by Zaydee Rain
I can't say I blame him. I know he's tired and all that. But I just can't help but feel unwanted.
I have nothing to occupy my days since Aria is around to take care of the twins already so on most days you can find me sitting in the living room staring at the wall or trying to read a book but not really understanding the sentences. I feel like I'm already dead inside.
I'm a walking, breathing, good-at-faking-a-smile-now dead person.
And to be honest, it doesn't suck that much.
It was Thursday night and Luc called just an hour ago that he would be visiting Maya. If my instincts are correct, Stella would be swinging by the hospital by now too. She always orchestrates her visits to catch Luc.
When Luc asked if it was okay if he skip dinner with us I murmured a nonchalant "yes." 'Are you sure?' he asked.
'Yes, Luc, I am.'
There was a pause at the other end of the line. 'I'm sorry for not being always there but Maya needs-'
'I understand,' I interrupted. 'You don't have to explain. We'll manage without you tonight.' I'll manage, I hope.
When I finally put down the receiver, Aria gave my arm a squeeze. 'Want to talk about it?'
I shook my head and smiled slightly. 'No. Tonight I just want to forget everything even just for a while.' I said. 'Why don't we ditch eating at the dining table and let's all have dinner in front of the TV?'
James and Jenny were delighted by the arrangement. I noticed that they've behaved exceptionally for the past weeks as if they could sense that something was wrong. Tonight though, they were back to their cute, silly ways.
We were halfway done eating dinner and watching a Disney movie when James and Jenny fought over the remote. James remembered it was time for his favorite cartoon on another channel. They were tugging the remote controller back and forth between them.
'Rainie!' Jenny wailed. 'Make him let go.'
James smirked. 'No.' Then pulled hard. Jenny toppled over him. James disentangled himself from his twin and worked the remote.
He was browsing through the channels when a familiar face caught my eye. 'Hey, James, go back a bit please.'
He sighed but did as I asked. It was some kind of news channel and it was featuring him. Prince Georgio Devin Grenaldi.
'...the second in line for the throne of Sovandara is frequently seen around the city.' The reporter was saying. 'His constant companion is none other than the glamorous model, Natasha Smith-who happens to be his younger sister's best friend, Princess -'
The channel suddenly changed. When I looked away from the television, I saw that Aria was holding the remote. She put it on James' favorite cartoon show.
'Not that!' Jenny cried out. 'I hate it.'
'Well, you have to share.' Aria said and then she turned to me. 'Sorry, I changed the channel. I just have celebrity gossip. All that fuss for people more than half the viewers don't really know...'
'Well, that Prince Georgio is not exactly a stranger to me,' I said, trying to keep the excitement from my voice. 'I met him at the charity ball Luc and I attended.'
Aria's eyes widened. 'Really?'
I nodded. 'His brother and Luc went to university together. Isn't that kind of cool?'
She gulped. 'Oh yes!'
'He was kind to me too,' I added. 'He wasn't snobbish or anything like that.'
'You're so lucky.'
I smiled at the irony of her words. Yeah right, I thought to myself. I'm so lucky. Not.
*
The next morning, Aria shook me awake. Her face was flushed and her eyes glinting.
'Wha-' I started.
'Stella Bitch is here,' she announced. I had to blink for a couple of times before her words sank in. I felt a strange sensation in my stomach, as if I wanted to throw up.
I took a couple of deep breaths. I have to keep calm but in my head I was preparing for battle. 'Did she say why?' Aria avoided my gaze. 'A?'
It was her time to take a deep breath and she spoke without pausing, 'She said she's moving in with the baby.'
This time I ran to the bathroom and really threw up.
Fifteen minutes later, I walked out of the bedroom to face Stella. I put on one of the most gorgeous dress I had since I think I really need to look my best. Inside, however, I feel like a truck ran over me.
When I entered the living room, Stella was standing by the window. The sunlight streaming through the window bathed her skin with soft glow. No one would imagine that she just gave birth. She is almost back to her pre-pregnancy body.
She turned her head to look at me. 'Oh, Lorraine, did I wake you up? I'm so sorry!' She tried to look sheepish but it just doesn't go with her sarcastic apology.
I brushed a hand over my hair unconsciously. 'Don't bother with pretenses, Stella.' I said. 'What do you want?'
'Why, hasn't that maid told you yet?' Stella walked over to the couch and sat down gracefully. She crossed one leg over the other. 'I'm here to move in.'
I fumed. 'First of all, Aria is not a maid. She's my sister and brother's nanny,' I told her. 'Second of all, why do you think you're moving in?'
'Because that's what Luc wants,' Stella chuckled. 'And you know that what Luc wants, Luc gets.'
I controlled my facial expression so that Stella wouldn't know how much her words are affecting me. Luc wants her to move in? I felt my heart pound wildly inside my chest. 'Are you sure? Because Luc didn't say anything.'
It was her turn to brush her hair with her hand. 'It's because Luc only expressed it last night when we were at the hospital.' She looked at me in the eye. 'He insinuated that you're starting to bore him.'
I swallowed against the lump in my throat. 'You lie.'
Stella laughed without mirth. 'Do I really? Why would he want me to move in then?' She stood up to come over to where I was standing. 'He wants me back, Lorraine. He wants us to be a family.'
I took a step back. 'You're lying!'
Again, she laughed. 'He does not want you anymore. Maya and I are more important to him.' She pretended to examine her nails which were painted devil red. 'So if I were you, I'd pack my bags and move out to be spared of the humiliation.'
I was backing away from her and I could feel a sob coming up. 'Luc loves me!'
'Not anymore!' Stella shot back, her eyes fierce. 'Just go away, will you? He wants you out.'
I put my hands over my ears. 'Shut up!'
But she kept on talking and she stalked me until my back hit the wall. 'You're so naïve. Did you really think he'd want to stay with you after I had his baby? Maya, Luc and I are going to be a family and no one can stop us. Not even you. You were just his rebound girl until he gets back with me. He and I were destined to be together.' I tried to push away from her but she didn't let me. She pinched my arm with her long nails. 'Don't worry. We'll compensate you for what you've done. Luc said he'll be generous when he divorces you.'
The walls I've built around me crumpled and I started crying. The next moment, Stella was dragged away from me and Aria was standing between us. 'You bitch!' She spat. 'Get out!'
'Who the hell do you think you are?' Stella screeched as Aria's claw found their way into her perfect hair. This would have been funny if my heart wasn't shattered to a million pieces. 'Get off of me!'
But Aria was relentless. 'You have no right hurting my friend, you bitch!'
'She asked for it after she stole my man!' Stella scratched at Aria's arms. Her answered seemed to inflame Aria's anger. She managed to land a couple of slaps on Stella's face before they were dragged from each other.
Then Luc's face came into focus. He was looking thunderously at both women. 'What the hell is happening?' He demanded.
Stella immediately burst into tears, no doubt for Luc's benefit. 'That... that girl started attacking me for no reason.' She turned to his arms. 'You should really be careful on who you employ. I wouldn't want that,' she glanced back to Aria. 'taking care of Maya. Who knows what she will do?'
A nerve was ticking on Luc's jaw. His gaz
e sought mine. I turned my head away. 'Very well...'
Stella gave Aria and I a triumphant smile which Luc didn't notice. Aria's claw shot up and connected with her cheek. Stella gave a cry and I restrained Aria.
'What is wrong with you?' Stella screeched. 'You have no right touching me!'
Aria glared at Luc before he could speak. 'Get her out of my sight.' She spoke in a voice I've never heard before.
Stella snickered. 'And who the hell do you think you are giving orders like that?' She repeated her question from before. 'You're just a hired help.'
'Actually, she's not just a hired help.' Luc said. My head was starting to spin. 'She's Aria Camilla Wynter Grenaldi, Princess of Sovandara.'
I gaped at Aria and then the next thing I knew, the world was black.
Chapter 21
When I opened my eyes, I saw twin pools of dark irises staring back at me. Luc. I tried to sit up but he pushed me back down.
'I think you should rest, querida.' He murmured as he brushed his hand over my forehead. 'I think I should call a doctor.'
I shook my head. 'There's no need. I was just tired, that's all. I feel so much better now.'
Luc nodded. 'Do you want to tell me what happened back there?'
Oh, God, I almost forgot. 'Aria? Where's Aria?' Or should I call her Princess Aria?
'Georgio came by to fetch her. He's been looking for her ever since she ran away.' Luc explained. 'I didn't even recognize her until he showed me a picture of her this morning. The last time I saw her, I think she was twelve. Or she looked like she was twelve.'
I gave him a little smile.
He dragged a hand through his hair. Now I notice how rumpled he looks. He hasn't shaved and his suit has creases. 'Are you sure you're alright?' When I nodded, he released a sigh. 'Look, Lorraine, Aria basically gave me a gist of what happened and I'm so sorry.'
I turned my head away but he put a hand on my chin and made me look at him. 'I didn't ask her to move in, okay? I just told her I'm going to have one of the rooms here turned into a nursery so that when Maya visits, she'd be comfortable.'
A tear escaped my eye and I didn't even notice until Luc wiped it with his thumb. 'She said you don't want me anymore and that you told her I bore you.'
He cursed. 'Of course not! I love you, querida, and you will never ever bore me.' He kissed me on the mouth. 'That woman is lying to hurt you.'
I pushed him away. 'But she said you want you, Maya and her to be a family.'
He framed my faced between his large hands. 'You are my family.'
I was starting to feel a little better. 'She said I'm only your rebound girl.'
He snorted. 'She said that because she's jealous of how gorgeous you are.' Hmm, I like the sound of that.
'She told me that you and she are destined to be together.'
Luc's expression was pure horror. 'I hope not! I'd rather go to hell!'
Hmm, keeps getting better and better. 'She also said that you told her you will be generous with me when you divorce me.' I chucked his chin. 'Well, I want the villa where we got married.'
'Never!' He growled. 'Because I will never divorce.' He bent his head to kiss me, thoroughly this time. He coaxed me to open my lips to give him access. In no time, we were both moaning. He pulled away slightly. 'You shouldn't forgive me so easily.'
I wrapped my arms around his neck. 'Yes, I shouldn't but I love you.' I traced his lower lip. 'I'm sorry for believing her lies.'
'I'm sorry for letting her get near to you.' Luc muttered. 'I'm sorry-'
I pressed a finger to his lips. 'Shh, I don't want to hear anymore.' I said. 'We're okay now and that's what matters.'
'You know that I still have to maintain contact with Stella,right? For Maya's sake,' he put in.
I nodded. 'I understand that. Now, stop talking and make love to me!'
Luc raised an eyebrow. 'When did you get to be so demanding?'
I rolled my eyes. 'Ever since you stopped making love to me weeks ago!'
Beneath his sexy tan, he flushed. 'Whenever I arrive back from the hospital, you were always asleep.'
'I wouldn't have minded it if you woke me up.' I looked up to him beneath my lashes. 'In fact, I think I'd love it.'
Luc groaned and then he let me have with his body.
Two hours later, we emerged from our room to find James and Jenny riding, pony-style on two of Luc's bodyguards.
'Yah, giddy-giddy!' Jenny was pulling the bodyguard's hair. 'Oh, hi, Rainie!' She smiled at us. Meanwhile, the bodyguards pleaded to their boss with their eyes.
'I think that's enough horse ride,' I said and removed James from the man he was tormenting while Luc's does the same with Jenny. Luc dismissed his bodyguards who were obviously eager to escape.
'Aria left.' James pouted. 'You knows she's a real princess?'
'Just like me, right, Luc?' Jenny smiled prettily at him.
He swung her up his arms. 'Of course! And you are the prettiest princess in the world!'
She giggled. 'Rainie is the prettiest princess.'
I was touched by my sister's statement so I kissed her cheek. 'No, you are.'
Luc pretended to think about it. 'Actually, your sister is not a princess.' He smiled at me. 'She is a queen. My queen.' And I blushed from head to toe.
The four of us went out to go to a pizza parlor. Luc wanted to catch up with the kids after weeks of not seeing them when he was occupied with Maya. After eating cheese pizza, James and Jenny beg Luc to bring them to an ice cream shop.
They look so clean and cute when we went out but by the time we got home, their clothes were stained with chocolate ice cream. Even their faces have chocolate ice cream.
I was wiping Jenny's face with baby wipes when a man sitting in a corner at the lobby approached us.
Luc looked up from James' dirty face.
'Are you Lucas de la Vega?' Judging from his look, he was in his mid-thirties. He was tall, fair-skinned and he carries himself with an air of sophistication. His hair is more brown than blonde while his eyes are bluer than green.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Luc's bodyguards stand up straight in attention.
'Si, and you are...?' Luc inquired.
The man held out a hand. 'I am Mathieu Leveque,' He introduced himself. 'I'm the real father of Stella Reveron's baby.'
Chapter 22
Luc was shaking with fury by the time we arrived at the penthouse. I suggested that we all go up and talk there instead of the lobby, where our neighbors are starting to stare.
I asked James and Jenny to go to their bedrooms. They glanced at Luc's stormy face first before turning their back to follow my instruction.
Mathieu was walking behind us and I led the men to Luc's study. I don't want the twins to overhear us.
'Uh... would you like some coffee?' I asked Mathieu but he shook his head.
Luc gave a frustrated groan. 'Dios mio, Lorraine! Coffee? At this time?' I blushed. 'Explain yourself.' He said to our guest.
'As I said, I'm the real father of Stella's baby,' Mathieu didn't even look uncomfortable even if Luc was glowering at him.
My husband's hands fisted as his sides. 'And do you have proof?'
He shrugged as if they were talking about a very simple topic. 'I don't but we can easily get a DNA test done.'
'No!' Luc thundered. 'I will not let you violate my daughter like that.'
Anger flared in Mathieu's eyes. 'She is my daughter. And I want her.'
Luc came around his desk and rifled the drawers. At last, he straightened up, checkbook in hand. 'How much do you want?'
'How much do I want for what?'
'To go away. To leave us all alone.' Luc said, his pen poised on the paper to write the amount.
Mathieu advanced on him but before he could connect his fist to Luc's jaw, I stepped in between them. 'Stop!' I yelled. 'Why don't we all take about this like civilized a-'
'What's going on around here? It's like a haunted apartment,' By the time she sai
d her last word, Stella appeared on the doorway of the study. 'I saw the light and...' Her eyes widened when she saw us. I almost thought she was going to drop Maya from her arms. Luc mentioned that she was released this morning before he met with Georgio. 'Wha... what's going on?'
Luc glared but he came forward to scoop Maya out of Stella's arms. 'You tell me. This man,' He said the word with venom as he glanced back to where Mathieu was standing. 'is claiming that Maya is his child.' He turned back to back to Stella. 'Is it true?'
