“What’s the catch?” I reply wearily. “There’s a catch, isn’t there?”
“Well, if you’re going to make something of your life, then you will need a suitable wife, won’t you? If you want a company of your own, then you will need to start pleasing high society. I know that this might not be something you want to hear, but I’m afraid that’s the way life is. Women like Lexi don’t fit into it.”
A rage bubbles through me. He’s offering me my dream, but at a cost.
“And what about my baby, huh? Am I supposed to just abandon my child?”
“You’ll have plenty of money to provide. I don’t see what the issue is.”
“What about being there? Actually raising my child? What about that?”
Dad smirks. “Son, that isn’t really a man’s job, is it? Do you remember me being around a lot when you were young? No, of course not. Because I was working, earning a living for you. Making sure that you had the best of the best. You can do the same for your kid with this money.”
I slam my hands down on the desk and rise to my feet. “You’re an asshole, Dad. I can’t believe that you would even suggest this. I love Lexi, I want to be there for her and my child. I don’t want to be like you.”
“I gave you the choice. It’s up to you if you don’t want to take it.”
“And what will happen if I don’t take it? Huh? Is that it for me and you?”
“Oh no.” His face twists into a smile. “Nothing changes. Everything will stay as it is.”
He’s lying, I know he is. He will have a plan for me if I don’t play his little game, but even that isn’t enough to scare me straight. I can take whatever is coming to me. Let him do what he wants. I am sure I will win.
Chapter Thirty-One
Lexi
The tears are already streaming down my face before I enter the room and I see Jane sitting up in her bed. It’s almost like she’s expecting me. I thought that I would have to wait because she’d be busy with her treatment but thank goodness, I don’t. I’m not sure much longer I would be able to wait for her.
“Lexi.” She starts weeping the moment she sees me too. “Thank God you came. I wasn’t sure you would.”
“Of course I would. I’ve wanted to see you for a long time. I’ve missed you.”
I race to her bedside and hug her tight, trying not to blanche at how thin she has become. I can feel the bones in her back which really can’t be good… but I don’t want to start this reunion by worrying about her treatment. As far as I know, this could be completely normal. Just what’s to be expected.
“I’m so sorry that I blocked you away for so long,” Jane sobbed. “I thought that it was for the best.”
“I know, I know, I understand. You didn’t want me here much, but I want to be here with you.”
“I want you here too, Lexi. I absolutely love you, you’re the best sister ever.”
We hug and cry for a little while longer, just glad to be holding onto each other at last. I knew that I missed Jane, but I had no idea how damn much. My sister is all I have left.
“We can’t cry all day,” Jane giggles through the tears. “Let’s try and… I don’t know, change the subject.”
I nod and take a seat, but the tears keep on rolling. At least it’s happy crying for a change.
“I hear you met Isaac,” I finally say to bring the subject to something else. “How was that?”
“Oh wow, he’s amazing! I really like him for you. I know that he might not be your usual type, but I think that’s a good thing. Your usual type wasn’t exactly working out for you, was it?”
“No, I suppose not.” I can’t keep the smile from my face. “But it’s still a bit crazy.”
“Yeah, but crazy in a good way. He seems to make you really happy. And you do the same for him.” She looks up at me through her eye lashes. “I don’t know if he’s told you, but he said to me that he loves you.”
“Yeah, he told me last night actually, for the very first time… can you believe it?” I wink. “Talk about getting a life, huh? I went and got one that no one expected. A boyfriend who’s also my boss.”
“He’s hot though, and I bet it’s rich… but I know that isn’t what you’re looking for.”