LOGINDesdemonaThe aroma of roasted garlic, rosemary, and seared ribeye filled the house, making the tension vibrating through the dining room a bit warm.Etienne had spent the entire afternoon playing chef. He looked remarkably relaxed which I had not expected as his father and brother were around. He sat at the head of the long table, with Molly in her booster chair to his right and me to his left.Sadly my mother, Myra’s mom and our dearest father, David couldn't make it. My mom said she was busy on a vacation and she refuses to be part of family drama. Myra's mom told me to never bother her again and David, let's just say he had better things to do.Across from me sat Etienne’s father, looking unusually quiet, his sharp eyes scanning the room, moving from face to face and repeating. Next to him was Jules, who looked thoroughly miserable. Probably still nursing a bruised ego from missing the big meeting, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.Further down the table sat Kevin, looking e
DesdemonaThe next morning, the sunlight filtered softly through the kitchen windows.. Etienne stood at the stove, humming lightly under his breath as he flipped pancakes. He looked entirely at peace in his t-shirt and sweatpants.Molly swung her legs back and forth from her high stool at the kitchen island, her eyes glued to the stack of fluffy pancakes growing on the plate.I poured myself a cup of coffee and walked over, sliding onto the stool next to her. I caught Etienne’s eye, and he turned off the burner, wiping his hands on a dishtowel before coming over to stand right beside us. He slid a plate of pancakes in front of Molly, but instead of moving away, he pulled up a chair close to her side."Molly, sweetie," I started, reaching over to gently smooth down a stray curl on her head. "Before we eat, Etienne and I want to talk to you about something really important."Molly looked up from her plate, her eyes darting between the two of us.Etienne took a slow breath, his eyes shin
DesdemonaThe bedroom door creaked open just an inch, letting a sliver of hallway light cut through the shadows of Molly’s room.Etienne stepped inside first, his movements so cautious it was as if he were walking on eggshells. I followed closely behind, my heart still fluttering with a mix of leftover adrenaline and overwhelming relief.We stopped beside the small bed. Molly was completely knocked out, buried beneath a pink duvet with her favorite plush bear tucked securely under her arm. A faint, rhythmic snore escaped her lips.Etienne stood frozen, staring down at her. In the dim light, I watched the realization wash over him all over again. His jaw softened, and his shoulders completely dropped. Slowly, he reached out, his large hand gently brushing a stray curl away from her forehead. He was so careful, treating her like the most fragile, precious thing in the world."Look at her," he whispered, his voice strained with emotion. "She has my nose. How did I not see that before?""
The meeting had gone even better than I’d expected.Okay, let’s be honest, I’d planned for it to go exactly that way, but I was still thoroughly impressed with myself. I had called David earlier to ask for another illegal favor, mostly because that seemed to be his area of expertise these days. His sole job was to ensure Jules didn't make it to the meeting. That way, his father, who was presiding over it, would see firsthand how irresponsible Jules was and finally stop bothering with him.It was a massive success.After the meeting wrapped, I walked straight into the old man's office. My head was held high, but my heart was thumping violently against my ribs.“Sir?”“Yes, Desdemona. Do you have something for me?” he asked, his tone agitated.“About that.” I took a deep, steadying breath. “I will no longer be trying to pit your kids against each other.”He leaned back in his leather chair, rubbing his temples thoughtfully. “And why is that?”“It’s exhausting.”“Give me the real reason,
EttieneDes had left the house early for her meeting with the board.She had asked me to join in, after all, I was supposed to be there but I had gently refused and avoided giving her any reasons. So I feigned illness as an excuse.I had grown tired of the entire thing. The company, my brother, my dad…..i just wanted it to end.I understood corporate war so well and god knows if i were young the hunger would still be there but now….i sigh. I don't want it. That leaves me with the question, what is it that I want?Molly stirred beside me pulling me out of my depressing thoughts. I turned my attention to her.“Hey there,princess."She laughs. “Dont call me that.”I lift her into my laps. “What do you want me to call you, then?”“Queen.” she says.“My queen.” I repeat with a head bow.She giggles while lifting my head. “I can't be your queen. You're my dad.” she continues laughing.My stomach twists and falls. I study her face calmly. “If your mom hears you say that she might kill me, d
DesdemonaEttiene was still asleep. My daughter had been dropped off by her wonderful homeroom teacher, for whom I was incredibly grateful. Molly had eaten a quick snack, showered, and insisted on going to bed with Ettiene. Seeing the two of them curled up in bed together made my heart ache with a mixture of warmth and fear, forcing me to quietly step out of the room.Kevin had texted to let me know they were home safe, he had gone back to his apartment together with Aaron. And for some reason, Josh had texted me too, letting me know he’d be staying with Myra for a couple of days.I curled up on the couch, a notepad and pen in hand, though I hadn’t written a single word. Days were moving too fast, and I was running out of time. Ettiene’s sickening father never ceased to remind me that the clock was ticking. He hadn't given up on his sadistic craving to watch me pit his sons against each other.I sighed, running a frustrated hand through my hair just as the doorbell rang. Groaning, I f
Ettiene'I'm getting an abortion.' That's the text I read when my phone vibrates.Such an amazing text in the middle of my drinking. I set the glass aside and read the text again and again before I registered well."She is getting an abortion." I read the message out loud.Myra is crazy and I do not wan
Desdemona"What happened?" I asked Mike but my eyes were entirely focused on Molly. "She was running a fever. I gave her some meds and she was doing okay till she collapsed."The doctor finished with whatever he was doing and turned to me."Doctor?""She's fine." She nudges my arm and guides me to the o
Desdemona"I'm sorry,mother. We have to tell them."My jaws dropped to the ground and my arms to my side."Please tell me you are kidding.""Oh shit!" Ettiene cussed.I laugh then pause to exchange a glance between the two. "You are joking,right?"No response. "This isn't serious.""No shit it is.""No. No.
EttieneNo fucking way.Mm Mm. No way in hell. No way back to earth.She is not the owner of this company,she cannot be. I mean,she can,women can do things but…this?! Nope.I am not going to get help from her.Father received his phone while he was in the middle of a hearty conversation. His laughter fil







