AllFreeNovel
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On November the first, he was in New York. Making my dreams come true. Standing up to the DuPonts for me. Throwing me a surprise party on the luxury yacht he built for me. Kissing me. Making love to me.
I collapse to the floor, sobbing. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. I had no idea. He never mentioned this.”
“He doesn’t talk about it. Frankly, neither do we. It’s too painful.”
“How... did they meet?” Despite knowing it’ll cause me more pain, I need to understand.
Xavier takes a breath as if bracing himself to delve into the story. “The Leagues had just finalized a deal with Ocean Gate and invited the Fairchilds over to celebrate. That’s where Ryan saw her. They fell in love despite being polar opposites.”
“Opposites how?” I remember the painting; the pale, delicate hands on Ryan’s large, tanned back.
“She was sheltered and homeschooled due to a condition she’d been born with. By eighteen, she was nearing the expected end of her life, but Ryan didn’t care. He loved her, looked after her, and they shared precious moments together. The Leagues are forever grateful to Ryan for the happiness he brought Ivy in her final years. But we all knew their love was doomed, which made it excruciating for not only Ryan but for everyone close to them.
“Oh my God, Ryan.” My heart breaks for him over and over, hot salty tears streaming down my face as sobs wrack my body.”
“Come here, Stella.” Xavier reaches out, pulls me to my feet, and wraps me in a hug. For long minutes, he just lets me cry, patting my shoulder. “Stella, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that pain has lousy timing. So does love.”
“I should have trusted him. I never should have left. I’ve hurt him so badly. How could he ever forgive that?”
“You’d be surprised at how much the man can forgive. He loves you. And we all make mistakes. It’s how we grow.”
“I need to see him, Xavier,” I wail, “Will he see me?”
“Why do you think I’m here? He sent me to bring you to him, drag you if necessary. He insisted I had to be the one to get you.”
I manage a smile through my tears. “So you can carry me out like a sack of potatoes.”
“I was sure it wouldn’t come to that.” Xavier smiles back, “but I’ll have you know he gave me permission to physically remove you from here, for your own safety, of course.”
“I bet he did.” Suddenly I can’t wait to see him anymore.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Ryan
I stare at Xavier’s ridiculous text—one that he probably sent me by mistake.
To err is human, dumbass.
Could Lily Rose have gotten her hands on his phone again? Which is annoying because what the fuck is he doing back home when he should be in Queens, dragging Stella here?
Just as I’m about to call him out, my phone rings. It’s Mom.
Great, just great.
I brace myself for the inevitable. My parents have just returned from their vacation in Bora Bora. I’m surprised they haven’t found out I stepped down sooner. They must’ve ditched their phones and the TV.
“Hi, Mom!” I greet cheerfully.
“Ryan, how could you let this happen? Your father is beside himself. He hasn’t slept in two days, pacing like a caged lion. Do you want to give him a heart attack? Do you want to give me a heart attack?”
“Mom, listen. Get Dr. Smith to do a house call. Dad may need a sedative. Once he’s calmer and gets a good night’s rest, he’ll see it’s not such a disaster after all.”
I have to pull the phone away from my ear to escape her shrieking.
“Not a disaster! Ryan, have you lost your ever-loving mind? Your father spent his entire career ensuring your future, and in just six months, you’ve thrown it all away!—your company position, your inheritance, your wife… How could you be so reckless?”
“I’m still the COO, Mom. And my stint in New York brought some of the best deals to the company. I’m back now, and we’ll do great things from here.”
