Page 34 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“I’m at Mum’s like I told you,” he replied. “Are you okay? Has something happened to the baby?”

“I need you to come and get me,” Lucy said. “Take me home. Put me to bed, whatever.”

“Are you okay?”

“No,” Lucy sobbed. “No. Um… I think I just broke up with my best friend and resigned from my job.”

“What?”

“It’s complicated. I can explain, but I need you to come here.”

“I will leave Malcolm, okay? He’s napping.”

“That’s fine, but then it’s twice the work driving?—”

“Mum or Bruno can bring him. I will be just a minute.”

Malcolm was at his mother’s London home, the family seat. He wasn’t far. Even in London traffic, it wouldn’t take long. The gate rang Lucy upon his arrival, prompting her to grab her things and dash. She boarded the car, still crying.

“What happened, Lucy? You’re not making sense.”

“Natalie and Ed cannot have a baby. It’s a long story, but they aren’t able to. It’s over. And she wanted to avoid pregnant women—including Sanne. I understand and respect that. But... I told her the truth and she would feel better if I quit my job.”

“Lucy, that’s unfair. She’s your best friend and boss, but… she cannot sack you! It’s against the law and you are the best person for the job?—”

“It’s not that,” Lucy shook her head. “I offered, she took it. You don’t understand. Natalie is in miserable, unbelievable pain, Tony. This is the best for her and me, too. It might end us if I stick around. I wouldn’t want to. It’s just a sign that it is time.”

“But, Lucy, you two love each other.”

“I know. And I always will. It’s not that we will never see one another again. She cannot imagine a world in which they aren’t there for Malcolm. She doesn’t want to hurt me. This is something I offered. I was compassionate. It is the best I can do.”

“It feels very unfair. Let me talk to her.”

“Do not talk to her—or Ed! If he says something, that’s fine. But right now is not the time to mention this. Let’s give them space and support them when they tell us we can help.”

“Well, maybe it is for the best,” Winston sighed.

“What?”

“Mum wants me to take a more active interest in the estate. I don’t need to be present, but I told her you were pregnant, and she suggested we move back?—”

“Tony! I didn’t tell her you could tell her!”

“She’s my mother! Jesus, Lucy! You act like you’re ashamed to be carrying my child!”

“That is unfair, and you fucking know it!” Lucy sobbed. “Stop the car.”

“What?”

“Stop the fucking car!”

“I am not stopping the car!”

“Stop the car or so help me!”

Winston stopped the car and Lucy hopped out.

“Where are you going?”

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