Chapter 9 – A New Family
Cynthia stared at the man and little girl beside me, gasping like a fish out of water.)
I sighed. “Cynthia, breathe. I said, patting her arm gently.
She blinked fast, clutching her chest, then nodded quickly!
“Show them to their rooms, please,” I added.
Still looking like she might faint, Cynthia nodded again and turned toward Chase and Rose.
“This way, please,” she said, her voice shaking a little.
She led them upstairs.
Chase got a normal–sized quest room, beautifully decorated in soft tones.
princess’s
Rose was given a lovely pink and white room, but Cynthia told her with a smile, “We’ll redecorate it to look more like a little p room, alright?”
Rose’s eyes lit up. “Really? I can have a princess room?“!
“Yes, sweetheart,” Cynthia said warmly, calling for a maid. “Help her settle in, please.”
I turned to Chase. “Take a shower and get dressed. I’ll have a tuxedo sent up for you. We need to go to the lawyer’s office soon. He nodded without saying much and disappeared into his room X
The moment Chase and Rose were out of sight, Cynthia grabbed my arm and dragged me to the sitting room.
-What are you doing. Olivia?” she demanded, her voice low but urgent. “Have you lost your mind?”
I sank onto the couch with a heavy sigh
“I’m doing this to save my inheritance, Cynthia. If I don’t act today. Rosa and Elena will sink their claws into my father’s company.”
“But Olivia, you don’t know these people!” Cynthia cried. “Why would a homeless man have a child? It’s too dangerous!”
I shook my head. “Rose isn’t his child. She told me everything. Her mother kicked her out after giving birth to a new baby. Chase has been taking care of her ever since.
Cynthia’s face twisted with worry.
“This is still a terrible idea, she muttered. “The will says you have to stay married for one whole year! Not a few days! One year, Olivial” I looked away
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“I know,” I said quietly. “I explained most things to Chase except the one–year condition. I want him to find out at the lawyer’s office. I want to see his reaction.
Cynthia pressed her hand against her forehead like she had a headache.
“So after a year, what? You just pay him off and move on?”
I nodded.
“He can leave with the money. I’ll take care of Rose. She deserves better.”
Cynthia stared at me for along moment
“This is about your loss, isn’t it?” she whispered. “The loss of your baby…”
I stiffened X
“No. It’s not about that,” I said, my voice firm. “This is about doing the right thing. These two people need help. I can help them. And they can heip me.“}
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Cynthia still looked worried but finally sighed and said, “I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
I stood up.
“I have to get ready for the meeting with the lawyer. Please arrange something for Chase to wear
“Alright,” she said reluctantly, still looking at me like I was about to walk into a fire.
I went upstairs and changed into a soft blue dress.
When I came down, I stopped short.
Chase stood in the hallway, looking nothing like the man I had met in the park.
The tuxedo fit him perfectly. His hair was neatly combed, and he had shaved.
He looked
I blinked!
handsome.
“You clean up nice,” I said before I could stop myself.”
He smiled slightly, a little shy.
“Thanks”
a cute new dress.
Just then, Rose ran into the hallway wearing a
She gasped loudly when she saw us.
“You look perfect together!” she squealed, clapping her little hands.!!
I laughed and crouched to her level
“You look beautiful too, princess. When I get back, I’ll take you shopping. We’ll get you everything you want.”
Rose beamed at me, hugging my leg
“Okay! I’ll wait!“)
I kissed the top of her head, then turned to Chase
“Ready?”
“As III ever be,” he said with a shrug !!
We headed out. The drive to the lawyer’s office was quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts.
When we arrived, I walked in first while Chase stayed outside for now!!
Elena and Rosa sat on the leather couches, their faces lighting up with sneers the moment they saw me walk in alone. “Well, well, look who’s here,” Rosa said, loud enough for everyone to hear
Elena giggled
“Today’s the last day, isn’t it? Sox months, and you couldn’t even find yourself a husband.”
They burst out laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world.
Tignored them and walked to the center of the room, stonding tall.
The lawyer, Mr. Henry cleared his throat,
“Ladies, please. Let’s proceed.”
He looked at me kindly but with a trace of pity?
“As it stands, Miss Bellaire, since you remain unmarried as of today, per the conditions of your late father’s will, you must forfeit your rights to your inheritance, It will all transfer to Mrs. Elena Bellaire and Miss Rosa Bellaire.”
I tilted my head and smiled sweetly.
“Actually, quite the contrary, Mr. Henry
Their laughter froze.
I lifted my left hand and wiggled my fingers, showing the silver ring glinting under the light. Gasps filled the room!!
Elena’s jaw dropped. Rosa’s eyes bulged N
“I’m married,” I said cheerfully.
I turned toward the door
“Darling.” I called, my voice ringing through the air, “please come in and meet these good people.”
The door opened slowly, and Chase walked in
