********************CHAPTER-FORTY-SIX********************BRINLEY.I waited and watched as Xander and Charles stepped into the car from afar. Xander was giving Charles a tour of the orphanage today, and as much as I wanted to be there, I had another thing to do, something that I couldn't do if Charles were around the palace today.I dig through the freshly packed dirt to retrieve Caliana's box. I needed to keep it safe, and the Caputo kingdom was not a safe place to hide it. I couldn't risk Charles finding that amulet is too powerful for his hands. Once I got the plastic wrapped box, I ran to Xander's car and started the ignition.I knew one place that Charles or nobody would think to look for it, a place where it would be safe until I could put it in Caliana's hands.The Deluca Kingdom.Knox and Lucy were visiting her parents for the weekend so now was the perfect time to hide this thing.********As I pulled up into the Deluca Kingdom, I knew where I was hiding the box. It was m
**********************CHAPTER-FORTY-SEVEN**********************BRINLEY.ONE YEAR LATER...I never waited to face any of this alone. I thought that Xander and I went through so much that nothing would ever break us apart. But, if it wasn't for Charles threatening Dominic's life, if I didn't give him what he wanted, I couldn't risk him hurting my baby or letting that amulet fall into Charles's hands. Charles left me no choice; I had to run. I know Xander will never give up looking for me; I also know neither will Charles. Knox destroyed my phone and gave me cash to not have to use my credit cards. No doubt Charles and Xander would be looking for that. I didn't tell Knox where I was going. He dropped me off at a bus station, and I took it from there.Dominic is two now and is currently undergoing his heart surgery, and to say I was a nervous wreck would be an understatement. I can't stop pacing the halls chewing on my nails, and my heart stops every time I see a doctor in blue scrub
**********************CHAPTER-FORTY-EIGHT**********************BRINLEY.TWO YEARS LATER.I hold tightly onto the orange envelope in my hands. I do this every time. It's hard to let it go, but I know Xander wants to know about his son. I had so much to tell Xander. So much had happened this past year. Dominic turned three a few months ago, and I sent him a few pictures. Of course, I had him with a fake background so he could trace us. I told him how close Dominic was to the girl and her daughter that moved in with us.I didn't tell him their names, but I did tell Xander that I had been helping her because she was in trouble. Sofia and I help each other out a lot, and we both have to use Betty on most days, but she doesn't mind. She loves Molly and Dominic. I let go of the envelope and sighed. I begin my walk back home, a few towns over, and it takes me a while; sometimes, I catch a cab.Sofia and I moved into the empty four-bedroom apartment. Dominic and Molly have their own roo
*********************CHAPTER-FORTY-NINE*********************BRINLEY.THREE YEARS LATER.Things went from Dominic, and I was getting by to barely surviving this year. I no longer call Knox once a year. Cherry called after I left Hillispoint and told me three men threatened to kill her if she didn't tell them where I was.Cherry told them she fired me for being rude to a customer who was a lie, but it kept her safe.I broke my phone and threw it out of town before ditching Rubens's car.I hitched rides from strangers with Dominic for hours and days at a time.I know Charles will keep looking high and low for me; he wants Caliana's book.I managed to get Dominic and me a run-down apartment that looked worse than the one we had before.But at least it's a roof over his head.I got a job working for a lawyer in our new town Hopedale. It's a long way from the Caputo kingdom.I mostly fill out the paperwork or look over the lawyer's case files and make sure he didn't miss anything he coul
****************CHAPTER- FIFTY****************BRINLEY.The palace hasn't changed in these five years since I've been away. It's still beautiful."Mom, can I go explore?" Dominic asks."You can after I show you your room," I nod.Kyle stops at the staircase and turns toward me."Xander just asked if you could meet him in his office," Kyle says."I can after I show the kids their rooms," I pause. "Unless Xander doesn't want us to stay?"Kyle shakes his head."This is your home, Brinley; pick any rooms you will like,""Dominic's old room is still there," He adds."I want the room across from the rooms with the adjoining doors. In case my little one gets scared, she can run into Dominic's room,""Okay," Kyle nods.****"Dominic, don't go too far. I have to talk to your father. I will be right back. Let your sister sleep," I tell him, and Dominic nods.I walk downstairs to Xander's office and knock on his door."Come in," His deep raspy voice is as I remember.I open the door and walk i
*******************CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE*******************BRINLEY.It's been a few since I returned to the palace. Things between Xander and me are excellent. We've been taking things slow, and I regret that when he looks so damn good.Dominic and Xander have formed a bond, and they love doing things together. Caliana and Xander have also developed a bond, and Xander says he is getting his shotgun cleaned when she's older.I laugh at him. He is so in love with her, just like me.One look into those big brown eyes, and you fall.Xander said since I never called off, the engagement was still engaged, so he gave me back a ring.So, after a lot of thinking I decided on a date."May 13th?" Xander repeats, and I nod."But that's a year away,""I know," I nod."Katie and Kelsy are planning the wedding as we speak,"Xander raises a brow."Are you sure you want those two planning our wedding?" He asks.I shrug."Less stress on me,"Xander chuckles."Whatever you want, baby,"******I was hangi
********************CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO********************THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING.Brinley."Do I have to?"Katie narrows her eyes."Yes! Xander is going to his bachelor party tonight as well,""So?"Katie groans."Brinley, you're going out with us girls. It's final," She says, walking away from me.I sigh.I knew having Katie and Kelsy plan my wedding was a terrible idea. They went all out, and all I asked for was a simple wedding, but neither Katie nor Kelsy knew what the word simple meant. I'll do the big wedding and puffy dress but do I have to attend my bachelorette party? I mean, what's the sense in it?Ugh.Maybe I could pretend to be sick?I shake my head.That won't work. Kelsy would see right through it.I walk into the kitchen, grab a bagel and glass of orange juice, and head to the gardens.I sat on the wooden glider, rocked back and forth, and ate my bagel.It's so peaceful here when it's quiet, and you enjoy the beautiful flowers. The smell in the gardens is lovely
************EPILOGUE**********FIVE YEARS LATER.BRINLEY.Again, I am back to the dark place of mind as I pace the hospital floor.Caliana called for me, and Xander when Dominic passed out in her room.Dominic is having heart surgery again.Dominic is twelve now, and Caliana is nine. These last five years have flown by, and Xander and I are proud that the kids are turning out.Kyle had to take Xander outside to calm him down. When Jacobs didn't have any news, Xander tried to hurt him, but Dr. Jacobs didn't mind his behavior. His words were, "Xander is frightened, and he should be.""Brinley, I got you a coffee,""Thanks, mama,"Delores nods."Have you heard from Gabby?" I ask.Delores shakes her head."She says her honeymoon is going great," Delores says."I still cannot believe she's married, and Eric is already sixteen," Delores mutters.I nod."At least you get to watch them grow; what if I never get to see Dominic grow up?""You will,"******"Brinley, Xander," Dr. Jacos says."