Jonathan led Liliana to the center of the stage as the lights dimmed and the focus light shone on them. They took the positions and bowed to each other in the standard opening as the music started. They were both born in the upper class, and they had trained in all kinds of social dancing. Thus, the chemistry was palpable. “You don’t seem to have asked me for the dance,” Liliana asked as they moved as one with the rhythm. “I am afraid you would have refused had I asked,” Jonathan answered. “Why would you think so?” Liliana chuckled. Jonathan shrugged. “It is not quite like the President of Smith Group to be unconfident.” Liliana teased. “It’s not business. I suck at pretty much everything else. I have failed and broken promises.” Jonathan answered sadly. “My mother once said, if you are capable of remorse, you are worthy of redemption.” Liliana consoled him. “I am sorry about your mother,” Jonathan said after taking a deep breath. “That’s quite alright. My mother was an ama
Jonathan listened thoughtfully and agreed that it was most likely the case. He could see it was within Vivian's character, even though he had never paid attention to her. Liliana looked at him for a while and asked, “What’s your story?” Jonathan looked at her in surprise, “My story?” Liliana smiled, “Everyone has a story.” Jonathan thought for a while and answered, “I don’t have any story.” She looked him in the eyes and asked, “I can see the sadness and longing in your eyes. What makes you sad?” He tried to maintain his composure and not blurt out, “You!” As she spun back to his arms, he answered, “I was stupid and blind and got fooled by others. I missed what was most precious to me.” She asked, “Is that why you channeled all your energy into work?” He nodded, “There isn’t anything else to do.” She pitied him. In so many ways, he was still the 13-year-old brooding boy who seemed too sad. Too lonely! She looked away to contain her emotions, but he caught her overwhelming
Jonathan, on the other hand, met with James. “When did you come back?” He asked his bosom friend. “Yesterday. You were too busy being the trending topic,” James mocked. “How is work over there?” Jonathan asked, ignoring his comment. “It’s settled. But I need to send someone reliable to keep an eye on things.” James answered with a frown. “Need any help?” Jonathan offered. “No need. At least not yet,” James declined. “Your date looks familiar.” Jonathan frowned, “What do you mean?” James rolled his eyes, “Just that, literally.” Jonathan looked at Liliana in the distance as he sighed, “It’s her. The girl I met at the beach when I was 13.” James was shocked, “But wasn’t that Lydia Aprice?” Jonathan shook his head. James understood. “She is really something. Their entire family worked to make the perfect lie.” Jonathan looked down at his wine glass thoughtfully without saying anything. James realized something was off and blurted. “She is married with kids.” Jonathan took a
The collaboration of L&L Designs and Smith Group, their press conference, and the welcome bash caused quite a stir. The buzz lasted a week. The internet was on fire. The P City’s upper class could feel the tremors of change. The societies were eager to get their hands on the products of L&L Designs. Social media was divided and kept things trending. Vivian’s lies were exposed, and she was hiding in her house, trying to think of various torturous ways to get back at Liliana. The Jacobsen had a quiet party at their home as Mariana and Liliana both had returned to P City for good. They adored the twins and were happy to get acquainted with Henry, Jenn, and others. The Aprice family was thrown into disarray. They had thought Liliana was dead. Not only was she alive, but she had also firmly established herself as the founder of L&L Design and cooperated with Smith Group without anyone knowing. Lydia Aprice got wind of it abroad and flew back right away. She had only been acting like
Liliana was on her way to the airport when she received a call from Jonathan. “Hey, how have you been?” Jonathan asked. “Since when are you so free to ask that?” Liliana joked. “You did not answer my question,” Jonathan replied. She explained, “I have been fine. The kids are just getting used to the new environment. They have poor health, so they need a few weeks to get used to the new city.” She paused and added, “After the inauguration is over, I plan to take them out and show them their hometown. For now, they are just getting bored at home.” “What about you? Been busy throwing out the flies?” She teased him. “You are always so well informed.” He teased her back. “Do you mind if I visit the kids someday?” “You are more than welcome.” She informed him as an afterthought, “Just so you know, Li likes making robots and cars, and Jo likes designing.” “Thanks! I was gonna ask Henry what they like.” He confessed. “Anyway, I am sure you did not call me to chit-chat.” She got to
After Jonathan and Liam finished talking, Liliana introduced the little guy. “This is Kyle Preston, my Godson. Kyle is three days younger than Jo and Li. I met Kyle’s mom when we were both in the hospital. We both had a complicated pregnancy and had the same doctor. She was a great woman. I am quite indebted to her.” Jonathan offered a handshake to Kyle just like he had done with Liam, rather than treating him like a child. He was adept at reading people and could tell Kyle was intelligent and far more mature for his age. Expectedly, his action created a good impression on Kyle. “It’s nice to meet you, Little soldier,” Jonathan said. Kyle held his hands on his smaller ones with what was his best attempt at a firm handshake. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Smith. Hope we have an amicable relationship as your contributions to the city’s economy are outstanding.” Kyle said, which stunned Jonathan. “The pleasure is all mine. I will ensure I don’t break any laws. It is bad for business
Amidst light-hearted conversation and food cooked by Liliana, the kids and adults all had a good time. During dinner, Liliana asked, “Ready to face the music, Liam!” Liam shook his head, “God help me! I have half a mind to leave Kyle under your care and never tell anyone.” Kyle interrupted, “I am okay with that.” Nathaniel countered him, “No. That’s not acceptable. He is your son. You must grant him his rightful place in the family.” Liam signed heavily, “I never said I would hide him. He is a Preston. He has a place in the family tree. It’s just exhausting having to explain who his mother was.” Kyle looked down sadly, “It’s alright, Daddy. I have Mommy Lil. You don’t have to feel bad.” Liliana shot Liam a dirty look and explained, “What he meant was his family would want to know her whereabouts, which family she was from, and all the details.” “Liam respects your mother too much to dig into her background after she has been long gone. The people who don’t know this might take
The twins continued to play with the toys Jonathan had brought them after lunch. After Liam and Kyle left, she sent the twins for their afternoon nap. Finally, Jonathan and Liliana sat on the swing in the garden as they talked. “You seem very free today,” Liliana broached the topic. “I cleared my schedule,” Jonathan said without mincing it. “I am flattered,” She said with a laugh. “Why does the entire Aprice family hate you so much?” He asked directly. “What do you mean?” She feigned ignorance. “I heard Lydia Aprice came back to P city after our press conference. Lester Aprice and Lydia Aprice have both been looking for you. They even went by your studio in Central Mall. They have something against you,” He clarified. “Alas, the first question you have asked, I am unable to answer. At least not entirely,” Liliana sighed. “Can you tell me how deep the grudge runs? I need to update security accordingly. The Aprices and Stones aren’t invited to the inauguration,” He explained.