I was too angry to speak to Victor on the drive home. My mind was swirling with the words I wanted to say. But I needed to compose myself if I wanted to be able to say the words that would get Amy invited to my ball.It was my ball. Why couldn’t I have my best friend there?As soon as Victor pulled the Lamborghini in front of the mansion's front entrance, I jumped out and speed-walked straight to Alex’s den.The door was open, and I could see Alex behind his desk. He was on the phone, but he looked up and saw me and smiled.Victor caught up with me a few seconds later as I anxiously stood in the doorway, waiting for Alex to finish his call. I indicated Alex was on the phone and put a finger to my lips for him to be quiet.He nodded and silently waited beside me. When Alex saw us, he ended his phone call and waved us inside the room.“Good afternoon,” Alex said. “Why are you both wearing such serious expressions?”“I need to talk to you and Victor,” I said. I was trying to remain calm,
When I got to school the next day, I was overjoyed to find Amy waiting in our usual spot. She waved and gave me a sheepish grin as I hurried to her side.“I’m really sorry about yesterday, Daisy,” Amy said. “It wasn’t right for me to get mad at you.”Amy bit her lip. “I guess I was just kind of hurt and feeling left out of your life more than I was mad.”“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m sorry too, and guess what ….”“No, listen.” Amy took my hand. “I want you to know I’m happy about how things have turned out. You deserve much better than the life you had with your adoptive parents.”I threw my arms around her and gave her a big hug. I should have known she wouldn’t stay mad at me.Plus, I totally understood that she was more hurt than angry. If Amy’s dad was having a big party for Amy’s eighteenth birthday, and I wasn’t invited, I would have felt the same way.“Oh, Amy, thank you. You don’t know how much better I feel,” I told her. “I was afraid I had lost you.”“Nope.” Amy grinned. “You’re
Victor’s POVDaisy looks good in a dress. The blue sheath dress she was wearing fit too loosely, but it still showcases her gorgeous legs.I should have asked her to wear her contacts. She really does look incredible without her glasses. It’s such an amazing transformation.As I held the Lamborghini's door for her, she asked, “Where are we going?”“We’re going to dinner,” I replied. “I made a reservation at Gray’s restaurant. I want to speak to Amy myself.”I walked around the car and got behind the steering wheel. After starting the engine, I noticed Daisy was fidgeting with the hem of her dress. I knew that meant she was worried.“What are you gonna say to Amy?” Daisy asked.“I’m going to assure her that she is welcome at your ball,” I replied. “So you can stop worrying. I would never hurt your best friend’s feelings on purpose.”That statement was mostly true. Although in the past, I have taken to task a few clumsy Beta waitresses, I wouldn’t deliberately say anything to upset a fr
Amy and Mr. Gray arrived ten minutes early. I was waiting in the foyer with Benson, and we showed them to the drawing room, where Alex and Victor waited.Amy quietly looked around as I led her to the couch to sit with me. I could tell she was uncomfortable, so I squeezed her hand. It didn't help.Benson offered drinks to us and our guests, and then he served them on a silver tray. Amy was quiet the entire time while Mr. Gray spoke with Alex.It was apparent Amy and her father were uncomfortable, but Alex’s kindness began to put Mr. Gray at ease.“I’ve eaten at your restaurant on three occasions,” Alex said. “The food was wonderful. Your prime rib is the best I’ve ever tasted.”The praise made the chef more relaxed and happy. “Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed my cooking.”“With your talent, you should consider getting into catering, too. There’s a lot of money to be made with less overhead than running a restaurant,” Victor added.“I considered catering at one time,”
“I am sorry I said that to you, “Amy said as she sat cross-legged across from me on my bed. “It was a rotten thing to say to my best friend.”“Why did you say it?” I asked.“I’m… I'm a little bit jealous of everything you have now,” Amy replied. “I hate being jealous of you, but I am.”“What are you jealous of?”“Oh, let's see. Stuff like the grand piano, the huge library, and the servants who do everything you ask them to do.”A tear rolled down Amy’s cheek. “It made me think about how I need to wash dishes all night at Dad’s restaurant so my family can afford to eat, and I got mad and jealous.”“I can understand that,” I told her. I felt guilty last night while eating at their restaurant because I knew she was in the kitchen doing the dishes.But it’s more than just jealousy,” Amy said as more tears welled in her eyes. “I see you changing more and more every day. And then today, when I saw how much you belong in this mansion, I got scared.”“Scared of what?” I didn’t understand what
It wasn’t taking me as long to put my contacts in lately. And I haven’t dropped one in the sink all week.I’ve worn them several times after Victor insisted when he took me out to eat dinner and stuff. He constantly reminds me I will only get used to them by wearing them.But I haven’t worn them to school yet because I didn't think I could wear them all day. I told myself I would try wearing them to school after my ball.Occasionally, the contacts still make my eyes feel dry. And then I start blinking like crazy, and my eyelids feel like sandpaper.But they worked great when Victor took me to the movies to see a new action flick that everybody had been talking about. The movie screen was nice and clear from our seats near the back of the theater.And my contact lenses are comfortable to wear while we have dinner in some of Victor’s favorite restaurants.Victor never explained why he was taking me out several times a week. I think it was to get me to wear my contacts and to help me get
I could tell by the concerned expression on Victor’s face when I returned from the ladies’ room that I wasn’t hiding the hurt the two women had caused with their mean, petty words.But I didn’t want to talk about it. It would be embarrassing if Victor knew what people said about me.“What’s the matter, Daisy,” he asked. “We were having such a good time.”“Nothing,” I replied. “I’m starting to get a headache.”“I have some aspirin in the car if you need it,” Victor offered. “I’d be glad to go out and get it for you.”“No. I’ll be fine,” I insisted. I didn’t need aspirin. I just wanted to leave the restaurant to avoid facing those women again.The waiter brought our chocolate soufflés, but I wasn’t hungry anymore. I could barely taste the incredible confection as I ate a few spoonfuls to please Victor.“Are you sure you’re okay,” Victor asked. “You love chocolate soufflé, but you’re not eating it.”“I forced myself to give him a little smile and said, “I don’t want to gain any weight be
I was excited when Victor picked me up the next day after school. We were going to Gisele’s to choose my ball gown.It was where Mrs. James told me to shop. I stifled a giggle when I envisioned myself telling her that’s where I bought my wetsuit.The ride to Gisele‘s villa in the Lamborghini was a lot of fun. The weather was beautiful, and I enjoyed how the air washed over me.I could feel the slight changes in temperature as we went from full sun to shade, and I could smell many different scents, like flowers, trees, and freshly mown grass.Victor glanced at me, and we exchanged a quick smile.He was such a skilled driver that the Lamborghini hugged the road and around the curves.Before I was ready for the ride to be over, we arrived at our destination. Victor parked in front of the Villa, and we went inside.“Ah, hello, Mr. Klein and Miss Wilson,” Gisele said as we entered the shop. “What can I help you with today?”Instead of answering for me, Victor put a hand on the small of my
I woke to the enticing scent of dark roast coffee. I stretched and realized I had slept more than I thought I would that previous night. The smell of coffee grew stronger, and I felt steam on my nose.Opening my eyes, I saw Amy standing over me, waving a mug under my nose. “Wakey wakey,” she crooned. “It’s your wedding day. Victor expects to see you at the chapel in two hours.”I reached for the mug and took a sip. The coffee was laced with dark chocolate almond milk and a touch of steamed heavy cream.“Mmm, thanks, Amy. It’s just the way I like it,” I said. “This is such a treat.” I stretched again and took another sip.“Enjoy it, but don’t dawdle in bed,” Amy put her makeup bag on the nightstand. “You need to get in the shower and wash your hair. Anna will be here to help us soon.”After waiting for this day to come for so long, I was both ecstatic and a little nervous that something would go wrong.“Is it really going to happen?” I asked my best friend. “Am I really going to be his
Kayla kept her word. The estate that we named Juniper Acres because of the dozens of Juniper trees on the grounds became ours a few days after my talk with her.I liked the small trees. They had a pleasant, fresh, and woodsy scent, and the blue/ green berries were pretty and had many uses.Besides making arrangements for our wedding, Victor and I spent the last three weeks getting our mansion ready for us to move in. It was a labor of love, knowing it was all ours.We painted some of the rooms in different colors that we preferred. I especially liked the shade of yellow that we painted our breakfast room.Like Alex’s mansion, our breakfast room had many windows facing east for plenty of natural sunlight. We would enjoy our mornings together, enjoying our first cup of coffee in the room.The living room now had comfy, overstuffed furniture in light blue and walnut. The carpets and drapes were neutral colors that set off the polished wooden floors.It was an inviting room. I looked forw
Victor called the realtor while I stood beside him with my fingers crossed. There had to be a way to fix the snag, whatever it was. The estate was perfect for us. We couldn’t lose it.I heard the realtor’s voice when she answered his call. “Victor, I’m sorry for giving you bad news.”“What’s the problem?” Victor asked. His voice was calm, but I saw the tension on his face.“The current owners of the Juniper Lane estate are two granddaughters of previous deceased owners. One of the young women refuses to sell to Miss Wilson.”Puzzled, Victor and I looked at each other.“Why?” Victor asked.“She claims Miss Wilson did something to cause her problems in the past,” the realtor responded. “I can’t change her mind. She refuses to sign the papers to finalize the sale.“Does she know the size of the offer we made?” Victor asked as I searched my memory for the identity of the granddaughter.But I couldn’t think of who I had angered that much. I shrugged at Victor and did a palms up.“Who is sh
“I’m sorry,” I said and knelt down to pick up the pieces of broken glass.“That’s alright, Miss Wilson,” Benson said. “Thomas will take care of the mess.” He motioned to a footman. “Let me get you another glass of tea.”“Are you okay, Daisy?” Cassidy asked. “We shouldn’t have shocked you with the news in front of guests.”I shook my head and tried to smile. “No, I’m fine. I was just surprised. Congratulations. I’m happy for both of you.” But was I? I had been an only child since Alex found me.Even though I knew Alex would continue to love me, my only experience with having a sibling wasn’t a positive one. Andrea enjoyed making my life miserable.So, I wasn’t sure how I felt about having a half-sister or brother. However, I was sure Alex and Cassidy wouldn’t treat me like the Smiths, and I’m optimistic the baby wouldn’t be like Andrea.But what would change in my life?“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Alex asked. He looked concerned, and even though I had been shocked, I didn’t want to spo
Victor’s POVDaisy was terrified. I could tell she was afraid her stutter would return. If she was scared enough, it could happen. She needed my love and support.I stepped forward to kiss her cheek and whispered in her ear, “No matter what, I love you. But you can do this. I’m right here with you. Pick one person in the crowd and talk to them.”Daisy gave me a weak smile, and I saw her take a deep, trembling breath. She looked out at the crowd of strange faces, and I knew the instant she saw someone she recognized.It was Amy, standing with Justin, William, and Penny among the sea of reporters. They must have heard about the press conference and come to support us. They were true friends.I sensed Daisy was relaxing, and she began to speak.“When I was seventeen, I worked in a restaurant owned by my best friend’s father. While waiting on customers and bussing tables, I dreamed of going to college and getting my law degree.“I wanted to use that degree to help the werewolf classes who
Victor and I freshened up while trying to think about what we wanted to say. Then we went back downstairs and watched the reporters and news anchors arrive outside the mansion.“There are so many,” I said. “I’ve never seen this many reporters at once before.”“They are coming from other cities to be here,” Shane said. “Your and Victor’s vision for the future is big news. There are rumors that Victor is going to quit the leadership, and you’re moving away from Denhurst.”Findlay snorted. “I heard that rumor, along with several crazier ones. I think the people need to be reassured of your good intentions for everyone.”“I can understand that,” Victor said. “How about you, Daisy?”All I could do was nod. I understood, but I was growing nervous about going out there in front of such a large crowd of reporters and photographers. There were so many. It was like a sea of people forming over the vast front lawn.My hands began to tremble when the estate staff began moving the temporary stage
I cried all the way back to the mansion. Amy remained silent, patting my arm occasionally and handing me tissues when I needed them.She pulled into the driveway and to the front entrance before she spoke.“It looks like Alex has company,” she said. “Who’s limos are they?”I punched the seat. “That one is Lana’s, and the one pulling in next to us is Lily James’s. The nerve of that pushy woman. She followed us!”“But look, Daisy,” Amy pointed toward the front doors. “Victor is here.”I wiped my eyes and saw Victor coming toward me. He opened the car door and took me into his arms.“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he crooned. “Gisele called and told me what happened. So I had Findlay call everyone here for a quick meeting to set them all straight.”I stopped crying and nodded even though I wasn’t sure it would help.“This nonsense will stop now,” Victor took my hand and helped me from the car.We waited for Amy to put the baby in the stroller before going inside.I looked around the foyer, unab
Victor’s mouth opened, but no words came out at first. Then he shook off his surprise.“Are you serious?” he asked.“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks,” I replied.Why did Victor look so shocked? During the few times we had spoken about kids, he said he wanted a family.Tears stung my eyes, and I turned away from him. “Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up.”Victor gently turned me around. “I know you’ve been upset since Amy had the baby, but I didn’t know it was because you want one too.”“When I first held Brendre, I felt such a rush of love that it was all I could think about for days,” I explained. “I never thought much of babies before. I think it's because my adoptive parents rejected me when they had their own baby.”“That makes sense.” Victor took my hand and started walking down the beach again. “Anyone would feel that way.”“Holding Amy’s baby made me realize I very much want to be a mother,” I said. “And I don’t want to wait a long time to start our family.”“What a
Daisy’s POVI couldn't believe Victor was leaving. Couldn’t he stay with me at the beach house for just one day?An emptiness in the pit of my stomach started when he turned to leave. It grew after he went out the door. Through our bond, I felt his painful, churning emotions and wondered if he was finished with me.I couldn’t lose him! I’d return to Denhurst this minute and marry him in any ceremony his mother wanted. The only thing that really mattered about my wedding was Victor must be the groom.I had to stop him from leaving. I needed to know what was on his mind and in his heart.Running out the door after him, I saw him climb into his car and start the engine.“No!” I cried as I jumped in front of the Lamborghini. “Don’t leave me, Victor. I love you!”The Lamborghini’s engine stopped, and Victor leaped out of the driver’s seat. He hurried to my side.“Why won’t you stay with me?” I asked.“I thought you wanted to be here alone,” Victor replied. His body was trembling with emoti