Chapter 2

•Daisy•

~•~

“Are we having a feast today, Mommy?” Luna asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she walked out of the room.

A smile curved my lips as I set the last bowl on the table. “Does it look like a feast, baby?” I teased, dropping a plate of fried chicken in front of her.

The table was packed with food, far more than what we were used to. I couldn’t blame Luna for thinking it was a celebration.

“Well, your mom just hit the jackpot, so yes, it’s definitely a feast,” Brynn chimed in as she stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on the apron tied around her waist.

Last night, after she convinced me she’d take care of the kids, we went to bed. This morning, I woke up to a text from Matt… and a $1.5 million alert. He’d kept his word.

Brynn and I danced around the house like two crazy people, laughing until we were breathless, and then we rushed to the grocery store, buying all the food we’d been denying ourselves for so long. Today was special, the last day I’d be seeing my kids for a little while.

“Really?” Luna’s face lit up, her little hands clapping together as she hurried into her chair. “Whoa! I’m so excited!”

Kaiden rolled his eyes, leaned over, and lightly smacked her head. “Go brush your teeth, you dirty girl,” he teased, wrinkling his nose dramatically.

Luna glared at him, hands on her hips. “Of course I haven’t forgotten! And just because you had your bath doesn’t make you a prince, you know!” She stomped her tiny foot and marched back to the bedroom, her pout making me giggle.

“You didn’t have to smack her, Kaiden,” I said gently, trying not to laugh.

He sighed, scratching his head. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I was just reminding her.”

I reached out and ruffled his messy hair. “I know, sweetheart.”

A few minutes later, Luna returned, freshly dressed and squeaky clean. Pride swelled inside me as I watched them. My twins were just six years old, yet they had the attitude of teenagers and could already take care of themselves when I wasn’t around.

I served breakfast, and we all dug in, the sound of Kaiden and Luna moaning in delight filling the room. Every few bites, they reminded me how long it had been since we’d last eaten chicken. It had been beef for weeks straight.

“Careful, or you’ll choke,” I warned softly, watching Luna stuff her mouth full of chicken.

She nodded quickly, cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, and my heart melted.

“Aunt Brynn said you won the jackpot,” Kaiden said suddenly, breaking the silence.

“Yes,” I replied, giving him a small smile. “And remember, no talking with your mouth full.”

He didn’t answer, his little brows furrowed instead. Then, softly, he asked, “Are you leaving us, Mommy?”

My smile froze, my heart giving a sharp, painful thud.

“Kaiden…” I whispered, stunned.

He dropped his chicken, scrambled off his chair, and ran straight into my arms, holding me tightly.

“Don’t leave us, Mom. Please,” he begged, his voice trembling. “We’ll be good. I promise. I’ll take care of Luna. I’ll even help you in the restaurant. Just don’t leave us…”

“Kaiden,” I whispered, cutting him off, my throat tight with tears. “Who told you I was leaving?”

He pulled back slightly, his eyes glassy and wet. “I heard you and Aunt Brynn talking last night,” he admitted, his tiny hands gripping mine as his voice cracked. “Please don’t go, Mommy.”

My gaze darted to Brynn, who already had Luna wrapped in her arms. The sight made my chest ache. I blinked rapidly, forcing the tears back.

I cupped Kaiden’s face gently. “Listen to me, baby. Mommy isn’t leaving you forever. I’m just… going to work,” I said softly, lying through my teeth but trying to sound steady. “I have a new job, and I need to be away for a little while to learn. That’s all. I’ll be back soon.”

Luna let go of Brynn and ran to my side, hugging my waist tightly. I held them both close, kissing their soft hair, memorizing the feeling of having them in my arms.

“Remember I told you about the jackpot?” I said, pulling back to meet their eyes.

They nodded in unison, sniffling.

“Well, this job is part of that. It’s important. But while I’m gone, you two will stay with Aunt Brynn. You’ve always wanted to spend more time with her, remember?”

Luna tilted her head up, her big blue eyes, an exact replica of her father’s, locking onto mine. “Are you sure, Mommy?” she asked softly.

I forced a smile and nodded. “I’m sure, baby. And I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

“When?” Kaiden whispered.

“Soon,” I said gently, kissing both their foreheads. “Very soon.”

Breakfast ended on a bittersweet note. Afterward, we went to the mall, where I bought them new clothes, shoes, and little treats they hadn’t stopped begging for. Their laughter warmed me, easing the guilt sitting heavy on my chest.

By evening, Brynn’s Uber had arrived. Their bags were packed, sitting neatly by the door. Outside, the car waited, engine running.

I knelt in front of Luna, brushing her curls gently from her face. “Be a good girl, okay?”

“Yes, Mommy.” She kissed my cheek quickly and hopped into the car, waving. “Bye!”

I turned to Kaiden, who stood stiffly, his frown tugging at my heart. “Take care of your sister, alright?”

He nodded, hugging me tightly. “Come back for us soon, Mommy,” he whispered, his voice breaking.

“I will,” I promised, kissing his forehead before helping him into the car.

I looked at Brynn next. She had already loaded their bags into the trunk. “Take care of my babies,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

She gave my hand a squeeze. “Always. Don’t worry.”

We hugged briefly, and then she climbed into the car.

“Bye, Mommy!” the twins called out from the window, waving as the Uber drove away.

I stood there, forcing a smile until they disappeared from sight. When I finally turned back to the house, the silence hit me like a weight.

Minutes later, my phone rang. It was Matt.

“Hey,” I answered.

“Are they gone? I feel bad I couldn’t say goodbye,” he said.

“It’s fine. You were busy. They’ll understand,” I replied softly.

“Good. Listen, Scarlett called. Your dress will be delivered in thirty minutes. A driver will come with it, too. Everything’s set. Are you ready?”

I took a deep breath and nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “More than ready.”

True to his word, the dress arrived on time. A long, sleek black gown with a plunging V-neck and a daring slit up the thigh. Paired with silver stilettos and diamond jewelry, it was breathtaking.

I slipped it on and stood before the mirror, barely recognizing the reflection staring back at me. For a moment, I didn’t look like Daisy Reynolds, the struggling single mom. I looked like someone else entirely — someone rich, powerful, and untouchable.

Scarlett had spent a fortune, and it showed.

I finished my makeup, grabbed the matching purse from the bed, and slid the key card inside.

“Go, Daisy,” I whispered to my reflection. “You can do this.”

I headed outside, where the sleek black car waited. The driver didn’t speak a word as we sped off, the city lights blurring past us.

The car pulled up in front of a towering hotel, its glass exterior gleaming under the night sky. I craned my neck upward… it had to be at least fifty stories tall.

“We’re here, ma’am,” the driver said.

I thanked him softly, stepping out and glancing down at the key card in my hand. My eyes widened when I saw the number printed in bold:

100th Floor.

“One hundred?” I whispered in disbelief. Just how rich was the man I was meeting tonight?

Pushing the thought aside, I entered the lobby. A staff member approached me, clearly skeptical, until I showed her the key card. Her demeanor shifted instantly, and she escorted me to the private elevator reserved for penthouse access

.

As the doors slid shut, my phone buzzed. A text from Matt:

‘You’ve got this, Daisy. Call me when it’s over.’

I smiled faintly, sliding my phone back into my purse.

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to reveal the penthouse level. Two tall men in black suits guarded the entry.

My steps faltered. Matt hadn’t mentioned this part.

One of them raised his hand, stopping me. “And you are?”

I swallowed hard, holding up the key card. “Daisy Reynolds,” I said, forcing my voice steady.

They exchanged glances, then stepped aside silently, letting me through.

Well, that was so easy. 

I exhaled a shaky breath and entered.

The moment the door opened, my lips parted in awe. This… wasn’t just luxury. This was power.

Marble floors. Glass walls. A skyline view that seemed endless. Everything screamed wealth.

My heels clicked softly against the polished tiles as I walked deeper inside. By the floor-to-ceiling window, a tall man stood with his back to me, hands buried in his pockets.

“Is that the one I’ll be dealing with?” I whispered under my breath, my heart thundering in my chest.

I inhaled sharply, gathering every ounce of courage I had left, and approached him slowly.

“Hello there,” I said, my voice smooth, practiced, even seductive.

The man turned.

And my blood ran cold.

“No…” I whispered, taking a step back. “It can’t be…”

But those eyes, those icy blue eyes I once knew better than my own, told me everything I needed to know.

Vladimir Romanov.

The dangerous Bratva king, and…

The father of my children.