Stephanie’s eyes flew open wide as a smile spread across her face. “You’re pregnant?”“No!” I said, suddenly shocked. She was a pediatric surgeon, after all, and was used to dealing with pregnant women. “No, I’m just not feeling well. Now, if you’ll excuse me …” I said, heading toward the bathroom, not waiting for an answer.“Honey, if you’re pregnant, we can help you,” Stephanie said, following me down the hallway. That was the last thing I needed.“I’m not pregnant!” I yelled just before I vomited into the toilet, having had just enough time to raise the lid.“Leila,” Stephanie said, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. “If you’re pregnant with Steven’s baby, then we have rights as grandparents …”“Get out!” I yelled, not in the mood to be having this conversation. “Get out o

Lance squeezed my hand as he sat beside me in the limo, on our way to Caprice Casino, his castle. Actually, it suited him well. I felt as if I was now living two lives: one was a Cinderella, rags to riches scenario; the other was in the normal world as a doctor. Now, the two worlds were starting to collide and I wasn’t sure how it was going to end. “I want you to do me a favor,” Lance said as he squeezed my hand. “I’m afraid I might be too tired for that tonight,” I teased, as a sly smile spread across my face. Lance laughed as he glanced out the limo, then back at me. “No, I want you to have fun this weekend. Everything else, we can deal with on Monday.” I forced a smile, nodding my head. “I hope it’ll be that easy.” “It will be,” he said, giving me a quick kiss on the forehead, still holding my hand. “Trust me.” I smiled then nodded. I really needed a mental vacation and I was determined to allow myself the opportunity to have it, so

We walked through the huge dining hall and into a private room—a much more intimate setting—with the same china, crystal water goblets, wine glasses, and flowers. It took my breath away, for at that moment, I realized that he had booked a private room for us. Lance slipped the maitre d’ a one hundred dollar bill discreetly as a tip before he left.“Well, what do you think?” Lance asked, smiling as he held my chair for me and I sat down.“Lance you didn’t have to go through so much trouble. This is amazing.” I shook out my napkin and placed it on my lap. A waiter stood inconspicuously to the side, awaiting our beckon call.“I hope you do not mind, but I took the liberty of ordering the Chef’s Tasting,” Lance said, shaking out his napkin. The Chef’s Tasting was the best on the menu.“It’s perfect,” I said, beaming. I knew that it was a sampling of the chef’s favo

I woke the next morning and the shades on the windows were already drawn in the hotel room. The shades must have been specially made, as there was no light streaming in through the windows at all, although it was clearly morning. Lance was still behind me, spooning me in his sleep as a broad smile spread across his face.I slid out of bed, careful not to wake him, then headed toward the bathroom and quickly showered. Afterward, I slipped into a luxurious white robe that was hanging behind the door, reminding me of the robe in Lance’s penthouse. I looked into the mirror and my cheeks were bright and rosy, my blue eyes wild, and my hair knotted, matching the wild look in my eyes. I laughed, deciding to look for a brush. I hadn’t packed much. Angela had taken care of the details and I had no idea what she had packed for me.I looked over and on the counter was a small travel bag. I opened it and inside was a complete brush set, blow dryer, my favorite shampoos

In the limo, I looked out the window, taking in the sites. It had been a long time since I’d been to New York. Steven had traveled here often on business and I was rarely invited to go with him, but I couldn’t blame him entirely. I was married to my work at the time. Looking back, it was a wonder that we had stayed married for as long as we had. Maybe that was why he had taken a mistress. Steven had needed someone that would be there for him. I quickly pushed those thoughts aside as we pulled down Fifth Avenue. My heart leapt with excitement as I spotted high-end stores, such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, De Beers, Gianni Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, and much more. Then, I spotted Prada. “Stop here, Clarence,” I said, and he quickly obeyed. There were no parking spaces and the street was crowded, so he said, “Dr. Reynolds, I’ll circle the block and will be right back. If you finish before I return, wait for me.” I nodded and wal