Page 51 of Ruthless Secrets
I feel even more exhausted than I did last night when I climbed into bed.
I lean against Zoe’s crib and doze a little more until she eventually wakes, and I get her fed and changed. If it weren’t for the fact that my stomach is growling, I would be tempted to hide away in this room for the entire day, just the two of us. But at some point I’m going to have to face Marco, and by extension, his family.
I put Zoe back in her crib with some toys while I take a shower and get dressed for the day. The dark purple bruising under my eyes makes me look like I’ve been beaten, and my complexion is deathly pale. But I don’t have the energy to put on makeup or do anything with my hair other than tie it in a ponytail.
What’s the point when I have every intention of coming back to bed to take a nap after getting the two of us some breakfast.
My stomach flutters with nerves as I open the door to my room and peer out.
The faint sound of voices filters up the stairs, and when I glance to my right, Marco’s door is open.
It seems Zoe and I are the last ones to wake up.
I tighten my hold on her as I pad along the carpeted hall and down the vast staircase. I was too exhausted last night to take in this incredible house but right now, as the sun streams in through the windows, the place looks spectacular.
It’s something right out of film, and I’m terrified to even be walking along the carpet barefoot.
“Please don’t throw up on anything,” I mutter to Zoe as I cross the foyer.
The black and white tiled floor is cold against my bare feet. There are vases of fresh flowers everywhere which smellincredible, and countless family photos on the walls. For such an enormous house, it feels homely, which I find surprising. Part of me pictured Marco’s family living in a dark, gothic mansion with bats flying around the attic.
I eventually find the kitchen, which is easily double the size of my entire apartment. There are even more flowers in here, and the walls are painted a sage green color that makes the whole room feel like a garden rather than a kitchen.
Zoe squeals in my arms as she spots the baby sitting in a chair at the round breakfast table.
I look at Lila. “This must be Holly.”
“Clara! Come and sit, I’m making pancakes.” She waves her spatula in the air, and Holly bangs her fists against her tray, which has Lila huffing. “All right, missy, they’re coming.”
I take a seat at the table beside Holly and offer her some blueberries that are on a bowl on the table. I glance anxiously over at Lila and watch as she spoons some more batter onto the skillet.
She seems so at home here, making pancakes for her child while wearing yoga clothes, with her dark hair piled on top of her head.
It’s so domestic andnormal. Two words I was not expecting to use when referring to the De Lucas.
I look around. “Where is everyone else? I thought I heard other voices.”
And by everyone, I specifically mean Marco. At some point we’re going to have to sit down and have a proper talk, and I’d rather get it over with sooner rather than later, before I get too used to living in this incredible house.
Lila adds another pancake to the growing stack beside the stove. “The boys just went into Andre’s study. They tend to be early risers.”
Yet another thing I find surprising about Marco.
Zoe waves her hands at Holly, and I laugh as the two girls interact with each other.
“She looks so much like Zoe,” I comment.
“I know, right? It’s honestly freaky. They could be sisters!”
My throat is thick with emotion as I watch them.
All my life, I’ve wished to be a part of a big family with lots of brothers and sisters and cousins to play with. Maybe it’s because I had the exact opposite growing up. I always thought when I was ready to have kids, I would have at least three or four, just so that they wouldn’t feel so alone.
As Zoe laughs at Holly, my stomach twists in knots.
I wanted to give her so much more, and now I might have a chance to give her the life she deserves. But at what cost?
Lila carries the stack of pancakes over to the table. “Holly, stop bothering Zoe.”
