DESTINYOh, my God! Did James just say that? Am I going nuts? He pressed my fingers so hard I had tears in my eyes. Goddammit James, why were you lying to your family? Every time he opened his mouth!“Really?” Grandfather looked at us with wide eyes.“Yeah, we just found out. Today.” James lied smoothly without batting an eye.My father had tears in his eyes when he turned his face to me. “My girl…” He reached for my hand to pat it between his two rough ones.I wanted to kick James under the table, but I was next to him, so it was difficult without drawing attention to ourselves.“I guess we have to congratulate you then.” Tiffany said seemingly cheerfully, but her face was cold.“Thank you.” I wrangled the words past my lips.“So, does this mean our baby is going to be your baby’s aunt or uncle, James? Or maybe… siblings.” She laughed and I wanted to throw a knife at her, but my father was holding one hand and James the other one.“Congratulations, James. How far along are you, Dest
JAMESOffense has and always will be my best defense. I’ve fucked up. Royally. And she was spitting mad, like a little kitten, cute, but her claws were damned sharp.“Sit your ass down there.” I slapped the counter, I had my boss face on, but she wasn’t scared of me.She hopped on the counter, glaring daggers at me. Her knees were badly scraped, but I was more concerned about her hands.“What the fuck were you thinking running off like that? You could have been killed.” I was laying it on thick.“James.”I took out the first-aid box from under the counter and placed it next to her. Damn it, her palms were dirty and bleeding. “I should take you to get a tetanus shot. Look at this mess.” I disinfected her hands and wiped them gently with cotton balls. She didn’t even flinch.“James.”“What?!” I snapped at her, pretending to be angry. I wanted to avoid the issue of the fake pregnancy. What the hell was I thinking.“Why the fuck did you lie about my being pregnant? You’d better tell me r
DESTINYI couldn’t sleep, rolling around on the bed, twisting the covers around my legs. Eventually I just gave up. James was in my head. Damn him! I was such an idiot! Every time he looked at me, I just caved in.What was I going to do? I got myself into this mess by agreeing to his stupid contract in the first place. Because I felt I owed him. But he looked after me, like no one else had in my entire life. He was the only one, despite his selfishness. And I was in love with him. The simple truth.“Oh, Destiny, you are so pathetic!” I told my reflection. “Just because he looks after you, doesn’t mean he loves you. He is using you. Like everybody else.”But still…I fell back onto the bed and pressed a pillow over my face. So, now I am considering giving him a baby. My child. Am I worse than my mother? She left me for a rich man to be raised by an alcoholic father.James said he won’t let me abandon my child. How can I believe him when all he does is lie?Will he discard me after he g
JAMESFather stumbled away from me but regained his balance fast. “You’re going to regret this, Son. You always do.” He nodded at Destiny. “Be smart. Take the money and run.”“I don’t need you to manage my life. I am done. Destiny and I will manage.” I held out my hand to her. She was pale as milk, and at that moment I felt like crashing my fist into his face for shaking her up like that. She looked like she was about to faint. But she took my hand, and I pulled her in underneath my arm.My father whom I thought loved me unconditionally, straightened his jacket and tie, brushed off his lapels like I had sullied them somehow, said to me, “We’ll talk again when everything falls to shit around you.” He had to have the last word in, like always.I chose to ignore him. With one last disappointed look at me, he turned on his heel and left. Minutes later I heard his limo drive off. Good fucking riddance.“Fuck! Can you believe it!” It’s not even mid-afternoon yet and I needed a drink after
DESTINYDespite what I told James earlier, I was scared. Scared that I wouldn’t be a good mother. Scared that James would drop me. Scared that his father would follow through on his threat to take the child. The supposed child. I wasn’t even pregnant yet. Maybe the procedure wouldn’t work. What would James do then? Would he let me go? That thought terrified me the most.I was so in love with him. But he didn’t love me. I know he told me he loved me on our wedding day, but that was just to get me to agree to go through with it. That was the problem with James, he was so used to lying, I doubt he even realized that he was a pathological liar.Looking at him, sleeping like an innocent next to me while I was wide-awake, one would never say he was the wild Billionaire playboy people made him out to be. I stroked his dark brown hair away from his brow, gazing at his handsome face, committing every line to memory as if he could be gone in the morning. Tracing the lines of his dragon tattoo o
JAMES“Hello, Mother.” Destiny said.Damn! Her mother was a fox! I couldn’t believe my eyes. Now I understood where Destiny got her amazing looks and body from. Sure as hell not from her old man.“And who is this gorgeous man at your side, baby?” Aurora smiled broadly at me. She had large green eyes, lighter than Destiny’s and they looked me over like I was some snack, and she was starving.“James, James Barrington. Destiny’s husband.” I said and just touched her hand briefly. This woman was trouble with a capital T. “And who is this handsome lad?” I smiled down at the surly looking boy who to my estimation couldn’t have been more than three or four. He hid behind his mother’s leg.“Married? Why don’t I know anything about it!” her voice rose an octave and onlookers started to gape at us.I didn’t want to draw too much attention to us. Heaven knows I’ve had enough publicity. “Let’s take this to the coffee shop on the other side of the pier.” I suggested, and fuck if Destiny didn’t gla
DESTINYSeeing my mother again after almost three years, honestly, I didn’t know how to react. I wanted to be angry, be hurtful, but to tell the truth – I was just sad.Sad that it was so easy for her to forget all about me. Sad that she had another child, a sibling I didn’t even know existed.But that was Aurora for you. Always only thinking of herself. No one else mattered and I doubt that little boy mattered to her. Poor child. I wondered if my father knew about it. Probably not.I took Suzy to town just to get away from the house and be on my own. James was at work, and I was bored out of my mind. Mrs. Donahue had everything going smoothly at home, so I wasn’t really needed.I prided myself on being frugal, growing up turning every penny twice before spending it, taught me that. But I liked window-shopping although I had my own card and could buy whatever I wanted; it didn’t mean I would.Walking around London my feet took me to a baby shop, and I went in. Just to browse. I mean,
JAMES I was just busy finishing up with the forensic report I compiled when my father breezed into my office.“Glad to see you’re working for a change, Son.” He sat himself down without being invited, which of course, you can’t fault him. It was his company after all.“Well, I guess someone has to. Haven’t seen you around in a while.” I took off my reading glasses. Yep, reading glasses. Although no one has to know that.“I was taking my doctor’s advice.” he said with a smirk.You got to be shitting me. He was out galivanting with that leech Jenna. Doctor’s orders, my ass.“Uhuh?” I laid back in my office chair, giving him the I-know-what-you-did look, quirking of the eyebrow included.“Guess who we saw in town.”I sighed, really? We are playing this game now. “No, Dad, how would I know.”“We were shopping for baby furniture and happened to run into Destiny. So, you two are really going through with this?” He folded his hands together and the way his eyes narrowed told me how absolute
DESTINY"I have something for you," James smirked, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously as he held his hands behind his back. The scent of his cologne, a subtle blend of musk and sandalwood, filled the air around us."What is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I leaned in closer, my heart fluttering in anticipation."The traditional gift for a one-year anniversary is paper, isn't it?" he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.“I didn’t figure you for a traditional type of bloke, Mr. Barrington,” I teased affectionately.Victor watched us from his cot, his bright blue eyes sparkling with interest. He chewed happily on his tiny fist and gurgled contentedly.I hadn't gotten him a card, as was the tradition. Instead, Cassidy had helped me choose a digital photo book, its sleek design fitting perfectly in my hands. Our precious memories filled the pages - from our engagement and wedding photos to Victor's first photo shoot. The glossy photographs captured our love and happiness, a tangibl
JAMESThe Christmas holidays felt never-ending, dragging on with a sense of timelessness. Instead of having a relaxing time with only the two of us, our home had become a bustling hive of activity.The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as Lorraine, Cassidy, and Jenny barged into the house, their arms laden with packages filled to the brim with baby goods. My mates, Chris, Steven, and Joel, followed closely behind. The only one missing was Ronan, and his absence weighed heavily on me. I missed my best friend, but I hadn't yet found it in my heart to forgive him, despite Destiny's constant urging.“Surprise! You didn't think we'd forget to give you a proper baby shower, did you?" Lorraine exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and warmth.Destiny embraced them all, her face glowing with joy. "You guys! This is unexpected," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine surprise.I couldn't agree more with Destiny. The sight of her happiness warmed my heart. She needed this
DESTINYIt has been going great with us. Everything seemed to be working out just fine. James was back at work and the company’s reputation restored to its former good standing, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.James described how the air was filled with excitement as business boomed and new opportunities bloomed. Now that the guilty parties have been brought to justice, their shadows dissipating like smoke, and Lord Barrington's name cleared of all charges, the relationship between father and son has blossomed. It felt like a weight had been lifted, and I couldn't help but feel eternally grateful for this newfound harmony.Days flowed into each other and before we knew it, it was the Christmas holidays. We were expected to go to the Barrington mansion on Christmas Day.My parents have moved to Wales, where Daddy found a well-paying job in the mines. Hopefully, Aurora would focus her energy on raising Arthur and being a faithful wife to Daddy, their home now a sanctuary of love a
JAMESI woke up in a vast field of vibrant wildflowers, their delicate petals brushing against my skin as a gentle breeze whispered through the air. Initially, confusion washed over me, for I was certain I should have been somewhere else. Yet, lying there among the blossoms, gazing up at the expanse of the cerulean sky, a sense of pure bliss enveloped me. I wanted to stay there forever. It felt like heaven.Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name, breaking the tranquility of the moment. "Mother?" I sprang up, searching the surroundings with bewilderment. It had to be a dream, it couldn't be real. But then, there she was, appearing exactly as I remembered her.Overwhelmed with joy, I tried to run towards her, but my movements felt as if I were tramping through heavy sand. The harder I tried, the more I struggled against an invisible force. "James," she called out, her voice filled with concern. "Stop. You must go back.""No, Mother, I don't want to go back. I want to be with you,
At Lord Barrington's insistence, I agreed to accompany him to a hotel just a block away from the hospital. As the owner, he had the manager prepare the grand presidential suite for our stay.Stepping into the suite, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the grandeur. They spared no expense, from the crystal chandelier in the center of the living room to the oriental rugs adorning the floor. Three luxurious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, left me in awe. Without Lord Barrington by my side, I would have felt utterly out of place in the opulent suite.Lord Barrington said kindly, “At least now you can take a warm shower and have a good night’s rest.”He left me in the bedroom I chose at random, thinking how strange it was spending the night with my father-in-law alone in a hotel. The gossip tabloids would definitely have a lot to speculate about if they got wind of it. I chuckled mirthlessly to myself. What a ridiculous thing to be worried about under the circumstances. My bl
Was I dreaming? The world around me felt surreal, like a hazy fog had descended upon reality. The air was thick with a mix of anticipation and dread. Just a few hours ago, we were filled with joy, discussing baby names and envisioning the perfect nursery. The nightmare of Jenna's death seemed like it was finally coming to conclusion, and we could move on from all of it. Everything was supposed to be fine. But then, in a split second, it all came crashing down.Curious onlookers buzzed about, their whispers and murmurs blending in a cacophony of noise. Security officers stood tall, forming a barrier between the crowd and the chaotic scene unfolding before them. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, blending with the sticky warmth that seeped through my trembling fingers as I clung desperately to James."James, don't leave me," I pleaded through sobs, my voice choked with anguish. I gently caressed his deathly pale face, hoping beyond hope that my touch could somehow anchor him to
DESTINYIt was late evening when we made our way back home. The violet sky overcast with gray clouds hanging low signaled the promise of snow. Winter has finally arrived.Lord Barrington seemed reluctant to let us leave, finding many excuses to keep us there. The aroma of a delicious lunch drifted through the air, enticing us to stay. As the hours passed, lunch turned into dinner, filling the grand dining room with the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation. Afterwards, the staff brought us steaming cups of tea, accompanied by the sweet aroma of freshly baked biscuits. I couldn’t resist. It was as if Lord Barrington didn't want to be left alone in that massive, eerie mansion. And honestly, I couldn't blame him. The place felt haunted, even if I didn't believe in such things.At least there was some semblance of harmony between James and his father. They engaged in polite conversation, discussing minor matters instead of arguing. It was a significant improvement, and
JAMESHaving heard nothing from my father, we drove to the hospital, anyway. Destiny insisted we stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way to get my dad something to eat. The aroma of sizzling burgers and salty fries wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee.“I don’t care if it’s not healthy, James. He needs comfort food. Just this once.” She was determined to get him what she considered being comfort food. I just shook my head. I’ve never seen my dad eat a hamburger and fries. Ever. But there was no arguing with a pregnant woman. The lack of peanut butter or strawberry ice cream in the house had already agitated her. I had to promise her solemnly to get it for her.We found him in the waiting room where we left him. He looked as if he hadn’t slept at all, his tired eyes reflecting the fluorescent lights overhead. The uncomfortable chairs creaked as we sat down next to him. Outside the waiting area, the hospital staff carried on with their task. The low
DESTINYI listened to what Lord Barrington said. He was convinced that his actions caused his father's stroke.“Grandfather always had a bad temper.” James remarked. He had regained his composure after his emotional outburst. I thought it was endearing to see him so vulnerable. He hardly ever showed that side of him.“I know, but I just couldn’t keep quiet any longer. Not after what he confessed to.” Lord Barrington rubbed his temples as if he had a headache.Looking closely at Lord Barrington, I noticed a red welt on one side of his face. “What happened to your face?” I blurted out.He subconsciously stroked over the red mark. “He struck me with his walking stick,” he said, grimacing. “Right before he fell.”Curiosity piqued, I asked, “What did you argue about?”He let out a deep sigh. “It doesn’t matter now.”“Really?” James raised an eyebrow at his father, his voice filled with skepticism. “Was it about the inheritance?”“Among other things. You should go home. I can see Destiny is