Song Rec':- I Wanna Be Yours (violin) - Dramatic Violin.
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E L S P E T H
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This wasn't as bad as I expected. Brunch with investors after two weeks of my stay here in Mayfair.
The warm reception from my family's staff at Loughton's Beverages made me comfortable enough to accept my parents' proposal.
I glanced at my father, engaged in conversation with a few business partners, and a smile crept onto my lips.
I'm exceedingly grateful for the love and support he's given me. Being the head of the legal department comes with a monthly salary and perks like a personal house and a car.
I hadn't thought much about the house part yet. Reese seemed very comfortable at home, but I was scared to let her start school here. Honestly, I was scared to let her go. She was growing up too fast, and after excelling in homeschooling in Ireland, adjusting to a new environment would take time. Especially since she had issues with making friends.
The brunch was held in the company's garden to celebrate a major deal we secured. Aside from the food and casual discussions, I found myself lost in the music, tapping my fingers softly on the table as I watched the orchestra play. With no one to sit with, it felt pleasing to enjoy the moment alone.
"Elsie, dear, come meet someone," my mother's voice snapped me from my reverie.
I looked up to see her standing with a tall, pale-skinned man in a tuxedo. His blonde hair caught my interest; I wondered how much gel he used to achieve that sleek look. Maybe I'd ask him and experiment with Reese's hair.
"Lionel Davidson," he introduced, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Elspeth Loughton," I replied, but when I tried to pull away, he held my hand and kissed it. I carefully cleaned it with the table cloth underneath.
My mother watched us with glitter in her eyes before gliding away like powdered air.
"Is this seat taken?" he asked, pointing to the empty chair at my table.
"No," I answered. I wanted to lie, say yes and make him go away but maybe we could talk business and about this gel.
He sat down, and I could feel his gaze on me while I returned my attention to the orchestra.
"So you, err… you look beautiful this afternoon," he complimented.
"Thank you. You're not bad yourself."
He blushed slightly as he collected a drink from a nearby waiter. "Thanks. You find me attractive—"
"Actually, I just want to know the brand you used. I straightened my daughter's curls recently and love the idea of a styling gel. Does the brand you use have a child-friendly option?"
Lionel blinked twice, clearly taken aback, while my curiosity grew. I needed to know the brand he used.
"The rumors are actually true…" he murmured.
"What rumors?"
"That you have a bastard child. Your mother even lied that she birthed the girl just to cover this up," he chuckled, dropping his empty glass.
Brunch was going so well. I didn't want to ruin it.
I stared into his eyes, my gaze darkening. "Yes, and?"
"Well, I—I…" he stuttered.
"Cat's got your tongue?" I smirked, tearing my gaze away and sipping my orange juice.
I relished how I'd weakened his ego; he could've just answered the question.
Just then, my mother swooped in as if sensing the shift in our conversation. "My oh my, you guys seem to be getting along," she giggled.
Quite the opposite, my sweet mother.
"Glad you came back; I'm leaving," I announced, standing up.
Lionel stood as well. "I'm sorry for what I said. Would you like to go out for coffee or dinner sometime—"
"Yes!" my mother chirped in before looking at me. "She would go with you."
I left them before I could say something I'd regret, something that would add to the rumors circulating about me.
Maybe my mother would go on that date, but I wouldn't make that mistake. It was obvious she had a hand in this, matchmaking me with various people all week.
The rumors were expected, but let them talk. They only had the audacity to do it behind my back. Besides, my family had placed a leash on the press; not a single article about me and my daughter dared to surface.
I returned home early. When I arrived, I found Reese taking a nap. I decided to sleep my anger away; it always worked.
Contrary to Stella's prediction, Heather was returning today. I'd saved the energy I could've used on that creep Lionel specifically for her at the dinner table tonight.
If she misbehaved, she'd get a taste of what I had prepared for her.After my shower, I sat at my vanity to cleanse my face when I heard my bedroom door crack open.
Reese's small feet pattered across the floor, dragging her teddy bear by the ear.
"Hi, baby," I greeted, lifting her onto my lap as I continued to finish my task.
"What is this?" she asked, opening a moisturizer and smelling it. "It's like strawberries." She stuck out her tongue to taste it, and I caught her out of the corner of my eye, dragging it away.
"It's moisturizer, baby. It's for Mummy's skin, not food."
"Oh," she giggled, reaching for a bottle of rose water.
"Reese, drop it," I ordered, trying to remove my sheet mask and let down my hair.
"But I want to see," she protested while I took it away. "I won't drink it, I promise."
She tried to convince me with a pout and her pinky finger out for a pinky promise.
I sighed and checked the drawers for an old container of mentholated baby powder.
Handing it to her, I dropped her on the floor. "Here, use this to dress Teddy up."
Reese took it from me and dragged her teddy to the carpet, making a delightful mess around the house.
I smiled as I watched her from the mirror, carefully imitating my skincare routine. Such a lovely troublemaker.
"Tsk, tsk. Kids must be very hard to raise, aren't they?"
That voice. I flipped my head to the entrance. Heather was home.