In a stunning twist of fate, the life of a billionaire hedge fund is turned upside down when Alison, the woman who saved his son's life, awakens from a 10-day coma believing she is not only his wife but also the loving mother of his children. The bo...
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Jake
I sat in the formal living room at the Manor waiting for Alison. My right hand is still warm from the crispy white envelope that was now creased and nearly yellow from my fingers. That was how much time I had spent with it in my hands since Carlos left it for me.
The last four days were spent weighing the pros and cons of the reality of Carlos' findings. What would it mean to us if I used the weapon he had given me? I needed to be clever, or things would get worse than they already were.
Wearing a dazzling pink long dress, Alison entered the room, followed by Mum.
"We're ready to go, my love." Her voice was excited for the first time in weeks.
I got up from the sofa near the fireplace and smiled at her. I kissed her cheek. "You looked lovely, darling."
Mum had helped her with the hair. She had pinned Alison's hair to one side and two emerald hair clips that belonged to her dear mother adorned the flat part.
"Where is your, Father?" Mum asked, closing her golden clutch.
I looked into her eyes. "In the study with Olly."
She only nodded, understanding what I meant. They were discussing the case there while the ladies got ready for the event at the gallery.
My thoughts got louder than their voices and I had to leave to wait in the other room. I could not hear my father say Gracie's name one more time this evening.
Mum fixed my light pink tie matching Alison's dress and gave me a soft smile. "I will get them, Jake. You two should wait in the car."
I grabbed Alison's burgundy coat from the closet and helped her into it. "It's a freezing night," I said, wrapping my arms around her from behind. "I will keep you warm tonight."
She giggled in a carefree manner, and the two cars stopped at the main entrance. The whole Stewart Family was going to Alison's school event, including Dad. Believe it or not, he had invited a few of his rich clients to the gallery. Just like they did to me, Alison's school called his office, also fishing for donations. It was a major event. Not only her photography class would display their work this week. Some more experienced artists would take part in it too in different rooms.
I helped her into the car and asked. "Are you nervous or excited about your first event?"
Her eyes shone inside the car, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. "I'm excited! You know, to see what other people will think." She got out of my arms to face me. "I don't want you to buy anything, Jake."
I rolled my eyes playfully. She always seeks reassurance regarding her work. "Fine. But I will buy one piece. I've promised it to a client, and you know I always keep my promises."
Looking at her, I squeezed her hand. "You did well in school, Alison. People didn't praise you when I went to collect your things because of our money. The teacher was impressed with how your pictures have good lighting and meaning. Like a painter from the 1700s who thought about the scene in front of him."
