Total pages in book: 235
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)
She remains patient and silent, not leaving my side, as I make my way through the hospital, slowly but surely, taking regular rest stops. The others hang back, ready to step in and catch me. It’s a miracle, but I make it to John’s car.
And fall asleep on the way home.
Clive is painfully attentive when we get to Lusso, flanking my dragging body, declaring all kinds of disgust and outrage. If I had the strength and any cash on me, I’d slip him some notes to shut the fuck up.
The stairs are the first thing I note when I step inside the penthouse. Yeah, not happening. “The couch,” Ava declares, leaving John to hold me up as she hurries to the sofa, sorts the pillows, and gets a throw. “There.”
John tries to get me moving, but I gravitate toward the kitchen. “Just give me a sec,” I say, gently breaking away from him and walking slowly toward the entrance. The floor is spotless. Sparkling. Whenever I used to stand here, I’d see Ava on the launch night of Lusso in her red dress. I’d see her in her lace underwear sitting on the island. I’d see her pressed up against the wall, me buried deep inside her.
Now all I see is Lauren wielding a blade.
We can’t live here. I turn and find Ava behind me, her face pensive. She knows what I’m thinking. But it’s a conversation for another day. A day when I’ve got the energy to give. “Come,” she says, leading me to the couch and getting me comfortable, straining to lift my legs. “I’ll get you some water.”
I smile my thanks and watch her go to the kitchen, hating how much she’s having to do because I’m an invalid.
John pulls his black suit jacket out and lowers to the nearby armchair, looking to the kitchen. Making sure Ava’s out of earshot, I expect. “I’ve pondered whether to mention this,” he says, his deep voice quiet.
“What?”
“Cutler’s been in touch again. A week ago.”
I frown, thinking. “Cutler?” Am I supposed to know who that is?
John smiles, only mildly, but I still get a flash of his gold tooth. “He represents the leisure company who wants to buy The Manor. You were considering entertaining another meeting.”
I frown, looking out the window across the skyline. I was in talks with someone who wants to buy my manor? Surely not. But then . . . new eyes. It all comes back to me. The insulting meeting, my walks around the grounds, the odd and jarring thoughts I had. “Is it a serious offer this time?”
“That I don’t know. I stalled him, obviously. But given your reaction in our last meeting, I can’t imagine he’ll willingly put himself up for another dressing-down.”
I inhale, reaching for my stomach and holding it.
Take the money, Daddy.
I stare out of the window, my eyes burning, the words coming from nowhere. “Take the money,” I whisper.
“You don’t know how much they’re offering yet.” John laughs.
“Then let’s find out.” I look at him so he can see the resolution in my eyes.
“I’ll call him.”
I nod, smiling mildly. “Thanks.”
The door of the apartment opens, and Kate and Sam stroll in, weighed down with Waitrose bags. Then Drew. “You going to close the door?” I call when he leaves it open.
“No.”
Elizabeth follows in behind, clocks me on the couch, and slaps her hand on her heart. I brace myself for a strong dose of my mother-in-law. “Jesse Ward, my wonderful son-in-law.” She comes at me, making me want to shield myself. “Look at you.” Her hand meets my forehead. “How do you feel?”
“Harassed.”
She tsks and goes to the kitchen as Joseph puts himself on the other chair near John. “I tried to tell her to back off.”
“It’s fine,” I breathe, smiling. After everything they’ve learned about me, it’s a relief they’re even here. Accepting me. And I’m wonderful.
Amalie bowls in, a man I’ve never met with her. This must be the groom. She’s being tactical. I’m in no fit state to dish out warnings. “Afternoon,” I say as she comes at me too, dropping a kiss on my forehead. I reach for her hand, giving it a little squeeze. Mum, Dad, and Amalie have been at the hospital every day. Just a few minutes here and there, breaking us all in slowly, but they haven’t missed one visit. “Are Mum and Dad here?” I ask as she drags her fiancé over.
“Yes, on their way up. This is Dr. David.”
I lift a hand. “Should I call you Dr. David?”
“David will do,” he says on a laugh. “Pleasure to meet you, Jesse.”
I smile, feeling overwhelmed, my home becoming more and more full. “Make yourself at home,” I mumble. “Everyone else has.” My eyes are getting heavy, but when Mum walks in with Dad, I forget all tiredness. Life.