Forty Four
Zeke’s POV
We boarded our different cars and they trailed off after me. I decided to make a stop at the mall to get what the kids would need.
As we entered the mall, Zane and Fletcher followed me closely as we made our way through the aisles, searching for the perfect items for the kids.
“Alright, boys, let’s get down to business.” I declared with a grin, scanning the shelves for anything that might catch my eye. The excitement of shopping was different.
I was shopping for my kids and the woman who made my heart flutter.
Zane and Fletcher exchanged a knowing look before diving into the racks of clothes and shelves of toys with gusto.
“Hey, Fletcher, since you’re such a ladies’ man, maybe you should be the expert on kids too.” Zane teased, holding up a tiny onesie with a playful smirk. “You can learn a thing or two from Zeke here before your own little bundle of joy arrives.”
Fletcher rolled his eyes, feigning offense at the suggestion. “Please, I’ll have you know that I am a natural with kids.” He retorted, his tone dripping with mock indignation.
“But I’ll admit, Zeke here does seem to have a knack for it.”He added and they turned to my almost filled cart wheel. I couldn’t help but chuckle at their silly banter.
As we continued our shopping spree, we loaded our carts with clothes, towels, and toys for the kids. I scanned the shelves, my gaze fell upon a soft plush toy; a small orange rabbit with long ears.
Instantly, I recalled the moment when Tyris had mistaken me for her father over the phone. A warm smile spread across my face as I reached out to pick up the toy.
I’m still her father anyways.
With the plush toy cradled in my arms, I continued our shopping expedition, selecting a towel embroidered with Tyris’s name as a personalized touch. I was going to make up for the lost time.
As we finalized our shopping, I made the executive decision to have the items sent directly to my penthouse, a subtle gesture to avoid the haunting memories that loomed within its walls.
Turning to Zane and Fletcher, I proposed, “Let’s meet at the hospital in the morning. It’s already late.”
They nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting understanding. “Absolutely. We’ve got your back, bro. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.”
We parted ways and climbed into our respective cars and drove away. A slow smile spread across my face.
Ellen’s POV
I waited patiently for my father to continue his story. It would be a crazy revelation to find out grandma Monica was no saint.
“She hated me.” My father confessed, his voice heavy with emotion. “And it messed me up so badly. That’s why I decided to love all my kids equally.”
His words hung in the air like a heavy shroud, casting a pall over the room. I reached out to him.
“Sorry father.” I paused briefly. “Can you tell me what Grandma Monica did?” I asked softly, my voice tinged with curiosity and concern. “And what happened to Aunt Fiona?”
But my father shook his head, a haunted look in his eyes. “You shouldn’t worry about that.” He replied, his tone strained. “It’s in the past, and it’s better left there.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
That’s it?
I pouted, feeling a surge of frustration welling up inside me. I wanted to understand, but I could see the pain etched into my father’s features, and I knew that some wounds ran too deep to be reopened.
My father’s gaze turned to me. “What about your update the kids?” He asked, his voice gentle yet probing.
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before responding. “Mr. Finley has informed me that the kids are in London but were born in the US.” I explained, my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within me. “He’s still working on finding their birth names and their parents are.”
My father nodded, absorbing the information with a thoughtful expression. “That’s something at least.” He remarked, his tone tinged with a hint of relief. “Keep me updated on any developments.”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
“What about Zeke?” He asked.
My heart skipped a beat at the question, the weight of my failed IVF and the uncertainty of my future with Zeke weighing heavily on my shoulders. “I… I haven’t made much progress,” I admitted, my voice faltering slightly.
“The IVF didn’t work, and Zeke… Zeke does not even want to spare me a glance.” A pang of disappointment washed over me as I spoke, the sting of rejection still raw and painful.
As my father absorbed my revelation, a flicker of understanding crossed his features. “You should have told me.” He said, his voice tinged with regret. “If you can’t get pregnant for him through an IVF, then you’ll have to get pregnant physically with him. But Zeke’s nature, you will have to orchestrate it so it seems natural.”
His words hung in the air, settling over me like a heavy cloak. To seduce Zeke, to ensure my place in his life and secure my future.
Not a hard task at all. I’d trade this damned world for another chance to have Zeke as mine.
“I understand.” I replied, my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.”
But my father’s expression grew serious, his gaze piercing as he continued. “But first, you have to take care of those children.” He said, his tone firm with resolve. “They’re the key to everything. Once we have them in our possession, we’ll have the leverage we need to ensure our success.”
I nodded in agreement.
“Once Zeke’s attention is taken away from the kids, he will be able to focus on you. At this point, without his intervention, our stocks will keep plummeting till we go bankrupt.”
Bankruptcy! What the hell?!
“I cannot live without having all I need.” I admitted. The thought of losing everything I had worked so hard for sent a shiver down my spine, but deep down, I knew that I would stop at nothing to protect my wealth and secure my future.
My father’s grip on my shoulder tightened, his voice low and intense. “That’s why you have to work faster.” He said, his tone urgent. “You have to crush anyone who tries to stand in your way. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and nobody gives a fuck about anybody. Only the strong survive.”
“Yes, Dad.” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning within me. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect our family.”
With a final pat on my shoulder, my father turned and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I sighed as I prepared for the night and finally drifted off to sleep.