He nods, feeling his hackles rise. “Thank you, mother.” “You are welcome, darling.” She says, brushing his cheek softly with her hand and then turning away. “No matter what, I am on your side,” she calls over her shoulder as she heads in the door. Her timing is impeccable, as always. As she breeze
Victor is the last to leave the venue, wanting to ensure that he has left no mess behind and that no one lingers to gossip. He wanted the affair finished, complete, and stayed to ensure that it would happen. Some of his guests protested, saying they wanted to stay overnight, but offered the venue a
“You did nothing wrong,” Victor says, kissing each boy on the cheek. “If anything, I should be the one who is sorry. I never should have let it get that far, let Amelia have the opportunity to be so cruel to you –“ “We could have been nicer to her!” Alvin says, his voice guilty. “We tried to make h
The next morning, Victor wakes early, going to his office to begin working through his plans for the future. Everything is different, now, without a Luna by his side to secure his position. He has heirs, yes, but the community values family. Indeed, he has built much of his political stance on famil
“For how long will you be staying?” Victor asks, acquiescing to the situation, but not happy about it. “For as long as it takes,” he hears his father say. “Sir?” Victor looks up when he hears Beta Stephen’s voice. The Beta is standing in the doorway behind his family, overloaded with suitcases. “W
I stare out the window at the back of my kitchen, watching warily as my boys chat with their grandmother by the pool. I can see Victor standing at his back door, likewise surveying the scene. We’re both figuring out our next moves. Sighing, I turn my attention back to the breakfast dishes in the si
“You have no idea,” I say, rolling my eyes and taking his hand. I lead him over to the couch, where we sit. “It was a very stressful couple of days.” “I can imagine,” he responds, eyebrows raised. “Are you guys all okay? You and the boys, I mean?” I shrug, looking down at the floor. Edgar, as one
“It’s good to speak to you again,” Victor says the next evening, his voice metallic and mechanical through the old rotary phone. “Yes,” I reply, twirling my fingers in the chord. “The agency let me know that you tried to contact me over the weekend. I apologize for being unavailable.” “That’s all