Novels by lumiecrochet1

The study grew so quiet that you could hear the soft, rhythmic hum of the oxygen machine beside my grandfather's chair. Uncle Daniel remained standing quietly near the bookshelf, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression solemn. William Wesley took a slow, deep breath, his trembling hands resting on the armrests as if he were trying to gather the strength to lift a heavy burden he had carried for decades.'It all started twenty-two years ago,' my grandfather began, his voice raspy and distant. 'Your mother, Celeste, was young, incredibly brilliant, and full of fiery independence. She didn't want to live her life bound by the expectations of high society. She didn't want corporate mergers, high-stakes galas, or arranged alliances with wealthy families. She wanted a normal life. She wanted to build things with her own hands, to love freely, and to make her own choices without my shadow hanging over her.'I listened intently, nodding slightly. That sounded exactly like the mother I

The morning light poured through the tall, arched windows of the grand west wing, casting long golden shadows across the polished hardwood floor. I woke up slowly, blinking against the unfamiliar brightness, my mind struggling to piece together where I was. For a brief second, I thought I was back in my small apartment, listening to the hum of the city traffic outside. But then the soft, luxurious texture of the heavy silk sheets reminded me of reality. I was in Montreal, thousands of miles away from everything I had ever known, inside the massive, intimidating estate of a grandfather I had only met the night before.I sat up slowly, resting a protective hand over my stomach. My baby was safe, growing quietly inside me, completely unaware of the absolute chaos and drama swirling around its mother. I let out a long, heavy sigh, my thoughts inevitably drifting back to Thaddeus. That was his name—Thaddeus. Not Gregory. I had decided last night, while staring up at the vaulted ceiling of

EMILY'S POV I didn't know what to say to this man that was crying before me.I mean, what do you say to a grandfather you never knew you had but existed somewhere all this time?All I knew to do was allow him touch me, to know that I was real.It got too overwhelming, I stepped away from him.I said the first thing that came to mind."Hello."It sounded off, my voice was cracked for sale reason and the word sounded so businesslike and official coming from me.If I had met him under different circumstances, maybe for work or the likes, I probably would have greeted him warmly with a smile.But I didn't."You look so much like her." He repeated Daniel's words from earlier.It was beginning to sound like a broken record in my ears."So I have been told," I replied sarcastically.He shook his head, bowed down and broke down before me.I didn't know what to do with myself watching a grown man cry.Daniel handed him a Kleenex and the older man snatched it from his hand like he had a proble

EMILY'S POV "You look so much like her.”"Her? Her who?" I asked like a dumbass. Because who was this man that was not my grandfather but looked like my mom, hugging me?He pulled away from me, but didn't immediately let go of my shoulders, he chuckled awkwardly. "Forgive my manners." He introduced himself, "I'm Daniel Wesley. Your uncle."He offered a handshake, "Nice to meet you." I took his hand in mine, even though it was a hug too late."Nice to meet you too."He kept staring at me, "The resemblance is uncanny, indeed."I smiled a bit under his piercing gaze.Thomas returned and cleared his throat breaking the trance-like moment."We should get going." Daniel Wesley, the uncle let go of my hand finally and nodded at him.Thomas took my suitcase from the car and when I tried to take it from him, he gave me an odd look that made me back away.There was a troop of cars behind the one that Daniel Wesley had come in. Thomas went to one of the cars with my suitcase.I joined Daniel

EMILY'S POVToday has been a whole lot to process.Finding out about my pregnancy, my first pregnancy after four years. I spent the rest of the day preparing my surprise party for my husband… or rather ex-husband. It hurt me to say it, but it was the truth. He had, after all, not waited for me to tell him our news and had thrown divorce papers at my face. Then finding out that he had cheated on me with none other than my cousin. Lucy.I knew she had always had the hots for Gregory and I never thought this day would come.When I thought I couldn't get any more shocked, I found out for the first time that I had a grandfather that was alive, and not just any random person… The William Wesley! I was completely overwhelmed with all that I had experienced today. Now I was traveling all the way to Montreal on a private jet, which, by the way, was also my first time in one. Too many firsts in one day.I just wanted to sleep and wake up and find out that this was all a dream. But the flig

Chapter 5: Too LateGregory's POVThe house felt unusually quiet after Emily left, Lucy walked over with a smile and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Finally," she said. "Now we don't have to hide anymore." I looked toward the front door without answering. Emily had walked away without begging, shouting, or causing a scene that wasn't what I expected. I thought she would refuse to sign the papers or try to convince me to change my mind. Instead, she had simply packed her things and left. "Gregory?" Lucy called again. "Did you hear what I said?" I turned to look at her. "I have a headache." She frowned for a second before forcing another smile. "Then you should rest. I'll make you some coffee." I nodded absentmindedly and walked into the living room. My eyes landed on the dining table. It was covered with candles, a cake, and decorations. I looked around the room, confused. "What's all this?" I muttered.Lucy walked in behind me and shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe she was trying to