by LLP, Lan
“Are you okay, Lil?” they ask, concerned.
“You’re Carson’s brother, aren’t you?” I gasp, still in shock as I stare at his familiar face. He nods to confirm my hunch. “And Francine is your biological mother.” He nods again, showing only sincerity in his hazel eyes. “Then why doesn’t she want Carson to know she has cancer?”
“She loves us. She doesn’t want to take away his happiness,” Wes explains simply while disagreeing with Francine’s reasoning with the shake of his head.
“But he can help her,” I argue.
“She won’t budge. We’ve tried,” Wes stresses, appearing more frustrated as he speaks.
“Lillian, you can convince Carson to give Francine the new bone drug,” Bridgette persuades. “He’ll do anything you ask of him. I know this to be true. He loves you insanely. He was a body without a soul when he discovered you were missing.”
“What are you asking of me?”
“We’re asking you to help Francine,” Bridgette replies.
“I’ll do my best, but I can’t lie to him. I swore to myself that I won’t keep anything from him.”
“I understand,” Bridgette tells me.
“So we’re cleared. This isn’t some kind of ploy to get Carson’s new drug.” I tell Wes bluntly. “Your adopted father is a Montgomery and so are you. He has no integrity. I almost died because of him.” I make my grudge clearly known. “He enabled Bianca to plot against me, to kill me.” My body shudders, recalling the fragmented details of that horrific night.
“I’m sorry for your suffering, Lillian. My father is a greedy man who has no conscience or goodness in him. I’m not him or will I ever be him. I only want the drug to save my mother. That’s my only intention,” he expresses earnestly. “Please believe me.”
“Okay. I believe you,” I assure him with a pat on his shoulder. “I’ll do what I can to convince Carson, but the drug hasn’t officially been approved. He might not budge.”
“That’s all we can ask of you,” Bridgette tells me.
“Bridgette, this is off the subject. How did you know what Carson was like when I was missing?”
“We were in his office when he received the news of your disappearance,” she answers, looking nervously over at Wes.
“Oh. I see. How coincidental,” I mention like I’m suspicious. I can’t help myself. I don’t really know them. Can I trust them?
“Lillian, I understand why you have doubts. I’d have a very hard time myself,” Wes encourages. “I imagine it can’t be easy for you to look at me and not think of what my father did to you. If this is any consolation for you, he was going to have me take the fall for his corruption after everything is said and done,” he grates through his stiffened jaw.
“Damn. You’re his son. He would do that to you?” I ask, appalled.
“In a heartbeat and without batting his eyes,” he spits begrudgingly. “I’ve been deceived by him all my life.”
“When my hands were bleeding badly, Edison mentioned something about Chandler’s niece while he tried to stop it. Can you tell me what he meant or if you even know?”
Bridgette and Wes glance at each other for one fleeting second to decide what they should do. They must know. Oh no. I think I just stumbled upon another dilemma?
“Lillian, can we find a place to sit down and talk?” Bridgette suggests. “It’s kind of complicated.”
“Sure. I guess. Am I going to hate what I’m about to hear?” My anxiety is at its all-time high. How can it top the information they just shared with me?
“Maybe at first,” she replies. And then I think it’s possible.
~~~~
I’m a Ly-Montgomery, granddaughter of Marcus Ly and Charles Montgomery. My mother is one of three heiresses to the Ly’s massive corporate empire which is comparable to Carson’s net worth. She chose to be a nurse and live modestly and privately when she could bathe herself in an overflowing tub of money and never work a day in her life. Why? Because she loves me first and everything else is insignificant. My parents were forced into hiding to keep me safe from my malicious grandfather and uncle. My mom never attempted to defy them, not even once because of the fear they instilled in her heart. They had threatened to take me away or kill us all if Marcus ever found out we existed. Charles had deceived him beyond repair. He knew Marcus would not easily overlook his trickery. My entire life has been a lie—not malicious but the sacrificing kind. Do I hold a grudge against my mom for it? No, of course not. How can I? “No one loves a child more than his or her parent,” is what my mom has told me for as long as I can remember. They didn’t fear for their safety. They feared for mine. Her lies are what have kept me safe all these years.
Bridgette and Wes recapped my mom’s story over coffee and a slice of lemon cake like we were having a casual conversation about the weather. Bridgette spoke calmly and factually, explaining any questions I had. I only broke down and cried pitifully once when they told me they didn’t know where my father was. Secretly, I had always thought he’d come back for me one day. My mom would forgive him after he’d confessed he’d loved us all along, and we’d be united as a family again. I guess not all fairytales can come true. They did their best to spare my emotions and I appreciated their efforts. God knows I’m already broken. Frankly, after everything I’ve gone through, accepting this information was a piece of cake, just like the one they just shared to the last crumb.
As the topic of our talk ran from one to another, I asked Bridgette about my missing jade pendant. “Was it a priceless heirloom that’s irreplaceable?” I couldn’t help feeling a great lost for it. She told me it had belonged to our great, great grandmother. It was given to her on her wedding day. Grandfather was burdened with the weight of his guilt when he forced my mom to marry my father against her will. He wanted to give her the one item he cherished more than any possessions he owned. He gave it to my father to offer it to my mother as a traditional wedding gift so she wouldn’t reject it. It was apparent to Bridgette that my mom still held a great amount of resentment for him from their exchange. She has no idea how deep my mom’s stubbornness can root.
I apologized for losing it to Bianca, but Bridgette assured me it isn’t lost. She insisted that if I swore I wouldn’t explode, she’d explain why. Excited, I agreed hastily. She told me Marcus had his men placed a bug on it while I was in a faulty elevator in Hong Kong. Oh my God! I remember that day. I panicked hysterically when the lights went out and the car stopped midway. Those guys were quick. It probably took Luke less than thirty seconds to find his flashlight before the elevator resumed its ascension again. What possible reason could Marcus have had that could justify his invasion of my privacy? I couldn’t think of one. That was completely wrong on so many levels. A furious blaze ignited inside me, ready to spread fiercely but I held it back with every fighting fiber in my body. I swore I wouldn’t even though it’d help level my anger. Marcus planned on tracking down my mother’s location with it, but they ended up using it to trace me instead when I went missing. Right away her story was inconsistent and I made it known to her. How could they have tracked it to me when Bianca took the necklace with her?
“Carson pursued you while we went after Bianca. His team had their own signal,” she revealed and then appeared sickened that she had slipped. Wes had the same expression on his face. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Carson had a tracker on me also. After all our talk about no more lies and being honest, he still bugged me. That controlling man has no limits or faith in me. My eyes ran the length of my torso and limbs to see where it could be hidden. I was upset and rightfully so, but not as much as I should’ve been. If it wasn’t for his possessiveness, I’d be dead in a hole somewhere. All I can say is thank the Lord he loves me that obsessively.
Bridgette persuaded me to forgive Carson’s controlling nature. Only being familiar with her conceited side, it was a pleasant surprise to see her more approachable. She justified that his undesirable action was warranted because he
was protecting the keeper of his heart—me. “Carson is no ordinary man. You should know that by now,” she stressed. “Agreeing to be with him means you have to accept his unconventional ways of handling certain affairs,” she enlightened me. “The only thing you need to understand is his actions are driven by his love and devotion for you.” She was right. Carson’s reputation precedes him—not just in the United States but all around the world. He’s in a very coveted position—powerfully and financially. There are many people who’d stop at nothing to take it away from him, like Chandler Montgomery. Since this is the life I’ve chosen, I have no choice but to trust him to love me and keep me and our babies safe.
~~~~
My phone’s been ringing off the hook while Bridgette and Wes unfolded the story of Carson’s and my life. Glancing into my purse, I see several missed calls and texts from Andrew and Carson. I can sense their urgency by the numerous, shouty exclamation marks in their messages.
Return my calls! Soon!! Impatiently waiting. x C
Girlfriend, I’m on pins and needles. Call me back. ASAP!!!!
I dial Carson’s number first. “Yes,” Carson answers dryly after the second ring.
“I’m sure you probably know where I’m at by now,” I sass in a playful tone, knowing that he’s already called Luke for my location—more than once.
“That’s beside the point. I still need to hear your voice,” he replies.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll explain everything to you when I see you this evening.”
“You can explain it to me in fifteen minutes after Luke drops you off at my office,” he demands in an upper-handed tone, which rubs me the wrong way immediately.
“What if I don’t want to be dropped off in fifteen minutes?” I dispute, feeling irritated with his dictatorship. If I recall correctly, he did tell me I’m free as of this morning.
“Lil, just humor me. After all that we’ve been through this past week, can you do as I ask to help ease my mind?” he pleads, softening his rigid attitude.
“Fine. I’ll see you in fifteen minutes,” I yield. With all that I need to reveal to him about his other family, this isn’t the best time to stand my ground.
“Thanks, angel. Did you already have lunch? I can have Evelyn order you something” he offers considerately.
“Actually, that’d be great. I’d love a light salad of any kind.” The idea of eating meat makes me nauseous with this pregnancy also.
“Is that all? But you’re eating for three,” he confirms.
“Yes. The other two are just little peas. They don’t need very much for now.”
“Very well. I’ll see you here soon.”
I disconnect our call and follow Luke to the car. On my way, I touch the screen again to dial Andrew. From his texts and voicemails, I know he’s frantic, wondering what happened to me.
“It’s about time you called me back,” he answers without any salutation. “You had me so worried. You know how many awful thoughts ran through my frazzled brain?” he complains into the phone.
“I’m sorry. I ran into Bridgette and Wes outside Francine’s room.”
“Oh my…”
“Remember you told me Wes and Carson could pass for twins?” I remind him in a whisper so Luke can’t hear me.
“Yeah. Are you going to tell me what I think you’re going to tell me?”
“Yep. You were right. They’re really twins.”
“No freaking way,” he shrieks in awe. “How can one day be filled with so many far-fetched coincidences?”
“I don’t know. I’m just as stunned as you are. How do I tell Carson he was adopted?”
“Oh, sweetie. I don’t think it’s your place to tell him. Kat might be pissed at you, especially if it’s been her intention to keep his adoption a secret all these years,” he persuades.
“Shit. You’re right,” I sigh. “That’s a valid point. But I have to convince him to give Francine the new bone drug somehow. Don’t you think he’d be more willing to give it to her if he knew she’s his biological mother?” I explained.
“Yes, but you’re resourceful. I’m sure you can convince him.”
“This entire thing is so screwed up. I have no idea where to begin.”
“I’m sorry, cutie. I wish there’s a way I can help you.”
“You are by being such a good friend to me.”
“Well that’s easy,” he assures me. “Okay. I better get back to party prepping or Stewie will crack the whip and I don’t mean the sexy kind either,” he giggles.
“You’re so naughty. See you tonight. It’s semi-formal, right?”
“Yes, but you can come in a potato sack and still outshine everyone,” he flatters.
“Thanks, Andrew. Bye already,” I rush him off and then disconnect our call.
Chapter 29
Bianca Sorté
“Carson, my love, you’ve come back for me. I knew you would,” I cry with utter happiness, hugging my arms against my chest. He hasn’t given up on me. He still loves me. “Have you forgiven me, baby?” I ask him as the solid metal door cracks open for his marvelous, six-two frame. Gallantly, he enters without responding while his hazel eyes burrow deeply into my core, which still aches steadily for him. His godly presence is apparent. A gust of arctic chill shadows him into the room, sending a biting jolt down my spine. The last time he visited, I made him so angry he wanted to strike me violently, to hurt me. Today, I will not anger him like that. I will be submissive and do whatever he asks of me to win his affection. My sleepless, red orbs refuse to blink, fearing that he might fade away with the slightest interference. I can’t let him go. He’s wearing one of my favorite slate-gray, slim-fit Brioni suit with a squid-ink silk tie. His thick, brown hair is tidied except for the few waves resting boyishly on his forehead. God! He’s fine and so fuckable. I haven’t had a taste of him for months—six, to be exact. My mouth waters ravenously as my lusty eyes undress his luxurious layers of wool, silk, and cotton. I’d give anything to have him fuck me one last time with his unending stamina. Deliberately, I shimmy the hospital gown off my shoulders. He watches me with his usual cold stare, making no effort to come closer to me. The gown collapses to floor, pooling around my feet. I stand there completely naked except for his black and red-specked necktie tethered around my waist. His lingering scent from this tie is what’s been keeping me sane and hopeful. I couldn’t risk having it taken away from me by that nasty, manly nurse who injects me with sleeping drugs every time I defy her. I hate that angry bitch. She needs a good lay or two to relieve all her pent-up aggression. Again, he doesn’t bat an interested eye at the vision of my sexy, bared body. How is he able to resist me? Stepping over my gown, I prowl toward him with the melodious movement of a feline—erotic and unpredictable. One foot in front of the other, I take tiny strides as my hips sway fluidly side to side.
“Stop!” he warns me with one hand out.
“I know you’ve missed these,” I tell him as my hands run down the length of my body and then give my full tits a firm squeeze. Cupping one breast in my palm, I elevate it so the tip of my nipple meets the tip of my tongue. I lick it slowly and sensually as I watch his reaction. It does nothing for him. He appears disgusted by my behavior. I inch closer to him, but he sidesteps toward the wall opposite me, fading away. “No. Don’t go!” I panic.
The door opens again, interrupting my attempt at seducing Carson. A decomposed Lillian covered in black earth that I buried her under enters first like a staggering zombie and then a bloody Edison with dime-size hollows in his chest follows after her. Tripping over my unsteady feet, I fall back on my ass from shock of their frightening appearances. “Carson, help me!” I scream hysterically, thrashing my trembling arms out to him for support. “Their ghosts are after me. They’re here for my soul. Please. Make them stop,” I bawl, fearing for my life. “I don’t want to die yet. I’m too young to die.” He ignores my pleas, turning his head apathetically away from me. Lillian and Edison are now hovering over m
y sprawled, quivering, naked frame, glaring their vengeful eyes at me. They’re ready to sink their teeth into my flesh. Oh God! What have I done? Blood seeps from the wounds I’ve inflicted on their bodies and trickles over me like a slow, dripping shower. I’m covered with their innocence. Frantically, I claw and scrape the burning droplets off my torso, arms and legs. Instead of erasing the morbid crimson color, I smear it all over me like a bloody coat of skin. Fuck! Why is every part of me hurting so badly? The excruciating pain feels like piercing thorns stabbing me from inside out, puncturing me raw, and ripping me. I see bright red streaks spattered everywhere. It’s oozing out the corners of my mouth and eyes as I sob. No fucking way am I going to let them take me like this. Releasing the necktie from my waist, I truss it around my neck and give it a firm snap. The redness disappears and now it just darkness ahead with no bright light in sight.
Carson Bradley
Bianca was found dead in her padded room around 1:35 p.m. today. It was reported as suicide. Kevin confirmed it with Luke before flying back to Hong Kong. I have a heavy heart for her surviving parents, but that’s the extent of my sentiments for her. She was a cruel beast with no morality. She sealed her own fate when she targeted Lil’s life. I’m normally a compassionate and generous man, but I won’t tolerate anyone who wishes to take away the woman I love more than my own life. In a few hours, Bianca’s tragic ending will flood every media platform. Once again, I will have a mass of reporters on my ass. There’s no better time to sweep Lil off her feet to a magical fairytale place than now.
Damn it! My cellphone crashes down on my desk. For the sixth time, Lil’s been ignoring my calls and texts. My last resort is to get a hold of Luke. He gives me a detailed report of her day up to the current hour. Everything seems ordinary to me except for her lengthy conversation with Wes and Bridgette, who she just happened to run into at the same hospital as Gabriel’s. Why were they there? Or were they following her for some reason? I’m not completely convinced about that Wes Montgomery. How’s it possible for us to look so alike that we could pass for twins? Everyone, including Luke and Owen, were baffled by our similarities. Many eyes were on us during our search for Lillian, but no one spoke their mind. Owen will have some answers for me soon. He’s looking into his background to tame my paranoia. I’m not sure how long it’ll take for me to erase that scarring image of Lil’s lifeless body trapped in that hell pit, but until then, I’ll need baby steps to mend. I’m allowed some paranoia.