When he first married Macey, he still considered her a friend of the family. He had numerous relationships with various women, all of whom were obsessed with his wealth. None of them loved him. To say he was disillusioned with the idea of love was putting it mildly. When Augustus first suggested he marry Macey, Julius was against it. After all, she was like a cousin, almost a sister, with how close they had been growing up. On the other hand, she was safe. She had grown up alongside him and his brother and was like family. Her only connection to high society was the DaLairs themselves. She didn’t have allies or ulterior motives. Macey was loyal to his family and wouldn’t connive behind his back, or so he thought. So he agreed to the marriage. It never occurred to him that she would genuinely be in love with him or that she had been for some time. Perhaps if he looked more closely he might have realized the truth sooner. Their wedding was a formal a
Having known so many women like that in his past, it was enough to enrage him. Instead of asking her about the rumors, he simply turned his back on her. Was it the overwhelming sense of betrayal that someone he deemed a close friend would do that to him or the idea his entire family had been duped? He wasn’t sure which stung more, but it led to him drinking more and ignoring her any time she tried to talk to him, not that she tried often. Macey had always been so full of life and laughter when they were kids. But not long after the rumors started, she became pale and quiet. Perhaps the rumors weighed heavier on her than he had thought. It was like she was being eaten up on the inside by them. No doubt, she hadn’t wanted to burden him with her problems, but he was her husband. Who would support her if not for him? James Goodwell. The world’s most shameless flirt and the worst example of a chauvinistic male to ever exist. The only thing longer than his
Once she was comfortable, he slowly relaxed and nodded to Caden, who held the remote. Without a word, Caden pressed play and the beginning credits began to dramatic music before settling on snail racing fan. The kids were already snickering as they reached for their popcorn. Julius sighed, setting his popcorn bowl on his lap within Macey’s easy reach. “So are you going to tell me what is wrong?” Macey whispered. “What do you mean?” Julius asked, feigning ignorance. “I’m talking about how you were doing your best impression of a statue.” “Did I?” “You looked like you saw a ghost,” Macey insisted. “So what happened?” “I was just remembering.” “Remembering what?” “The night you left.” Macey tensed. She looked at him wide-eyed and uncertain. Surely, she couldn’t have forgotten. There was no way she could have forgotten what happened, what he did… “Macey, I…” Jul
Her phone buzzed, alerting Katherine of new notifications. Groggily, she stirred, sat up and rested her back against the padded headboard of the hotel bed. Beside her, Frederick snored loudly as he lay like a starfish, passed out. She sighed out of irritation and disgust. Her ass ached from his rough, alcohol-fueled lovemaking. How had her life come to this? As Augustus foretold, her parents filed for bankruptcy. They had been forced to sell off their properties, vacation homes, cars, artwork and even their entire hotel chain. Unfortunately, or perhaps expectantly, Augustus’s influence was at work, and they not only sold their assets for far less than market value, but fell well short of making enough to pay back their creditors. The IRS had started proceedings for a detailed audit as well. Despite the fact her parents faced possible incarceration, Katherine had very little concern for them. She was too worried about her own future. Af
Everyone had finally left to try and rest. March, Rose and Jude headed to a nearby hotel while Victoria, Dillon and Paul retreated to their respective homes. The baby’s early arrival had taken them all by surprise. Augustus still remembered the panic in Julius’s voice over the phone. It was two in the afternoon in New York, which meant it was eight in Paris, when Julius informed him they were on their way to the hospital. Augustus immediately called March and Rose while Stephen made arrangements with the airport to secure a departure time for their private jet. Jude raced to make it home in time to join them. They barely arrived in Paris before the baby. Macey was asleep, resting peacefully and no one deserved it more than her. Caden lay beside her, his head resting on her shoulder, also sound asleep. It had been a long night for all of them. Augustus was amazed the twins managed to stay awake the entire night. His gaze drifted to the reclining cha
Macey stirred. It was late. A glance at the clock confirmed it was one o’clock. She sighed, wondering what had woken her. Turning, she looked for Julius, only to find his side of the bed empty. Startled, she sat up. Was that why she had woken? She took careful stock of the room. Nothing seemed out of place. Even the baby monitor remained on the bedside, green light quietly blinking. But something felt wrong. It was too quiet. There should have been some sounds coming through the monitor as the baby moved around, but it was completely silent. Shivering with apprehension, she stood and quickly pulled on a robe. Stepping out of the bedroom, she paused, finding a warm light glowing from the kitchen. Seated on the couch was Julius. He sat cradling a small bundle noisily suckling from a bottle. Macey stood, memorizing the scene in her mind as she leaned on the doorway. This was a sight she never thought she’d see, a sight she often dreamed of seeing
“I mean one would be hard enough, but you have two. Two babies that need your constant attention. Two babies that need you to feed and change them and hold them and love them. Two babies who keep you up at all hours, and you’re here, alone, taking care of them by yourself. Do you honestly think anyone else could do what you are doing right now?” “But you just handled them so easily right now.” “I also got a full night’s sleep and a leisurely lunch at the café before coming over,” Victoria said. “Macey, I could never do what you are doing. One baby would break me. I’d need a team of nannies to help me.” Macey didn’t answer. “Look, I know we’ve talked about this before, and I know you don’t want to do it, but I really think you need to hire an au pair.” “Vicki…” “Macey, look at me. I’m worried about you. Sweetie, you need to sleep. You can’t keep stretching yourself this thin. I won’t allow it. I’ll go ov
Macey smiled at the scene in front of her now. How different it was from when she had the twins. Juggling toddlers in addition to a baby certainly wasn’t easy, but she also wasn’t alone. Julius was intent on doing his part, not that it didn’t come with difficulties. Watching him change a poopy diaper for the first time was video worthy and Victoria lamented missing the opportunity. One whiff of the diaper had the poor man gagging to the point of doubling over, much to the twins’ amusement. Macey herself could barely contain her laughter as he first tried to change the diaper using tongs and his nose stuffed with cotton. Even now, she could recall his protests. * * * “God, Macey! I can taste it! Why can I taste it? Will you stop laughing? It’s not funny. What the Hell did this kid eat?” “Breast milk as I recall,” Macey finally managed to speak. “And I believe you complained how jealous you were the entire time you watched me feed him.”
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their