It wasn’t that kind of night, or so I thought. The kind where the music plays soft and the city feels like a secret just for two. I wanted to work for him, but that’s not what he wanted to hear. “Shame,” he said, with that smile he always used when he was about to get his way.
“Why don’t we go public with our relationship? ”
“Isn’t it better like this? ” I asked. “Better like we’re having some kind of secret affair?
”
“And you’re concerned about your career? ”
“Well,” I said, “it doesn’t matter. I’m thinking of leaving the industry anyway. ”
“Why all of a sudden?
”
Because I’m carrying your baby. That’s what I wanted to say. But instead I said, “I’ve got to go—press conference. ”
He didn’t push.
He let me walk out with the words still stuck in my throat. Forget it, I told myself. I’ll tell him another time. “Did you forget something?
”
Paul stood in the doorway of my dressing room. I hadn’t seen him in years. His face was all business. , and that was never a good sign.
. . “Paul, what are you doing here? ”
“Miss Webb, you promised your father that in three years you would build your career and you would get Mr.
Brian to fall for you. Unfortunately, we’ve achieved neither. So he sent us to bring you back. ”
“Trust me, Paul, I’m working on it.
My career is booming. Shane and I have been together for two years, and we’re going public soon. So I think it’s best you both leave. I think it would look a little strange if you two were here when Shane walked in.
”
Paul didn’t move. “Miss Webb, take a look for yourself. Mr. Bryant has just announced his engagement to Miss Fletcher.
”
It was true. I saw it with my own eyes, on the screen Paul held out to me. Shane’s smile, all over the news. “And we’d like to invite all the press to come to our engagement party.
” His voice, like he meant every word. ,followed by hers. “Miss Webb, it’s time to face the truth. Come with us.
We still have a month, Paul. ”
“Miss Webb, Shane is about to marry someone else,and you still can’t let go. ”
“There must have been some kind of mistake. I’ll talk to Shane.
”
“Please, Paul. I need you to leave. ”
“Fine. I’ll be back in one month.
”
Shane came to me that night like nothing had happened. . e“Shane, this is our last chance,” I said. “Did you forget me?
”
He had the nerve to smile. “Congratulations,” I said. “So am I the last to know? ”
“Shane, I do not want to be the other woman.
I think we should end this. ”
“Stop overreacting. Everything I do, I do for a reason. ”
“So to him, I’m just a side piece.
”
“What if I’m pregnant? ”
His face changed for half a second,then settled back into that easy smirk. “No way. I’ve always been very careful.
”
“Would you want the baby or not? ”
“Why are we even having this conversation? ” He laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to trap me into marriage with this.
It’s a joke, right? ”
I laughed, too. Because what else could I do? “Yeah.
Yeah, it’s just a joke. I’m late for work. ”
At the studio, everyone had already seen the news. Justin, one of the other models I used to work with, cornered me backstage.
“You think you’re better than us? ” he said. “She’s probably just finished smoozing the van Dorsons. ”
“I am headlining this show.
Are you guys that jealous? ”
“I heard you just love showcasing yourself like that,” he sneered. “Haven’t you seen the news? Shane is getting married,and you are not the bride.
She’s the daughter of the Fletcher family. She’ll ruin your career in a second. ”
“Justin, you won’t be relevant soon enough. ”
“Is that so?
You’re one to talk. How about I tell everyone what you just did? ”
“This industry doesn’t take kindly to bullies. You’ll learn your lesson,” he said, and walked away.
I tried to drown it all at a bar that night. “Oh, hi,” someone said. “Oh, there are plenty more fish in the sea. Shane who?
Just a guy with the personality of a wet noodle. ”
“Really? ” The voice came from behind me like ice water. Shane.
“What are you doing here? ”
“The personality of a wet noodle. That’s how you talk about me behind my back. ”
“That is none of your business anymore,” I said.
“Unless of course you want to drink. ”
He smiled,that dangerous smile. “Oh, Miss Web, I never knew you lived a life like this. They’re charming and sweet,and they pay attention to me.
Just enough. ”
“Isn’t this a fun thing, Mr. Bryant? ”
“Would you like to go somewhere more private?
”
I laughed in his face. “Get lost. All of you. ”
But he didn’t get lost.
He got up, grabbed me by the waist, and threw me over his shoulder like a sack of flour. “Justin, you get back here right now. Who do you think you are? You are not the boss of me.
”
“You’ll see in a minute. I’ll see you in a minute. Shane, put me down. Shane, what are you doing?
”
He carried me straight past a restaurant full of eyes. When he finally set me down, I had tears in my eyes. “Shane, are you out of your mind? How would your fiance feel if she found out that you had taken me away like this?
Don’t you think she’d be mad? ”
“I’m not sure if she’ll be mad,but I can see that you are. ”
I hated that he could read me like a book. ,and I hated myself for letting it happen.
“So,my man is about to marry someone else,and I am the last to know. Don’t I deserve to be a bit mad, Shane? When’s the wedding? Huh?
I’ll dress up all pretty,and put a big smile on my face. ”
He shook his head. “When did I ever say I was getting married? ”
“You’re not?
”
“Our families have a business acquisition that needed some media attention. That’s all it is. Publicity. ”
I stared at him.
“I didn’t know that. ”
“You got jealous,and snapped at me for no reason. You need to be punished. ”
“Hold on.
Wait. Not now. ”
“What’s wrong now? ”
I couldn’t tell him.
Not like this. “I’m sorry. I’m on my period,so now isn’t exactly a good time. Maybe you can handle things yourself.
”
“Fine. But next time you don’t get off so easy. Go freshen up. ”
I went to the bathroom,and when I came back,he was gone.
But on the table,he’d left a necklace. The one I’d had my eye on for months. I couldn’t believe he’d actually bought it for me. I decided to give him one more chance.
The next night,he invited me to a banquet. “All right,” I told him. “But after the banquet,I have something to tell you. ”
“Why don’t you just tell me now?
”
“Just wait and see. ”
For the sake of the baby,I’ll take another chance. The banquet turned out to be Kendra Fletcher’s birthday party. Shane walked in with me on his arm,and everyone looked at us like I’d brought a bad smell in with me.
He brought me to Kendra’s birthday party. The woman he was about to marry. I felt like the punchline of a joke no one had bothered to explain to me yet. .
“I really love your gifts, Shane,” Kendra said, all smiles. She didn’t even look at me. The other girls crowded around her like she was the sun. “Mr.
Brian is always so tied up with work that he still made it to your birthday. He must really care about you. ”
“When is the wedding? It must be soon, right?
With the Bryant Fletcher family behind it. This wedding is going to be huge. ”
“Girls, the wedding is on the 18th next month,so look out for your invitations. ”
I felt the floor fall out from under me.
. “You said this wedding was a sham. You lied to me. ”
He pulled me aside,low voice.
“Jocelyn,it’s just a business deal. Even if me and Kendra do get married,it’s not going to come between us. ”
“Oh,so I’ve always just been the side piece. ”
“I can give you everything you want except marriage.
It’s just a piece of paper. ”
Before I could answer,Kendra appeared beside us. “What are you even doing here without Mr. Brian?
Let’s see how you manage in this industry. ”
“Girls,don’t be rude. Miss Webb is just another desperate woman using herself for a shot at success. ”
I lifted my chin.
“I’ve made it pretty far on my own,and I’ve been with Shane long before you turned up. So who’s the desperate one here,Kendra? ”
She smiled,slow,like she had been waiting for this. “Did he ever make any kind of commitment to you?
Shane told me you’re nothing more than a side piece. You’ve been with me a few years,and now you think you’re something important. With your background,how else would you get such big endorsements without a man backing you? Today I’m going to make sure you know your place.
”
She threw her drink right in my face. . The room went silent. Someone laughed.
Justin,of course,appeared out of nowhere. “She deserves it,” he said. . “Justin,this isn’t the time for your drama.
”
“She started it. Can you not see what she just did? ”
Kendra stepped forward. “You think you can show up to my party,and cause a scene?
Look around,and see who runs things here. ”
I didn’t wait for the rest. I turned,and walked out into the night,my face still wet. ,and I didn’t know if it was her wine or my tears anymore.
Outside,I called Justin. My brother. The only family I had left that I could trust. He came with a man I’d never met,a tall confident stranger with dark eyes,and a sharp jaw.
“How did this happen to Josie? ” the stranger asked. ,
“Is this how you’re protecting her? ”
“And who are you?
” I asked. . ,
“This is a private matter between me and Justin. You stay out of it.
”
Justin smirked. “Jocelyn,it’s this handsome guy,your new boyfriend. ”
I blinked. “Boyfriend?
He looks more like sugar daddy. ”
“Exactly. It looks like she’s found herself some new money,” came a voice from the shadow—Olive,one of the old crowd. I was done.
Done with all of them. . “Shut up,Olive,” I said. “I’ll sue anyone who slanders her,” Justin added.
,
The stranger stepped forward. “I’m taking you. ”
“And who said you could leave? ”
I turned to find Shane.
His face was tight with anger. “Jocelyn,what’s going on here? You haven’t told me who this guy is. ”
I smiled,slow.
“Exactly what you think. We’re sleeping together. ”
Shane’s jaw tightened. “Say that again.
I dare you. ”
“I said we’re sleeping together. I’m done with you. Is that clear enough?
”
“Justin,stop wasting your time. Let’s go. ”
I took the stranger’s arm,and we walked away together,. Shane shouting behind us.
Kendra’s voice curling in the air like smoke:. “Shane,she doesn’t deserve you. I’m the only one who truly cares about you. ”
He snapped at her.
“Shut up,Kendra. I’ll deal with you later for what you did to her. ”
The stranger’s name was Richard Halt. And once we were in the car,his voice softened.
“I am sorry for what happened. How can you let them treat you like this? You’re the daughter of the Halt family. You can have any man you want.
Why waste your time with Shane? ”
I laughed,bitter. “I guess I got caught up with it all. I thought that if I stayed long enough,then he would see how much I loved him.
But Shane he just doesn’t care. ”
He looked at me,steady. “I’m sorry,little one. I couldn’t give you the family that you deserve.
You’re pregnant. Does Shane even know? ”
I shook my head. “He has no idea.
I tried to tell him at the banquet today,but it did not go as planned. ”
“There’s a car trailing us. That’s Shane’s car. Richard,step on it.
We need to lose him. ”
But we didn’t lose him. He stayed right behind us,right up until the moment I felt the cramp in my stomach,sharp and wrong. .
“Justin,are you okay? ” Richard asked. ,
I could barely breathe. “It’s the baby.
”
Shane pulled in front of us at the hospital,and Richard locked the doors. “Justin,get out of the car. Joselyn,get out of the car. Open this door,” Shane banged on the window.
We have to get her to a hospital now,or your baby could be in danger. . “What? What are you saying?
She was pregnant. Why? Why didn’t you tell me? ”
“Well,you were about to get married,right?
Does it even matter to you at this point? She was going to tell you tonight after the party,but you humiliated her. If she loses the baby,it’s on you. ”
Shane’s face went white.
“I swear I had no idea she was pregnant. If I’d had known,I never would have …”
“Never would have what? Taken her to the party,or gone through with the engagement? If I asked you to call off the engagement with the Fletchers,and openly admit to your relationship with Joselyn right now,would you have the guts to do it?
Would you have the guts to do it? ”
He couldn’t answer. His silence said everything. .
“I can’t. The deal with the Fletchers hasn’t gone through. ”
“Stop. I’m done giving you chances.
From now on,I’m the one who’s going to be there for her. ”
I woke up to a doctor in a quiet room. “Who here is with Justin Webb? ” Richard said.
“I am. ”
The doctor’s face was gentle,and that scared me more than anything. “Miss Webb was six weeks pregnant. I’m afraid she was bleeding too much,and we couldn’t save the baby.
I’m sorry. ”
I felt the world tilt. Richard held my hand. Then Shane was there,at the door,his face a mess of guilt.
Richard stepped in front of him. “Justin,leave. I don’t want you here. ”
“Justin,about the baby —”
“Just leave.
You have no right to talk about the baby. Just get out. Just go. ”
He didn’t fight.
He left,. and I never wanted to see his face again. Richard stayed with me. I couldn’t look at him.
“You’ll have another chance someday to have kids,Richard. ”
He was quiet for a moment. Then he said,“And the baby is okay. ”
I looked at him.
“What did the doctor say? ”
“I know. I told the doctor to say that. I just didn’t want Shane around anymore.
I want to go home,Richard. ”
I didn’t go home. I went to him. To Richard,who took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself,.
and who never once asked for anything in return. He sent men out to look for me when I disappeared. He had his people searching for weeks,then months,then years. “It’s been five years now,and we still haven’t heard anything from Miss Web,” his assistant said.
,
“No,I’ll find her. Even if it takes forever,Brian. ”
Five years. I built a new life.
A quiet life. A life with my son. ,y small boy named Henry,with eyes that reminded me of someone I refused to think about anymore. “Mommy,” he said one day,after preschool.
“He looks just like me. Is he my dad? ”
I knelt down. “Sweetie,you remember I told you your dad was in an accident,and passed away before you were born?
It’s so sad that dad never got to meet me. ”
“I know,but he’s watching over you in heaven. ”
Then one day,Richard came to mewith news. “The Halt Group is thinking of expanding its business to Manchester.
Should I go by myself? ”
He looked at me,steady. “Let’s go together. I’ve been running the company for five years now.
I think it’s time we show what we’ve achieved. ”
“Are you sure about this? You might bump into someone. ”
He smiled.
“Sweet. Why don’t you go and play? ”
I watched Henry run off,. and then I turned to Richard.
“He’s dead to me. I am not the same pushover I was five years ago. ”
I landed in Manchester,et while Richard had a meeting. I walked into the airport terminal,and there he was.
Shane. Older. Softer at the edges,but still with those same eyes. “Richard just landed.
I’m on my way out. I’m sorry that I couldn’t make the same flight as you. It’s just because of that meeting. ”
He came toward me,his hand outstretched.
“Joselyn,I can’t believe it’s you this time. Where are you going? You plan to vanish again? ”
I pulled my hand back.
“Mr. Bryant,it’s been a long time. ”
“Where have you been this whole time? I’ve been searching for you.
”
“Mr. Bryant,please have some respect. Don’t act like we’re friends. ”
“You’re still upset about what happened five years ago.
Justin,it was my fault. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. ”
I looked him right in the eye.
“Mr. Bryant,I’ve moved on. Please let go. ”
“No,I can’t believe that.
I still love you. Please give us another chance,Justin. ”
A small voice piped up beside me. “Hey,did he just call you mommy?
”
Shane’s face went pale. Then Richard appeared,and his calm voice cut through the storm. “Well,look who it is. Mr.
Bryant,it’s been a while. You’re the one that took her from me five years ago. ”
“Richard Halt. Wow,Shane,I’m honored that you were bothered to look me up.
So you two have a child together. ”
“Yes. We do. ”
“Mommy,thanks to you.
Ah,Shane,you didn’t value Joselyn when you should have. ”
“No. I can’t believe this. ”
“Believe it,Shane.
I’m doing great. Please leave us alone. ”
Henry tugged my sleeve. “Mommy,why did you say that?
Is he my uncle Richard or not? ”
“Yes,he is,honey. But that man that we saw earlier,you don’t speak to him. ”
“Okay.
Why not? ”
“He’s not a very nice guy. ”
Richard crouched down. “Uncle lied to keep us safe.
Is he stalking you or something? ”
“Thankfully,you showed up just in time. ”
Shane didn’t stop. He followed me to business meetings.
He had his people tracking my every move. “Nate,” he said to his assistant, one night,drunk. “Get all the information you can on Joselyn,and Richard. Just find out what’s going on between those two.
”
He came to the Robinson birthday banquet,. and I knew it was because I’d been invited. He stood in my way like a ghost I couldn’t shake. “Justin,you look absolutely beautiful tonight.
”
“Mr. Bryant,you’re in my way. ”
“Justin,Richard brought his fiance to the party. He doesn’t care about you at all.
Open your eyes,and leave him. ”
Before I could answer,Kendra Fletcher appeared,all poison and charm. “Isn’t that what you did to me five years ago? You a ghost,following us everywhere.
I’m invited. You’re an old washed-up model. How did you get an invite? Must have been Richard that snuck you in.
His fiance is right there,and you’re still clinging to him. ”
Richard stepped forward. “Kendra,that’s enough. ”
“No,I’m telling the truth.
Shane,she dumped you for someone else. Don’t fall for it. So she’s a side piece. How disgraceful.
Why would Tom bring such an outrageous woman here? She’s ruining the vibe. ”
The host stepped forward. “Justin,don’t listen to them.
Let me get you out of here. ”
“Oh,so you think I shouldn’t be seen? ”
“No,I’m just worried that they’ll hurt you. ”
Kendra raised her voice.
“What’s all this fuss about,Mr. Robinson? This woman is a washed-up,outdated model who can’t stop chasing after other people’s boyfriends. I don’t know how she got in,but you should kick her out immediately.
”
The host looked at me,then at her. “This young lady is an honored guest here. She happens to be the daughter of the Halt family. ”
Kendra blinked.
“The Halt family? Aren’t they just as influential as the Bryants? No,that can’t be right. Why would she be a model,and end up as Shane’s mistress?
”
I spoke up,quiet,but clear. “I kept my true identity a secret. I wanted to build my career on my own. ”
“That’s impossible.
Isn’t your last name Webb? How can you be the whole family’s daughter? ”
“Jocelyn is my sister by blood. She used my mother’s last name.
Have you got a problem with that? ”
The host gestured to the door. “Honestly,you should have been dealt with a long time ago. Someone will show Miss Fletcher the way out.
The Robinson family don’t want her here. ”
After the party,Shane caught up to me outside. “Jocelyn,is there something that you need? If Richard is your brother,then who’s the child’s father?
Could he be mine? ”
“Don’t flatter yourself,Shane. The baby died. The doctor told you that.
”
“Then who’s the child? ”
I looked at him,steady. “F Justin,I don’t understand. Can you just give me another chance to make it right?
”
“Drop the act,Shane. It’s honestly disgusting. ”
He kept pushing. He appeared at my meeting with Mr.
Blake,slid into the seat like he belonged there. He wanted to partner with the Halt Group. He wanted 80% of the shares. He was willing to give up everything just to be close to me.
He thought he could buy his way back into my life. . Then he showed up at Henry’s school. He charmed my son.
He gave him gifts. He took us to dinner,and Henry laughed at his jokes,and something in my chest cracked open,&like an old scar finally splitting open,&and I didn’t know how to stop it. ,And I didn’t know if I wanted to. Then Henry got sick.
Allergic reaction. He nearly died. Shane was there through all of it,holding him,panicking. “He even looks like me.
Jocelyn,is he mine? He has the same allergy as me. ”
“No. Henry gets his seafood allergy from his grandpa.
Shane,don’t jump to conclusions. ”
But he took a strand of Henry’s hair. He sent it for testing. He came back white as a sheet.
“This DNA reportis your death. How can this be? I was wrong the whole time. I’m not Henry’s father.
”
Then Henry fell from a tree. He needed blood,type A,and the hospital was running low. Shane heard,and he moved like a man possessed. He got on the news.
He offered a reward. He gave his own blood to save my son. ,
and I watched the truth fill the room like floodwater. In the hospital room,after Henry was stable,Shane came to me.
His face was gray. “Five years ago,I was heartbroken. I made the doctor tell you that the baby didn’t survive,” I said. I could barely get the words out.
“I just wanted to cut all ties with you. ”
“Maybe the paternity test results were wrong. Maybe —”
“Paternity test? Did you take a test,and not tell me?
”
“The main thing is our son is okay. ”
I watched his face change. Our son. The words hung in the air between us.
,and I didn’t know what to do with them. Kendra didn’t stop. She came for me. She came for Henry.
She tried to run me off the road. She nearly killed me,and Shane threw himself in front of her car to protect me. . And when I woke up in the hospital,he was sitting there with flowers in his hand,and a smile that broke through everything I thought I’d locked away forever.
“You’re awake. See,I knew you kind of cared about me. ”
“Are those flowers for me? ”
“Yes.
Thank you for saving my mom’s life,” Henry said,climbing onto the bed. “How old are you? ”
“Five. ”
Shane’s face,so pale.
“Five. Three. … What’s your name? ”
“Henry.
”
Shane took a breath. “I suppose your dad gave you that name. ”
“My dad? I don’t have a dad.
”
“Did you call Victor dad? ”
“Oh,he’s my godfather. ”
“Does that hurt? ”
“Yeah,a bit.
”
“My mom was worried for you. ”
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. The truth sat right there between us,&bigger than both of us,&and I knew I couldn’t hide it anymore.
Then Kendra snapped. She came for Henry. She pushed him off a balcony. She tried to destroy us all.
And Shane stood in front of her like a wall of fire,and he took a knife wound for me,and he still got up. He held my hand. He told me he loved me. He told me he’d give up everything just to protect me,and I believed him,&because I could see it in his eyes,&the same way I’d seen it five years ago,&when I hadn’t been brave enough to trust it.
Then everything fell apart. The Fletchers went bankrupt. Shane ended the partnership. Kendra was arrested.
And I was left holding the pieces of a life I didn’t recognize anymore. Richard came to me,gentle as ever. “Joselyn,it’s clear to me that Henry,and Shane have a close emotional bond that no one can compete with. So if you want to choose Shane,I respect your decision.
I’m sorry about the engagement. ”
I took a breath. “I’ve thought it through,and I think I’ve decided that the only man I want to be with is Henry. ”
Richard laughed,soft.
“Well,I’m so jealous. ”
Then Shane showed up at my door one night,sober,. and determined. He had papers with him.
All his shares. All his property. Everything in my name. He got down on one knee in front of Henry,.
and he asked me to marry him. And Henry looked at me with those eyes,&the ones I had been trying not to see for five years,&and he said,. “Mom,is Shane my dad? ”
I looked at Richard.
He nodded. I looked at Shane. He looked terrified. I looked at my son.
And I said,. “Henry,would you like to see me every week? ”
He smiled so wide his whole face lit up. “I have two daddies,and we love you very much.
”
