside me as long as he could, and he’d determined to do that. Along with the flood of attention he’d been including presents and surprises for me. It wasn’t the first time; he’d given me so many presents. But it’s the first time that the presents and attention were personalized. The personalization all had a theme though. They all faced the future and things she’d need to use in her life with him as his wife. Not just as a piece of jewelry along side his cufflinks. But his partner at work, social events, and at play. From a platinum fountain pen with her name engraved with her name and crystal encrusted, to a tennis dress that matched an outfit for him so they could
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ “I’ve finished everything with the wedding planner and now we must wait for the day. Are you sure you are happy with everything David? Is there nothing you’d like to change?” Maria asked as she settled into bed beside me with a tired smile. She and Josy had spent weeks selecting the wedding planner. They spent an additional three months working with the wedding planner to complete all the details. Now she lay beside me. She was nervous since our wedding was three days away. I returned her smile. We took care of our business today and planned so we could have the time we wanted for our wedding and honeymoon. I think I felt just as tired as Maria. “Maria. You’ve done excellent work with the wedding planner, and I’ve no issues with what you’ve done and planned. I’ve focused on ensuring our businesses and future ventures wouldn’t cause any issues for Jake and Josy while we’re away during our honeymoon.” “Remind me why we’re g
~ DAVID HARGROVE ~ “Ah, there you are, Maria. Thank you for informing me first, instead of sharing it with everyone. Enemies seeking control make everything worse. Once Maria entered, I mentioned this to avoid asking why she was late. She seemed so eager to announce it. Maria paused. She was on the verge of speaking. She frowned at me, and I read it as confusion. “Maria. Are you alright? Is something wrong? Anything happen on your way here? “I’m confused because I don’t know how you feel about it. How do you feel about my explanation? Do you hate it? Should I bear the consequences alone?” I sighed in relief when Maria said this. She wasn’t holding back, and that meant we could deal with whatever happened. “Hell, no, Maria. I’ve said nothing like that. Your explanation’s perfect, but I want you to add a few things.” I said to Maria and directed her to sit beside on the sofa beside me. A smile settled onto my face as she sat do
~ MARIA BELGRAVE ~ I considered it insane, but it’s brilliant to spread the word that we required a creative wedding planner and welcomed ideas. Here we sat reviewing countless submissions, page by page, video after video. “Maria, these people went all out, even throwing a baby shower and revealing the gender, just in case you’re getting married and expecting a child. No pressure there and no assumptions. Ew.” Josy said after closing another presentation package with a look of disgust and tossed it into the rejection pile. She discovered several people like this, assuming and attempting to sugarcoat the situation. But it all appeared as judgmental in the end. “It’s okay. We told no one if I’m pregnant. Thought It’s not a crazy leap to assume why a man as rich as David is marrying his sugar baby in such a rush. Many people share this thought. Hell, I’m not sure how many know I’m the Belgrave heir.” That had me pondering whether I should rew