She handed me a bottle of water anyway and a travel packet of Aleve. I furrowed my brow and took both.
“I figured you’d need it during these stressful times.” Mr. St. James winked.
“Thanks.” Once again, the billionaire was right.
After taking the pain meds and drinking the water, I settled into my chair. All I could think about was Simone. If Mr. St. James could get my brother and me out of this mess, I could have forever with Simone—if she ever forgave me for shattering her heart.
I hoped to God she was okay.
25 Simone
I NEVER FELT so numb and alone in all my life. And furious. What in the hell happened the last two weeks? Was he just lying to me? Playing a part? I didn’t want to believe it.
Axel loved me. I would bet my life on it.
There was one person who might know what was going on. After I cried it all out, I took a long shower, then got dressed and headed to Will and Miranda’s estate. If my brother didn’t know what was going on with Axel, I would feel hopeless for sure.
But I didn’t want to give up on Axel just yet. What was between us was magical. I’d only ever dreamed of having a man look at me the way Axel did. Or the way he talked to me and loved me.
The guard cleared me at the gate, so I drove my Tesla through and parked in the circular driveway. I fidgeted with the hem of my skirt as I rang the doorbell. Being back here felt strange. I couldn’t wait to make happy memories here to forget the day I discovered I was being followed by my trainer’s ex-boyfriend. I shuddered, remembering the pictures. God, I wished I could wipe them from memory. In time, I hoped I would forget all about them.
The door opened. Sean, Miranda’s bodyguard, greeted me with a nod.
“Hey, Sean. Is Will here?”
He closed the door behind me. “No. He went out. Should be back in another hour or two. Depending on traffic.”
“That’s strange. I thought he wasn’t leaving Miranda alone. She could go into labor any moment.” Her due date was in two weeks, but they found out the baby had dropped at her last appointment, and her cervix was softening. I didn’t know anything about these things. I was just excited to be an auntie soon.
Sean shrugged and jerked his chin up the stairs. “Miranda is upstairs. You can ask her about it. I just follow orders.” He winked.
“Gee, thanks.”
I peeked in the nursery before heading to the master bedroom, where I knew Miranda spent most of her time these days. My heart fluttered as I took in Mia’s room. It was breathtaking and whimsical. Perfect for our little princess. My mother had ordered custom furniture. Sheer white curtains hung on the windows, and the walls were a light shade of gray. Everywhere my eyes landed, there was something pink. And, of course, the finest crystal chandelier hung from the middle of the ceiling. Breathtaking. There was no theme like ponies or baby ducks. It was all tasteful and refined, much like my mother and Miranda. I was sure Mia would have the best childhood ever.
I continued to Will and Miranda’s room and softly knocked. “Hello?”
“Simone? Come in. I’m in my chair.”
I snickered. Miranda lived in a recliner she hated. It was pretty and expensive, but it was a recliner so she hated it and wouldn’t let it be seen by anyone. It had been put in her bedroom where it could be hidden. She cracked me up. I was sure it was her nitpicky wedding planner brain calling all the shots.
“Hi, momma, how are you feeling?”
Her hands covered her mouth. “Oh my God, what happened? You’ve been crying.”
Damn, she sure was observant. I couldn’t hide hide my swollen eyes with makeup.
“It could be nothing, or it could be something. I stopped by to question my brother. How dare he leave you alone?” I set my hand on her stomach and waited for the kick. And waited. And waited. I arched my brow at Miranda.
“She’s probably sleeping. Lord knows she doesn’t sleep at night.” She prodded her belly. “Wake up, Mia. Auntie Simone is here to see you.”
Mia was never quiet. She was always kicking and tormenting her mother.
“Have you had a snack recently?” I nudged Miranda’s belly. “Didn’t they say it could help get the baby moving?”
“I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“I’ll go get you something. What would you like?” It was good to have my attention diverted off Axel.