by Rose, Louise
Damn, she looked as good as she always did. Better, even. Was that man her boyfriend? There was something in his body language that hinted at an attraction between the two of them.
If that was the case, good. Milly deserved some happiness in her life. Growing up in her brother’s shadow and then having to take over as heir had done a real number on her. She never had appreciated how amazing she was.
But it wasn’t my problem. Not now, and not in the past either.
“Look, I know you’ve all got homes to go to, so I’ll keep this short.” The sense of relief when I said that was palpable. I had planned a longer speech, but after the way Jenny had gone on, I knew that the best way to start building rapport with my new team was to respect their time and not give them some empty motivational speech I’d cribbed together from a quick Google. “I went to this Academy myself and I know what a special place it is. As some of you may know, I was briefly married to Ivy Archaic and was mentored by her father, so I have an understanding of the kinds of things we have to deal with here that aren’t an issue in other more traditional schools. I’ve been fully briefed on the current state of play as well as the ambitions the Board has for the Academy and I think you’re going to be really excited about some of the initiatives I’ve got planned. I’ll reveal more about them when the time is right, but for now I want you all to know that I have an open-door policy. If there’s anything you need to talk to me about, anything at all, please just come and see me. I won’t bite.” I grinned, deliberately not looking anywhere near Milly. Knowing her the way I did, she was likely to be way too shy to approach me unless she absolutely had to and that was fine by me.
“But for now, all I want to say is that I’m honoured to have been appointed head of this fine establishment and I look forward to working with all of you to build a positive learning environment to support all our pupils to excel both while they’re with us and after they leave. Thank you and see you all next week when I officially takeover.”
I nodded an acknowledgement of the slightly more enthusiastic applause before the teachers started to disperse, grateful I hadn’t kept them there any longer.
Jenny appeared at my side, a frosty look on her face. “Why did you let them go? I thought you were going to brief them on all the changes we discussed,” she said. “I was going to bring out a cake to celebrate my new job.”
Something told me no one was really interested in celebrating anything Jenny was doing, but I’d met people like her before and it was always best to smile, nod, and ignore.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I had no idea.”
“That’s because it was a surprise,” Jenny huffed. “What am I supposed to do with it now?”
“Why don’t we put it in the fridge?” I suggested. “I’m sure it’ll keep over the weekend and everyone will love to start their Monday off with cake. I’ll be sure to let them know it was your treat.”
“See that you do,” Jenny snapped before going off to the kitchen to put the cake away.
I rolled my eyes once I was sure she couldn’t see me. I was glad I wasn’t going to have to work alongside Jenny. I could just imagine what a nightmare she’d been for all the teachers while she was interim head.
Well, I was here now and things were going to be very different – at least until I’d found what I was looking for. Or rather, who.
As it was, after a day of listening to Jenny tell me all about the amazing systems she’d put in place, systems I knew I was going to have to throw out and replace with ones which actually worked and improved the academic attainment of the students, I was tired. I was glad I didn’t know about the cake she’d bought. The last thing I needed was to stand around making small talk with people I knew wanted nothing more than to get home after a long week.
I walked out of the staff room, not bothering to say goodbye to Jenny. I’d had enough of her and now she’d officially handed over the reins to me, I was under no obligation to be polite to her.
It was weird walking through the halls of the Academy I’d last attended as a student under the mentorship of Solomon Archaic. It almost felt like Archer Knight was going to ambush me to confront me about my relationship with Ivy. Solomon never really appreciated the strength of her connection with the three men in her life. At first, I thought I’d be able to win Ivy over, but it soon became clear that I didn’t stand a chance. Her heart was already filled by Archer, Romeo and Declan.
But that was the past. I was here to take care of my future and that started with the girl I’d come here to find: my sister. I had no idea she even existed until recently when my family lawyer had called me in for a meeting. My mother had left a letter with him with strict instructions not to give it to me until my 30th birthday. To say that that letter had turned my world upside would have been an understatement.
I’d always known I was adopted. My mother had always been very clear about that fact and how grateful I should be to her for rescuing me from the life of poverty I’d been born into. I’d always thought my biological mother was dead, but instead, I found out that she’d placed me in care at an early age with the intention of coming back for me when she’d cleaned her act up. Instead, when Penelope Donatello offered her a hefty sum to adopt me, my biological mother was happy to sign away all her parental rights and never attempt to contact me.
My mother had gone on to have another child, a daughter this time, my sister. A sister who was apparently attending King Academy and would be in her final year. I didn’t know her name. I didn’t know what House she was in. But I had a private investigator on the case and when the head teacher position came up, I knew it was the best way for me to find my sister. I’d have access to all the students’ files and I’d be able to figure out who she was if the PI didn’t come through.
It was time for me to build a real family, one based on ties of blood. One which came naturally and wasn’t forced for the sake of House politics and a desire to crush my enemies. It was time for me to enjoy a normal life for the first time.
I left the Academy building by the staff exit which led straight out to the car park. As I went over to my Audi, I saw Milly on the other side of the car park talking to the man she’d been sitting next to in the staff room. As I walked, the two of them looked over at me. I raised my hand in greeting, but although the man waved back, Milly just glared at me.
Whatever. If she had a problem with me, she was going to have to get over it pretty damn quickly. It wasn’t like I’d broken her heart or anything like that. What happened between us all those years ago was a one off, a bit of fun for both of us that let us release some of the sexual tension that had been brewing between us after my marriage to Ivy was annulled.
Oh, who was I kidding?
I got into my Audi, but paused before starting the engine, gazing over at Milly again. Part of me wished things had been different. If Solomon hadn’t pushed me into marrying Ivy, maybe I would have gone after Milly. I’d always thought she was striking with a figure that I’d fantasized about many times.
But I was determined to make my relationship with Ivy work because I trusted Solomon knew what he was doing. If I was honest, I wasn’t exactly thinking straight either. After my mother died, I had my first taste of freedom and a fortune to fund the lifestyle any young man would kill for. I was the perfect target for someone like Solomon to take advantage of. Presenting me with someone like Ivy on a plate? Yes please! I believed Solomon when he told me she’d fall in love with me given some time and patience.
Instead, I wasted my time on a woman who loved three other men and by the time I realised I was interested in Milly, she was dating someone else. Then I went back to Italy for a few years and it felt like the universe was telling me that we just weren’t meant to be.
That night in the club could have changed everything. She looked so vulnerable, sitting on her own at that table. I wanted to take her in my arms, let her know that I was there for her if she needed. Instead, I played it cool, not wanting to let he
r know how I felt until I was sure she felt the same way.
We’d gone back to my place and made love until dawn. We had a sexual chemistry that was electrifying. The way she made me feel was like nothing I’d ever experienced – and I’d had quite a lot of experience by that point. When I woke up with her in my arms, it felt right, like this was the start of something special, something life changing.
And then Archer had to go and spoil everything.
Milly’s brother had come round to see her and when he discovered me sitting at the kitchen table wearing nothing but my boxers, he wasn’t happy. The cunning weasel that he was, he didn’t say anything in front of Milly. Instead, he waited for me to leave and ambushed me as I was getting into my car.
He’d never really forgiven me for forcing Ivy to marry me, so maybe that’s why he was so angry. I’d always wondered whether what he did was his way of getting revenge on me for that rather than it being an expression of brotherly love, but whatever his motivations, it didn’t really matter.
He shoved me up against my car and got right in my face. I’ll never forget his snarl as he warned me to leave unless I could promise Milly forever.
What could I say? Although I liked Milly, it had been one night, hardly enough to know whether we could have a strong relationship or not. After the mistake of marrying Ivy, I wasn’t going to rush into anything, so I told Archer I would leave and that’s exactly what I did. I left town and thought I’d never come back. If it wasn’t for my sister, I’d have stayed away, but it’s funny where life takes you.
Part of me wondered what would happen if I invited Milly out on a date. She’d probably say no, but maybe she still thought about me the way that I thought about her.
But I wasn’t going to risk it. Archer had warned me to stay away from her unless I was ready to commit and I knew what he was like. He’d follow throw on his threat to put me in the ground if I abandoned his sister.
Milly Knight was more trouble than she was worth, even if she was more beautiful than ever. I couldn’t promise her forever back then and I didn’t think I could now either. No, I was going to have to keep things professional. If she was dating that other teacher, good luck to the pair of them. I hope he made her happy.
She deserved the happy ever after I could never give her.
Chapter Seventy
Milly
“Are you sure you don’t want to come out for that drink?” Nigel asked, seeing the expression on my face when I saw Lucas coming out of the Academy. “You look like you could do with one.”
“How many times do I have to say no?” I snapped. I instantly regretted it when I saw the wounded look in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Nige. I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s okay.” He shrugged and looked away. “You’re right. I do keep asking when I should respect the word no. I’ll do better in future.”
He turned to leave and I put out a hand to stop him. “No, please keep asking,” I told him. “Maybe one day I’ll be in a position to say yes. It’s just that life is… complicated.”
“Isn’t it always?” Nigel laughed and I felt a little better seeing him relax again.
“Yeah, but you’re not the one with a history with our new head.” I could feel my cheeks reddening as the penny dropped for Nigel.
“Oh.”
“Yeah.” I tried to keep my tone nonchalant. “It was a long time ago and nothing serious, but even so. It’s weird seeing him again after all this time. I just want to go home and hug my daughter, you know?”
“I completely get it.” Nigel stroked my arm reassuringly. “But you know where I am if you ever need to talk, okay?”
“I do. Thanks, Nige.”
Amber and I had a regular Friday night tradition. When I got home from work, the two of us would go into the kitchen and make dinner together. Sometimes it would be pizza, making faces out of the toppings. Other times it would be a stew, Amber handing me the ingredients to top. It was something we both looked forward to, that time together priceless.
There would be no cooking tonight, though. I was in no mood to deal with anything and I was so distracted I’d probably chop a finger off while preparing the dinner. Tonight called for girl talk and wine.
I pulled up outside my house, one of a number in the Knight family grounds. I lived in a small settlement which my parents had built especially for me and my siblings. When Amber was born, they’d extended my house, so I had plenty of space for her and the nanny as well as an office for me to work on the family business when I wasn’t teaching. One day, I’d move into the mansion when it was time for me to take over, but that day was a long way off and I loved my home. It was the one place where I could relax and be myself without worrying about who I needed to impress.
“Claire! Amber! I’m home!”
I put my car keys in the bowl I kept on the table by the door and dropped my bag next to it.
“Mummy!” Amber came rushing out to meet me. I picked her up and swung her round in a big hug before dropping a kiss on the tip of her nose. “You’re late.” She pouted.
“I know, baby. And I’m sorry. I had an important meeting.”
“I’m important.” Amber played with my necklace, refusing to meet me in the eye.
“Yes, you are. The most important person in the whole wide world.”
“Hi, Milly.” Claire walked out of the kitchen to meet me. “Amber’s been a bit tetchy today. Apparently she got into a disagreement with one of the other children at nursery and refused to apologise.”
“That’s because it wasn’t my fault!” Amber protested. “Damien tipped his water over my painting so I hit him.”
“You know you shouldn’t hit,” I reproached her.
“Damien shouldn’t have spilt water over my picture,” Amber said. “I was making it for you.”
“You can always make me another painting,” I told her. “And I bet it’ll be even more beautiful.”
“Amber and I were getting things together for dinner,” Claire told me. “She wanted to have shepherd’s pie, so we’ve been cutting shapes out of potato to put on the top.”
“It’s going to look so cool!” Amber beamed.
“I’m sorry, sweetie.” I felt awful letting her down, but the last thing I felt like doing was making a shepherd’s pie. “We’ve got to go and see Auntie Ivy. I thought we could have dinner with her. We can finish off making the pie tomorrow.”
“But I want to do the pie now!” Amber’s face crumpled up. She’d always had a temper and on a day like today, a tantrum was the last thing I needed.
“Claire, would you be able to stay with Amber?” I asked. “I’ve really got to go and see Ivy.”
“Sorry, Milly,” Claire replied. “Normally I wouldn’t mind, but I’ve got a hot date tonight and having to cover your meeting has already made me late.”
“In that case, kiddo, you’re going to have to suck it up.” I put Amber on the floor. “Go get your coat and I’ll order a driver to take us. Maybe we can have some cookies on the journey.”
Cookies were the magic cure to everything. I knew I shouldn’t bribe her with food. Before she was born, I’d promised myself I was only going to feed my daughter organic food, no sugar, nothing but wholesome, healthy ingredients. That quickly went out the window as I discovered how exhausting solo parenting really was. Sometimes, it was easier to head off the tantrum before it started, particularly when I was reeling from Lucas’s return.
“Chocolate chip cookies?” Amber side eyed me suspiciously.
“Sure,” I replied, hoping we still had some tucked away in the cupboard.
“I’ll get them for you,” Claire offered, while Amber went to fetch her coat. I picked up the family intercom and pressed the button to order a driver. Soon, Amber was safely strapped into her car seat munching on a cookie, legs happily kicking away while the driver took us the short distance to the Archaic estate. Normally I’d drive myself, but I needed wine and what was the point in being the heir to House Knight
if I couldn’t indulge myself in a few little luxuries every now and then?
“Milly! This is an unexpected pleasure.” Romeo answered the door to us. “And how’s my favourite little girl?” He leaned forward to give Amber a high five.
“I got a cookie, Uncle Romy!” Amber held up the soggy mess that was what was left of her last cookie.
“Aren’t you lucky? Can I have some?” Romy pretended to reach out for Amber’s cookie and she snatched it away, giggling.
“Silly Uncle Romy! It’s my cookie!”
“In that case, I’d better go and get some cookies of my own. Do you want to come with me?” He reached out a hand to Amber, who happily took it.
“Would you mind making sure she eats something a little healthier as well?” I asked Romy. “She hasn’t had dinner yet.”
“No problem. Chef was just starting on dinner for Louis. I’ll get him to make an extra portion. Ivy’s up in the nursery.”
Romy took Amber in the direction of the kitchen, my daughter chatting away nineteen to the dozen as she skipped along next to him. I smiled sadly, wondering whether her beautiful innocence would last once news of who her father was got out.
Ivy. Ivy would know what to do. My best friend always had the answer to everything. She’d gone against House tradition to live with three men, all of whom adored her. This would be an easy fix for her after everything she’d been through.
I went up the stairs to the nursery. When Ivy first found out she was pregnant, she’d spent hours consulting with interior designers, determined to create the most beautiful nursery possible for her child. When she found out she was expecting a boy, she’d covered the walls with murals of sea creatures, creating a soothing watery retreat. I had no idea she was such a talented artist – her dad had forced her to choose between music and art when she went to the Academy. I always wondered whether he realised exactly what he was making her give up. She could easily have gone professional with her art, but instead, she’d poured all her energies into transforming House Archaic from the corrupt organisation her father had created into an altruistic company which did as much work to help struggling communities as it did its core money making activities.
