Page 57 of Secrets, Lies and Love

When she discovered she was pregnant, she decided that she needed to put an end to the abusive relationship, in the name of the baby’s safety.

The day she told him she was leaving was the day her ex died.

The first thing I asked was where the money from the sale of the patent ended up. Her life felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. As a wife carrying his heir, it would be natural for them to get everything.

She told me she had no idea. Neither her nor the lawyers she hired. Apparently, he sent everything to an untraceable tax haven, which shows that he really had no principles.

Who would leave their own wife penniless, and on top of that, pregnant and helpless?

Someone without honor.

Without me planning it, a bond formed between us.

I never went to her house. I would check over the phone to see if she was okay, or she would send me updates on the baby’s development, like ultrasound images and assurances that she was taking the vitamins the doctor recommended.

I monitored the end of the pregnancy remotely. I became attached to her, but mainly to the unborn baby.

One day, she invited me to dinner in return for the help I was giving her, and despite not particularly wanting to get involved with her, I accepted.

Halfway through the meal, Sue went into labor. She panicked and asked me not to leave her during the birth.

I went with her to the hospital. I watched as my son breathed outside his mother’s belly for the first time. The loud crying telling the world that he was here, despite all the difficulties he went through while sheltered in his mother’s womb.

I only had to look at him for a second to know he was mine.

My son. My boy.

Mine.

From an early age, the love between us was solid and reciprocal, which made staying with Sue an imperative. I wanted Joseph with me, and the only way to make that possible was by marrying his mother.

I was never in love with her over the few months we were together, but I loved her. She was a good wife and mother. Calm and smooth.

The opposite of Cecily, my storm.

“So with that, I think we’re done with the meeting,” says the CEO I hired to run my new TV station, and I nod, completely oblivious to what was said and knowing that I’ll have to resolve the issue with Cecily so I can focus on my professional life again.

Joseph has been at Elina’s house since I returned to France.

As much as I can feel how much Cecily adores my son, I never take risks. Leaving a stranger, technically speaking, alone with him is not something that will bring me peace. I need more time with her to make sure she’s trustworthy.

Dionysus

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

One by one,people leave the meeting room, leaving only the blonde.

I ignore her, hoping she understands that she’s dismissed too, but she still doesn’t move.

“Do you want anything, Miss Moulin?” I ask, folding my hands on the table and finally giving her my attention.

“Since tonight will be your last night in Paris before heading back to the States, I wondered if you’d like to relax with a drink later.”

I lean back in my chair, taking a leisurely inventory of her, from head to toe. In the past, it would have been the ideal kind of ending to a busy work week. A no-strings-attached fuck with a willing partner.

The woman has a nice body and a pretty face, but even though I know it would take only one word to have her naked on my desk in a matter of seconds, I’m not even tempted.

“Have fun in my place. I have to wake up early tomorrow.”

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