Chapter 69
I was a little confused, still not sure what he meant by his words. Before I could think too much about it, we had already pulled up to the Smith family’s villa
Shirley was waiting by the door to greet me. She took my hand in hers, her voice full of concem. “Your hand is so cold! You should’ve worn komething warmer with this weather”
Im fine. Mom.” I smiled, feeling a little warmth from her attention. Only a real mom would notice something like that,
She pulled me wide, where I greeted:
meeting and wouldn’t be home for Hooked around the living room, but Ben wasn’t there. Shirley explained that Ben had a last–minute
“Are you hungry, Natalia! Want some dessert!” Mary asked kindly
I shook my head. “No, I’m good. Let’s wait for Dad to get home and cat together”
“Alright, unce you’re not hangry, come on upstairs and I’ll show you your new room!” Shirley grinned and led me to the elevator.
The villa was huge, there floors in total. The room Shiticy had set up for me was on the third floor, the master bedroom, with a big balcony.
Everything was decorated in pink, almost like a little girl’s dream room.
room. I figured Shirley was trying to make up for the childhood I never had.
From the balcons, I could see the hackyard filled with oumanthus flowers, just like she had told me
“Hove it. Thanks, Moni” I said, squeezing her arm and smiling.
Shirley
cheamed back at me, clearly thrilled. She took my hand and showed me around the rest of the villa. “This is your home now, Natalia,”
When Ben finally got home, we had a huge
e dinner together.
“Next Tuesday’s my birthday, Ben said with a smile. I’m going to introduce Natalia at the party, and everyone will know she’s our daughter.”
He looked over at Shirley, then turned to me. “Since you’ve come back your mom can’t stop talking about you. She wants to see you every chancr the pets so make sure you spend some time with her when you can.”
Ben and Starley were so affectionate with each other, and honestly, I think that’s why Shirley always seemed so young. Their love was contagious, and I couldn’t help but feel lucky to be in such a warm family.
After dinner, it was already around nit
nine. I offered to take Mary back to the nursing home and then head to my apartment. I was also m
missing
When I got there, he had just finished eating and had fallen asleep. I stood by his crib, watching him sleep so peacefully, and in that moment, my
“Hang on. Benedict. I’ll bring you home soon,” I whispered softly. “Mom and Dad love me, and they will love you too
1 was onmain of it now. After tar barthday party. I was going to tell Shirley about Henedict and bring him to live with the Smiths. That way. I wouldn’t have to worry about anyone taking him, and York couldn’t threaten ne anymore
thanking this, my phone rang. I quickly muted it so I wouldn’t wake Henedict and stepped out of the room to an
answer
“Hello” (and not recognizing the number
A alarge, unfamiliar voice responded “Natalia. How do you like the gift i gave you?”
My lean dropped. I instantly thought of the und had gotten carlier. “Who is this?” I asked, trying to keep i
keep my voice steady. “Do we know each
The wonun koffert. You don’t know me, but you know my son. Her voice took on an icy tone. “You used my son as a scapegoat to get your sont hacă. Do you trally think you got away with that
Dior. My head went blank. This was the another of the baby Aiden had swapped for Henedict, the one who had been close to dying
in she had abandoned that baby at the sanatorium How did she know about the swap? How did she even and me?
idea what you je talking about” I tried to stay calm, but inside, my mind was racing
inking sparkly. I didnt want to give her any information, so I figured I would play dumb and see if she had any real proof. “You hair to pleat the stapped, her tone cold. inr, then I’ll just call theropa!” She sounded like she meant it, as if she was ready to hang up right
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12:09 PM ·
Chapter 69
“Wait!” I said, cutting her off. My heart skipped. I couldn’t let that happen. If the police got involved, Aiden would be ruined.
I took a breath and forced myself to stay calm. “What do you want?” I asked, trying to sound firm.
could hear her smile on the other end. “Ms. Hinton, you’re straightforward. I like that,” she said, but her voice quickly turned serious. “I don’t want much. Just hush money, 300 thousand dollars.”
My stomach dropped. I don’t have that kind of cash” I said, hoping she would back off.
She wasn’t letting me off the hook. “If you don’t have it, then get it. You’ve got three days, I’ll send you the bank details soon. If you don’t pay up. I’ll call the cops.
Before 1 could say anything else, she hung up. A text popped up shortly after with the account number.
I was stuck. I hated getting Aiden involved, but I had no choice. I couldn’t let this blow up and I couldn’t risk Benedict’s identity being exposed. I I was needed to get the money
300 thousand. I didn’t have that much, so I called Shirley. She didn’t hesitate. After I told her what happened, she immediately wired me 630 thousand dollars and said. “If you need more, just ask.”
Vover
I sent the money over to the woman, and after that, she didn’t reach out again.
Before I knew it, it was Tuesday. Ben’s birthday party was coming up, and it was set to be at the fanciest hotel in Enschester. Shirley had already had. a gown nude for me
In the hotel dressing room, I sat in front of the mirror as the makeup artist worked her
“Mrs. Smith, is this makeup okay?” she asked Shirley, who was standing behind me.
Shirley walked on
like a princess!”
magic
over and smiled, giving me a quick once–over. “My daughter is already gorgeous, but with this dress, she looks even more stunning.
“Mom, come on, don’t embarrass me.” I said, blushing a little.
Shirley just grinned, spinning my chair around so I could see for myself. “If you don’t believe me, take a look.”
The
makeup artist was definitely skilled, she had worked with celebrities. My almond eyes, red lips, and those waves in my hair made me look totally different. The moon silver gown was the cherry on top. I barely recognized myself.
It reminded me of the last time I’d gotten this dressed up; my wedding with Quinn, three years ago.
The makeup artist, trying to flatter, said, “Ms. Hinton’s got the same beauty as Mrs. Smith. With just a bit of makeup, she could beat a whole crowd of celebrities.
Shirley couldn’t stop smiling
“Natalia, come on. I want everyone to know you’re my most precious daughter,” she said, glancing at the time before leading me out of the dressing
TOOML
Chapter 70
