Ending with Forever (26 page)

Bridgette persuaded me to forgive Carson’s controlling nature. Only being familiar with her conceited side, it was a pleasant surprise to see her more approachable. She justified that his undesirable action was warranted because he was protecting the keeper of his heart—me. “Carson is no ordinary man. You should know that by now,” she stressed. “Agreeing to be with him means you have to accept his unconventional ways of handling certain affairs,” she enlightened me. “The only thing you need to understand is his actions are driven by his love and devotion for you.” She was right. Carson’s reputation precedes him—not just in the United States but all around the world. He’s in a very coveted position—powerfully and financially. There are many people who’d stop at nothing to take it away from him, like Chandler Montgomery. Since this is the life I’ve chosen, I have no choice but to trust him to love me and keep me and our babies safe.

~~~~

My phone’s been ringing off the hook while Bridgette and Wes unfolded the story of Carson’s and my life. Glancing into my purse, I see several missed calls and texts from Andrew and Carson. I can sense their urgency by the numerous, shouty exclamation marks in their messages.

Return my calls! Soon!! Impatiently waiting.
x C

Girlfriend, I’m on pins and needles. Call me back. ASAP!!!!

I dial Carson’s number first. “Yes,” Carson answers dryly after the second ring.

“I’m sure you probably know where I’m at by now,” I sass in a playful tone, knowing that he’s already called Luke for my location—more than once.

“That’s beside the point. I still need to hear your voice,” he replies.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll explain everything to you when I see you this evening.”

“You can explain it to me in fifteen minutes after Luke drops you off at my office,” he demands in an upper-handed tone, which rubs me the wrong way immediately.

“What if I don’t want to be dropped off in fifteen minutes?” I dispute, feeling irritated with his dictatorship. If I recall correctly, he did tell me I’m free as of this morning.

“Lil, just humor me. After all that we’ve been through this past week, can you do as I ask to help ease my mind?” he pleads, softening his rigid attitude.

“Fine. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes,” I yield. With all that I need to reveal to him about his other family, this isn’t the best time to stand my ground.

“Thanks, angel. Did you already have lunch? I can have Evelyn order you something” he offers considerately.

“Actually, that’d be great. I’d love a light salad of any kind.” The idea of eating meat makes me nauseous with this pregnancy also.

“Is that all? But you’re eating for three,” he confirms.

“Yes. The other two are just little peas. They don’t need very much for now.”

“Very well. I’ll see you here soon.”

I disconnect our call and follow Luke to the car. On my way, I touch the screen again to dial Andrew. From his texts and voicemails, I know he’s frantic, wondering what happened to me.

“It’s about time you called me back,” he answers without any salutation. “You had me so worried. You know how many awful thoughts ran through my frazzled brain?” he complains into the phone.

“I’m sorry. I ran into Bridgette and Wes outside Francine’s room.”

“Oh my…”

“Remember you told me Wes and Carson could pass for twins?” I remind him in a whisper so Luke can’t hear me.

“Yeah. Are you going to tell me what I think you’re going to tell me?”

“Yep. You were right. They’re really twins.”

“No freaking way,” he shrieks in awe. “How can one day be filled with so many far-fetched coincidences?”

“I don’t know. I’m just as stunned as you are. How do I tell Carson he was adopted?”

“Oh, sweetie. I don’t think it’s your place to tell him. Kat might be pissed at you, especially if it’s been her intention to keep his adoption a secret all these years,” he persuades.

“Shit. You’re right,” I sigh. “That’s a valid point. But I have to convince him to give Francine the new bone drug somehow. Don’t you think he’d be more willing to give it to her if he knew she’s his biological mother?” I explained.

“Yes, but you’re resourceful. I’m sure you can convince him.”

“This entire thing is so screwed up. I have no idea where to begin.”

“I’m sorry, cutie. I wish there’s a way I can help you.”

“You are by being such a good friend to me.”

“Well that’s easy,” he assures me. “Okay. I better get back to party prepping or Stewie will crack the whip and I don’t mean the sexy kind either,” he giggles.

“You’re so naughty. See you tonight. It’s semi-formal, right?”

“Yes, but you can come in a potato sack and still outshine everyone,” he flatters.

“Thanks, Andrew. Bye already,” I rush him off and then disconnect our call.

“
C
arson, my love, you’ve come back for me. I knew you would,” I cry with utter happiness, hugging my arms against my chest.
He hasn’t given up on me. He still loves me.
“Have you forgiven me, baby?” I ask him as the solid metal door cracks open for his marvelous, six-two frame. Gallantly, he enters without responding while his hazel eyes burrow deeply into my core, which still aches steadily for him. His godly presence is apparent. A gust of arctic chill shadows him into the room, sending a biting jolt down my spine. The last time he visited, I made him so angry he wanted to strike me violently, to hurt me. Today, I will not anger him like that. I will be submissive and do whatever he asks of me to win his affection. My sleepless, red orbs refuse to blink, fearing that he might fade away with the slightest interference. I can’t let him go. He’s wearing one of my favorite slate-gray, slim-fit Brioni suit with a squid-ink silk tie. His thick, brown hair is tidied except for the few waves resting boyishly on his forehead. God! He’s fine and so fuckable. I haven’t had a taste of him for months—six, to be exact. My mouth waters ravenously as my lusty eyes undress his luxurious layers of wool, silk, and cotton. I’d give anything to have him fuck me one last time with his unending stamina. Deliberately, I shimmy the hospital gown off my shoulders. He watches me with his usual cold stare, making no effort to come closer to me. The gown collapses to floor, pooling around my feet. I stand there completely naked except for his black and red-specked necktie tethered around my waist. His lingering scent from this tie is what’s been keeping me sane and hopeful. I couldn’t risk having it taken away from me by that nasty, manly nurse who injects me with sleeping drugs every time I defy her. I hate that angry bitch. She needs a good lay or two to relieve all her pent-up aggression. Again, he doesn’t bat an interested eye at the vision of my sexy, bared body. How is he able to resist me? Stepping over my gown, I prowl toward him with the melodious movement of a feline—erotic and unpredictable. One foot in front of the other, I take tiny strides as my hips sway fluidly side to side.

“Stop!” he warns me with one hand out.

“I know you’ve missed these,” I tell him as my hands run down the length of my body and then give my full tits a firm squeeze. Cupping one breast in my palm, I elevate it so the tip of my nipple meets the tip of my tongue. I lick it slowly and sensually as I watch his reaction. It does nothing for him. He appears disgusted by my behavior. I inch closer to him, but he sidesteps toward the wall opposite me, fading away. “No. Don’t go!” I panic.

The door opens again, interrupting my attempt at seducing Carson. A decomposed Lillian covered in black earth that I buried her under enters first like a staggering zombie and then a bloody Edison with dime-size hollows in his chest follows after her. Tripping over my unsteady feet, I fall back on my ass from shock of their frightening appearances. “Carson, help me!” I scream hysterically, thrashing my trembling arms out to him for support. “Their ghosts are after me. They’re here for my soul. Please. Make them stop,” I bawl, fearing for my life. “I don’t want to die yet. I’m too young to die.” He ignores my pleas, turning his head apathetically away from me. Lillian and Edison are now hovering over my sprawled, quivering, naked frame, glaring their vengeful eyes at me. They’re ready to sink their teeth into my flesh. Oh God! What have I done? Blood seeps from the wounds I’ve inflicted on their bodies and trickles over me like a slow, dripping shower. I’m covered with their innocence. Frantically, I claw and scrape the burning droplets off my torso, arms and legs. Instead of erasing the morbid crimson color, I smear it all over me like a bloody coat of skin. Fuck! Why is every part of me hurting so badly? The excruciating pain feels like piercing thorns stabbing me from inside out, puncturing me raw, and ripping me. I see bright red streaks spattered everywhere. It’s oozing out the corners of my mouth and eyes as I sob. No fucking way am I going to let them take me like this. Releasing the necktie from my waist, I truss it around my neck and give it a firm snap. The redness disappears and now it just darkness ahead with no bright light in sight.

Bianca was found dead in her padded room around 1:35 p.m. today. It was reported as suicide. Kevin confirmed it with Luke before flying back to Hong Kong. I have a heavy heart for her surviving parents, but that’s the extent of my sentiments for her. She was a cruel beast with no morality. She sealed her own fate when she targeted Lil’s life. I’m normally a compassionate and generous man, but I won’t tolerate anyone who wishes to take away the woman I love more than my own life. In a few hours, Bianca’s tragic ending will flood every media platform. Once again, I will have a mass of reporters on my ass. There’s no better time to sweep Lil off her feet to a magical fairytale place than now.

Damn it! My cellphone crashes down on my desk. For the sixth time, Lil’s been ignoring my calls and texts. My last resort is to get a hold of Luke. He gives me a detailed report of her day up to the current hour. Everything seems ordinary to me except for her lengthy conversation with Wes and Bridgette, who she just happened to run into at the same hospital as Gabriel’s. Why were they there? Or were they following her for some reason? I’m not completely convinced about that Wes Montgomery. How’s it possible for us to look so alike that we could pass for twins? Everyone, including Luke and Owen, were baffled by our similarities. Many eyes were on us during our search for Lillian, but no one spoke their mind. Owen will have some answers for me soon. He’s looking into his background to tame my paranoia. I’m not sure how long it’ll take for me to erase that scarring image of Lil’s lifeless body trapped in that hell pit, but until then, I’ll need baby steps to mend. I’m allowed some paranoia.

Lil finally returns my call. As thrilled as I am to hear her bubbly voice, I answer with an unfluctuating tone, stressing my concern for her whereabouts. She needs to understand that a life with me is a life of endless risks. Danger is always lurking and never apparent, waiting for the most opportune time to strike. Vigilance is what keeps me and the people I love safe. This is something she and our children will have to adapt to, living in my world. I will never yield when it comes to their well-being.

After speaking with Lil, my mood is much improved, knowing that she’s safe and heading over to my office in about fifteen minutes. I call Evelyn to have her cancel my afternoon appointments and to order a light salad with raspberry vinaigrette for Lillian who’ll be coming through my private elevator. It’s no longer necessary to be guarded around Evelyn. I think she’s been on to us since the beginning of our Lucy-Lillian charade.

“Will that be all, Mr. Bradley?” she confirms.

“Yes.”

“Will you need me to order two lunches for the rest of the week?” she inquires.

“That’s probably not a bad suggestion. Go ahead unless I call to cancel. Oh…one more thing. Can you call a florist and have a dozen white lilies delivered to my office within the next ten minutes?”

“I…I don’t know if I can get someone to deliver them that quickly, sir,” she stutters nervously.

“Tell whomever to charge whatever it takes to get them here in ten minutes and if they get here sooner than that, there’ll be a big tip for them.”

“Okay. Let me see what I can do, sir.”

“Thanks, Evelyn. I don’t know what I’d do without all your help.” She chuckles with delight from my random praise. Lil’s right. A simple compliment goes a long way.

~~~~

Evelyn is extraordinary. In pumps, she raced breathlessly to a floral shop one block away when no one would guarantee flowers to BPC in ten minutes. My office smells delicately fresh with the sweet scent of twelve large Asiatic lily blooms in a large Erlenmeyer flask. Not even among the finest of all French perfumes could any come close to capturing this harmonious fragrance that propels your senses into a heavenly state of bliss. Lil won’t even remember my bossy demand when her nose and eyes feast on my beautiful bouquet by her delicious salad. At least that’s what I’m hoping to achieve with my scheme.

“Mr. Bradley, Miss Ly is here to see you,” Evelyn announces over the speakerphone.

“Please send her in and take the rest of the day off to spend at a spa of your choice. Bill it to me.”

“Oh my. Thank you, sir. That’s extremely kind of you,” she replies excitedly in a rousing voice that I’ve never heard before today. She’s usually nervous and very soft spoken around me.

“You’re welcome. You deserve it. Now go and enjoy yourself,” I tell her.

My office door swings open as soon as I press the disconnect button. Lily slips past Evelyn and ambles into my office with a cheeky grin. “You have a special gift of pleasing women.” she kids. “Evelyn is all smiles and giggles.”

“You have no idea how gifted I am, angel,” I trifle shamelessly, meeting her halfway. Evelyn is amused by our candid flirting, eyeing us suspiciously.

“Oh really?” she smirks with an adoring gaze into my heart.

“I’m very gifted,” I reply mischievously, leaning into Lil’s grinning lips and then award Evelyn’s gawking eyes a wink.

“If you don’t need anything else, sir, I’ll be on my way,” Evelyn mumbles under her breath, appearing bashful seeing her boss’s frisky side.

“I have everything I need here,” I tell Evelyn as I sweep Lil into my arms and lock her into my chest.

“I can see that,” she chuckles. “To be honest with you both, I knew all along,” she admits.

“How?” I ask, curious as hell to know what had tipped her off.

“By the way you stare at Lillian-Lucy and the warm expressions you make whenever she’s by your side. The look of love is hard to disguise,” she answers openly. “I’ve never seen you behold anyone like that before.”

“See how she’s broken me down? Now the entire world knows I love her,” I confess gaily.

“Way to go, Lillian,” she cheers and shuts the door behind her.

“I guess the cat’s out of the bag now, huh?” Lil snickers.

“I guess so, especially when you become Mrs. Bradley.”

“You mean when I become Mrs. Ly-Bradley?” she corrects me. Why am I not shocked by her tenacious suggestion?

“If that’s what it takes to keep that stunning smile on your face then I accept.” She nods agreeably. “Ready for lunch?” I lead her to my desk and glide my leather chair out for her. “Sit. We’re going to trade places today. I’ll be you and you’ll be me.”

“Why?” she asks while her hand cups one of the majestic blooms facing her. The sparkle in her admiring eyes tells me she appreciates them as the aroma penetrates her system.

“So we can see how well we know each other and our quirks.”

“Sounds like a fun game if you play fair.”

“I’ll play fair even though dirty is more fun.” I smolder, “Do you want to start?”

“No. It’s your game. You go first,” she insists.

I clear my throat and lighten my tone before speaking. “Carson, why are you so demanding all the time?” I ask, mimicking her pouty face which I know is nowhere near as adorable as the real one.

“Because I’m an only child and I always want my way,” she answers in a bass tone with her arms folded in front of her chest as she forges a stern expression with brows furrowed and eyes narrowed. She’s making it very difficult for me to resist the urge to laugh or smile.

“You got that right,” I agree. “Can I expect some changes after we’re married?”

“Of course. I’ll expect you to always say yes whenever I want to f…fuck you,” she tells me, still struggling with that f-word. “I own you and your body will be mine to do as I please,” she adds, stifling an emerging grin.

“Excuse me. What era do you live in? It should be equal,” I state factually like she would. “I’m not your property. I’m your wife,” I emphasize and then lose my composure, hearing myself sound so much like Lillian. I laugh harder than I’ve ever laughed in all my life. Lil joins in my madness.

“What’s the point of all this nonsense?” she pries after settling herself down and wiping her moist, laughing eyes. “I don’t get it.”

“I know I can be a dick sometimes—like earlier today when I ordered you to come to my office. I wanted to see how ridiculous I sound from your perspective,” I explain.

“I see. I like that you can admit your flaws. Only real men can be that gallant.” She winks. “So how was my impersonation of you?”

“Flawless. Down to the ‘always say yes whenever I want to fuck you’,” I commend.

“That should be part of our wedding vow,” she kids with a chuckle.

“Done. Now come here,” I command her lips. “Kiss me and then I want you to eat your lunch.” She gives me a trivial taste and then withdraws her mouth from mine—what a tease.

“Nice touch—lilies in an Erlenmeyer flask. Hmm…what does that symbolize?” she quizzes with a cockeyed grin. I shrug my shoulders innocently and smirk.

“Impressive. You’re speaking my nerdy language. I’m so hard and turned on right now.”

“Do something about it then,” she taunts me to meet her challenge. And I think to myself.
Have I ever failed?