by Pamela Ann
There was only one person in this world who could help me carry out such deceit. Hopefully, he had meant it when he’d said he would be there for anything at all.
Chapter Eight
Claire asked me the moment she strode into the house. And, of course, knowing how tricky the situation was and how I was still reeling from the result, I had to commit a white lie just to shoo her away.
This revelation needed planning with a cool head and rationalized thinking. It might take me a few days or so until I could contact the very person who could possibly assist me in hiding this secret. And when I did find the courage to call him, I knew I had to fully listen to him and really figure this out, even if I had to do this on my own.
The thought of my father finding out ran a shiver down my spine as I pulled out my phone three days later and dialed the ominous number.
“Isobel,” Julien’s voice greeted me after the first ring. “It’s good to hear from you. I hope all is well.”
I swallowed the hard lump in my throat, nervous beyond comprehension. “I was calling to see when you’ll be around London. Hopefully, sometime soon?” My question came out a little breathlessly before I mindlessly chewed on my thumb, edgy and truly anxious.
“Not for another six weeks or so, I believe.” He paused. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just wondering.” Closing my eyes, I wondered why I simply couldn’t get to the point. I knew this was a major deal and something I simply couldn’t convey over the phone. “You know … I thought we could catch up when you come over or whatever.” It was the lamest excuse, yet I hoped it was good enough he didn’t find it suspicious.
“Huh,” he said, catching on a little to my agitation. “That’s pretty unusual for you. You tend to not be this friendly, and after how you’ve ignored my calls for the past weeks, it makes one wonder if you’re hiding something, so what gives?”
Bloody hell, I knew he wasn’t stupid. He could have at least played along until he confronted me. Being placed in such an awkward position made it unbearably hard for me.
“Well, you see … uh … I don’t think this is something we can speak about over the phone. That’s why I wanted to know when you’ll be in town again … so we can discuss it.”
“Is it something that can be put off, or is it highly important?” he pressed, sounding worried.
“It’s extremely important.”
He sighed, as if thinking deeply, before saying, “In that case, expect me by tonight, quite possibly around nine. It’s the earliest I can do if that’s fine with you since I have this meeting I can’t get out of. I’ll be staying in the same hotel, the one where you work. Do you need me to send you a car?”
He was coming out of his way to meet me, so I didn’t want to add on more worries by agreeing to the hired car. “Thank you for the generous offer, but there’s truly no need for that. I’ll see you tonight,” I rushed out. “And, Julien, thank you for this. I know I owe you a lot already, but I just want you to know I appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”
He didn’t have to get involved between his friend and me, but he seemed to feel as though it was his responsibility to keep tabs on me and make sure I was fine. I understood that after Paris and the whole bed of flowers debacle. I knew he was doing it for his own peace of mind. I thought it was because he felt somewhat responsible for Hugo’s ex ending up dead. I wasn’t sure why I found myself concluding such things, but it was the only thing that made sense to me.
“There’s no need to thank me, Isobel. When I make a promise, I mean it, so don’t feel out of sorts by calling upon me. Whatever it is, we will figure it out,” he said with a light laugh. His positive demeanor gave me hope.
“You’re an amazing friend.” I hoped Hugo knew it, too.
“How you flatter me, chère. Try not to fret. I shall see you soon.” After a few more exchanged words, he ended the call.
Feeling some of the weight lifted off my chest, I glanced towards my side table clock, noting that I basically had six hours to kill until I made my way to the hotel.
I went into the kitchen where I pulled a drawer open and plucked a Ziploc bag then hurried back into my bedroom. Once inside, I strolled towards my closet, pulled out the safe box, unlocked it, and pulled out the test result that I had stored just in case I wouldn’t have the capacity to explain anything. Then I secured it inside the plastic bag. The battery had run low on the test stick, but the words were still visible enough for him to make out.
For the past three days, I had tried to digest the fact that I was carrying Hugo’s baby. Apart from that, I hadn’t gotten much else figured out. Truth be told, I was terrified. Aside from Hugo’s reaction, I knew there were others who could possibly see this as a threat. The only way to ensure my safety while I still tried to figure out how to cope with this new development was to heed Julien’s advice.
And in approximately six hours’ time, I should get just that.
+++
Outside the hotel foyer, just as I was about to walk into the hotel, a man bumped into me, almost making me lose my balance.
“Hey, watch where you’re going!” I screeched, irritated that the heavy block of a man couldn’t be bothered to see if there was oncoming traffic while he barreled through the glass doors like some sort of maniac on speed.
My mouth opened, ready to chew him out for his recklessness, and then our eyes collided.
The coldest eyes nearing blue and silver bored into my own as if he were about to eat me whole.
“Apologies,” he grunted out, his eyes never leaving mine.
I merely nodded, still quite shaken from the harsh body collision, before I watched him stride away. The man did apologize, although he sounded far from it, but what was his problem, anyhow?
I shivered upon recalling those eyes. They reminded me of a frozen lake with still, cold air, like the man had no soul. All I had seen in those chilly orbs … was death.
Chapter Nine
The door to Julien’s suite instantly opened after the first knock, catching me off guard. It was as if he had been standing close to the door, waiting.
He was still dressed in his business suit sans a tie, indicating he had dashed from the boardroom to his jet to meet me across the English Channel.
“Hello. Thanks for coming again on such short notice, Julien,” I said as I entered the room with a smile.
“Of course,” he immediately responded before kissing each of my cheeks then looking over my face for a quick assessment, as if trying to gauge the severity of my situation, as he guided me towards the living room area. “Can I get you anything to drink? Dinner perhaps? I admit I’m quite famished.”
“That would be lovely.” I agreed, ready to do anything really to stall the impending conversation.
However, when he offered me a glass of wine after he had called in our dinner¸ I graciously declined him, even though the thought of crisp white wine on my tongue to calm my nerves sounded like heaven. I supposed it was one amongst many glasses I would have to give up. It was best I got used to it.
I was trying not to appear nervous as I lounged on one of the cream-colored damask sofas, trying to get comfortable as much as possible while I watched him take the seat opposing me.
“Did you call upon me to check on Hugo?” he asked casually, seeming rather pensive as he trained his eyes on me.
He didn’t waste time before getting to the point, so I might as well get this over with, or else I would be in danger of a heart attack.
“Not really. Although, it indirectly affects him … in a way …” My words trailed off as I licked my lips while breaking eye contact with him. I let my gaze fall to the coffee table that sat between us. “I … well …. I’m sort of pregnant.”
“I beg your pardon?” he asked in disbelief. “I must’ve misheard what you—”
“You heard right the first time.” I glanced towards him, feeling all sorts of emotions washing over me. “I found out a few days ag
o, so please don’t make me repeat it again because I’m already having a difficult time dealing with this as it is.”
He didn’t know the half of it, but I would cope somehow, someway. I would make this work with or without his help.
My heart almost jumped out of my chest when Julien shot to his feet, furiously pacing back and forth as he threw some colorful French expletives in the air. He looked more stressed out than I was, which was bizarre.
“Julien, for goodness’ sake! I knew you’d overreact, but this is going above and beyond.”
“You’re keeping this baby; that’s why I’m here in London.” He pieced it together while shaking his head. Then he stopped mid-track and gazed at me with a haunting expression that made my insides curl with fear. “You can’t go back to your life, Isobel. That life is over. You must understand what you’re giving up here, what you are risking.”
Now it was my turn to feel as if he had doused me with cold water. “What do you mean I can’t go back to my life? I still plan to pursue my degree, my friends … I—”
“You can’t. It’s over. This is not a minor thing, Isobel. You and I can’t even fathom what the risks would be. But while we try to figure out how to go about this, you will be living with me, under my protection. I must know where you are at all times. I can’t let you out of my sight. Once we’ve figured out a way, only then will we try to deal with Hugo.” He released a strained sigh. “I know this must be something you’re not ready to do just yet, but you leave me no choice. If something happens to you, I won’t be able to forgive myself nor my conscience.”
Hugo … Hearing him say his name made me ache inside. But remembering what Julien had said about giving up my life almost immediately made no sense at all, because no one knew I was pregnant. Apart from him and myself, there was no one else.
“Julien, I understand your concern—I seriously do—and I’ve considered the risks. Of course I have … But no one knows, and I won’t be showing for months to come, so I can still go back to school for the time being. There’s no need for drastic measures just yet. That way, we can sort of get used to the idea. When the time comes that I really need to leave, then I’ll go wherever you are, but until then, I just don’t see the point.”
He immediately shook his head in refusal. “No, Isobel. That’s not agreeable, not in the least.”
“Why the hell not?”
“There are some things that I don’t know myself, and to be quite frank with you, I’d rather not know. But since I was the person you chose to confide in and not Hugo, you’ve handed me that responsibility. I can’t protect you if I don’t know who’s coming for you, Isobel, and trust me; someone will.”
“They don’t know. It’s still too early.” I shivered, feeling sick all of a sudden.
“Oh, someone will know. Nothing gets past them, most especially you. You’re already on their radar, so whatever you do, they know. Hell, I wouldn’t put it past them to have you followed.”
Who are they? I wanted to ask, but I knew he didn’t have the answer. Hugo had never divulged anything. Julien only knew the facts of what had happened to that woman. He simply wanted to be safe rather than sorry. And I should pay heed and use caution. This revelation wasn’t a small thing. It was literally going to turn my world upside down. No more freedom.
“If I agree to follow your suggestion, when should I leave?” I asked, feeling nauseous at the thought of leaving my home.
“I have to be in New York tomorrow for two weeks then another two in Miami. You’re coming with me. You’re not leaving the hotel without me, not until I hire a security detail to follow you around.”
I knew he wasn’t joking about the security detail, either. Julien was going to go above and beyond to make sure I was safe and protected. I just hoped helping me keep this secret wouldn’t place him in harm’s way. If he was, I would never forgive myself for being so irresponsible.
“I don’t have my passport with me, Julien.”
“Give me the keys to your apartment. I’ll have my driver get it for you,” he said, as if he had thought it all out.
He probably had thought it all out. I knew how ruthless he was in business. It was the same trait as Hugo. Doubt wasn’t a word they normal toyed with.
I must hand my fate to him for at least a month while we both found a way to make my pregnancy a secret. And since Hugo had practically shut me out, I supposed it was safe to say that keeping this under the radar wouldn’t be such a hardship.
Wherever my fate planned to take me, I hoped the baby would be safe and unharmed. That was all that mattered to me now, nothing else.
Chapter Ten
Before I left, I sent a lengthy text message to Claire and Damen, the only two people who would become frantic if I turned up missing. Instead of confiding my destination to them, though, I made a hasty excuse that I was going back home to deal with a family matter. A voicemail was left in my manager’s inbox with my resignation in it. And as for school, my teachers were sympathetic about my fabricated situation and were willing to email me each week so I could still carry on with my education without needing my physical presence.
I was beyond thankful for their kind generosity. I was already halfway through the courses, so it would be tragic if I couldn’t make it and get those credits. Even after giving birth, I was determined to finish school. Whether that dream was accomplished five to ten years later, it wouldn’t matter as long as my education had a successful completion.
The stark reality of my impending future came the moment I descended the jet’s flight of stairs at JFK airport. Just as Julien had promised, he acquired two security men whose eyes were trained on me from the time we landed in New York City, reminding me of two panthers: skillful, highly intelligent, amazingly agile, undoubtedly fearless, watchful, and cautious.
They both were nice but lacked personality. Or maybe they took their jobs seriously and couldn’t do with irrelevant pleasantries. With Julien mostly gone for work, I only had them to talk to; however, they both remained business-like when dealing with me, which was rather frustrating.
We stayed in The Plaza’s magnificently opulent terrace suite, which was adorned in eggshell white that was highlighted by gilded gold and a touch of cornflower blue. It was a two-bedroom suite that boasted king-sized beds. The sight of it gave the impression that I was guaranteed a luxurious sleep, something I desperately looked forward to since the transatlantic flight hadn’t provided any shut-eye due to the fact that my mind was still disorientated and highly overwhelmed by the quick turn of events.
I had expected to be anxious since I was away from home, but I actually found myself quite relaxed. With that state of mind, I spent the first week indoors, indulging in the suite while I imagined what my life would entail as a single mother caring for a baby, doing it all as I raised him or her while I attempted to finish my schooling. Would I be a great mother? What if I was horrible at it? How would I know? I knew Claire would try to help as much as she could once she found out , but I wouldn’t have my mother or brother’s help since my father was still mental and would jump at any chance that could benefit him.
If he ever found out who the father of this baby was, he would gleefully rub his hands together, plotting another bribe. I would never place my child in that position, so it was best I kept my distance with my family until my father ceased to live. Only then would I approach Yannis and my mother. Keeping this baby truly meant all or nothing. As much as I loved my brother and mother, this tiny pea was my heart. I would never give it up, no matter the cost.
“Are you willing to see a doctor anytime soon, Isobel?”
Upon hearing his question, I peered at Julien through my lashes just as I was finishing my light snack of aged cheese, Sicilian olives, and water crackers. He had stridden into the living room of the suite that overlooked the beautiful Central Park and crowded energy that was Manhattan. It was a destination I had yet to acquaint myself with. The around-the-clock exhaustion, the puking, the
odd pangs of hunger, and the ungodly hours of craving that never ceased to stop were all too much for me, yet I was dealing with it as best as I could.
Sending Julien a considering look, I made a pleasant smile before inquiring about his day and how it had gone.
“It went as expected,” he replied as he arched his brow at me, unperturbed. “Enough dodging the question, chère. I have already appointed a doctor who will discreetly take care of your needs. Aren’t you curious how far along you are? These facts could be essential while we’re still hatching a plan.”
Julien wasn’t one for endearments, though he had used them sporadically when he was adamant about something to be done, and in this instance, I knew he was right. But how could I explain to him that, by doing so, it made everything too real. By securing myself in this small, secured bubble, I could safely comfort myself without being slapped with the harsh reality that I had to embark upon. Although I had accepted my fate, it was still a difficult thing to comprehend.
How I wished my life was different in this instance. I knew wishing away wouldn’t solve anything, though. It would merely make my life much harder to live through, so I supposed I should stop this nonsense, face the music, and dance.
“Tomorrow. Anytime in the afternoon would be fine for me.” Rearranging myself on the sofa, I leaned against the arm of it before setting my head atop the cushion. “Have you spoken to him lately?” I asked, partially curious to know anything about Hugo and, at the same time, terrified at the thought of keeping this baby a secret.
Julien’s lips pressed together as he efficiently strode towards the bar and poured himself whiskey. “He’s the same as any other day, I suppose. He’s gone to Macau and won’t be expected to return for another month since he’s acquired another casino. He’s having it demolished in its entirety and building it to his impeccable standards before stamping it his gilded name on it.” He took the shot of whiskey, leaving not a drop before setting it down with a thud then generously pouring himself another one. “Four weeks should be enough to craft a plan,” he quietly uttered then raised the glass towards me. “Here’s praying that God will be generous and things will go according to plan.” He toasted me from afar before making a determined nod and taking the second dose of alcohol into his system, gulping it down as if it was water.