The Boss, His Baby, and Me のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

It had been three days since that horrible incident. My eyes were still swollen, but I could open them a little. My body still hurt, and I was covered in bruises. I still feel awful when I remember Xander—his assaults and his complete lack of shame. I shiver and get overwhelmed just thinking about it. But when I remember Oliver bursting in and pulling that monster off me, right as he was about to rape me, I feel a wave of relief. The psychologist working with me asked me to focus only on the positive, and I've been trying hard to do that. Denise came to the capital and had been taking care of Noah. She had been by my side the whole time, making me laugh and helping me forget the bad things. The nurse looking after me was named Sara, she was 45 and incredibly attentive—she was amazing. When the three of us were together in the room, it was nothing but laughter. Oliver had been so sweet with me. I didn't even have the words to thank him for mobilizing all those people to find me as

"What?" I asked in disbelief. "Wait, before you start your scene, let me speak!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Look at you, Aurora, living the good life in a mansion, vacationing at the beach, sleeping with a filthy rich man." "Mom!" I tried to speak. "And me? What do I have?" she started crying. "First, when your father died, he left me alone to raise you, and I lived like a dog just so you wouldn't go hungry." "Mom, for God's sake, that's not the same thing." "No, it is!" she shouted. "If Xander goes to prison, I'll have to start all over again. With a child to care for, I'll lose my job, because you know I only have it thanks to him. How will I support the house? How will I pay for Alice's school?" she screamed, hysterical. "Stop shouting, Mom." Alice got scared by the yelling and ran over to see what was going on, and to my surprise, she ran into my arms, frightened. "You've already got the life you dreamed of, so think carefully—if not for me, at leas

Judgment day had arrived. I was feeling much better—my bruises had lightened, though not completely vanished. I was relieved because Oliver and Samuel handled the case so well that the trial moved swiftly. "Want a little makeup?" Denise asked. "Not a chance, Denise. I want everyone to see what that monster did to me." "Has your mother reached out again?" "No, I haven't heard a word from her." "Are you nervous?" "A little—but I trust Xander will get a strong sentence. I just worry about my sister's future." "If your mother refuses to take responsibility, you could petition for custody." "I wish that were possible, Denise, but where would I raise her when I live where I work and care for Noah full time?" "Mr. Oliver wouldn't mind—I'm sure." "Stop with your ridiculous ideas. I've caused enough trouble; I won't burden Oliver further." "I'm not creating problems—I'm offering solutions!" Denise laughed as she left the room, thinking she had logic on her side. But thin

"What?" Samuel started laughing. "What a scoundrel!" "Please, don't tell Oliver I said that, okay? Please." "Don't worry." He paused his smile, and I didn't understand why. "Look, if you want, I can start the paperwork. Pay me however you can." "I'd really like that. I'm worried about my little sister, but I'm afraid of messing up and ending up owing both you and Oliver, and then not having the means to take care of her." "I'll find a solution for you. If we can prove your mom can't take care of her, you'll get custody." "But I'm afraid of taking Alice away from her, you know? What if her problem was only with me? It wouldn't be fair to take a child away from her mother." "Well, there are all kinds of mothers—you already have an example with Noah's mom." I went silent. I couldn't let on that I knew the full story about Liana, and I especially couldn't say that the one who told me everything was Denise—his girlfriend. "You're right, there are all kinds of mothers." "Do

Oliver appeared in the living room wearing jeans and a light blue shirt. He sat down on the couch and started watching Noah. "When's his next vaccine?" "In five days, sir." "Did you already buy everything needed for the reaction?" "Yes." "We're going out this afternoon at five, dress him in something light—it's really hot." "Alright." Oliver stayed seated, and I remained on the floor. A deafening silence hung between us—it was like we were strangers. Not that we ever had much intimacy, but there was a time when things were much better. "On the last day of the fair, you'll have the day off and can go out. I already asked Denise to stay with him." I nodded. I wasn't sure I'd go—my only friend was Denise, and she'd be working. I had no way to get to town or back alone. Even though it was nearby, the road was dark at night. But still, I said nothing. I'd talk to Denise later and tell her I'd probably go on the last day of the fair—though, truthfully, I probably wouldn't