Page 9 of Broken Bonds

The man takes my arm and without warning, begins to drag me to the exit.

The last thing I want to do is make a scene, but I resist as much as I can, at first by staying still. But the man is stronger than me and in front of the staff’s astonished gaze, he picks me up like a rag doll.

“Don’t try to come back,” he warns, when he has finally ushered me into the confined space of the elevator. “They aren’t going to let you through the door. I’ve already taken care of that.”

Oh yeah? Watch me!

“None of you can keep me away from my husband. I have the right to be here.”

He crosses his arms over his chest, looking more intimidating. I might be a small-town girl without much experience in these types of matters, and no more than two cents to rub together to my name, but they don’t know how stubborn I can be.

I’m not going to let them walk all over me, I must be able to do something. I’ll even make a fuss to make myself heard.

The paparazzi at the entrance would help my case.

The man doesn’t bother to escort me to the building’s main entrance, it gives me the opportunity to look for a little corner to gather myself together and think about what my next step will be.

I’m sitting there scrolling through my phone when someone touches my shoulder.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you, but you know I was listening,” the same dark-haired woman who witnessed the discussion with Lionel’s mother tells me as she sits down in the chair next to me. “I’m Alexandra Conrad, my husband is Lionel’s friend.” On her left hand is a stunning diamond ring that shines, her husband was definitely making a statement by putting that rock on her finger.

I hope this isn’t some kind of scheme, because I like this woman, she has a friendly face. Had we met under other circumstances, I think we would be friends.

“Stella Kral,” I reply.

“Nice to meet you, Stella Kral.” She smiles as she pulls out a state-of-the-art phone from her designer purse.

I turn my attention back to my phone. My plan is to search the internet for something about California law. Our marriage is perfectly legal, and Lionel isn’t underage, so I need to talk with the hospital management and let them know what’s happening here.

There are many lies brewing up between us like a storm.

I am Lionel’s wife, and I deserve to be treated as such.

I’m not going to let them silence my voice.

“So what is happening? How is it that Lionel got married without telling Johanna? He’s the apple of her eye, I’m sure the news of him being married must have been like being drenched with a bucket of ice water.”

“I’m as surprised as she is,” I admit, a little embarrassed but it’s the truth. Also, it wasn’t my choice to lie. “Lionel told me he grew up in an orphanage.”

Alexandra smiles. “And he did, as I understand it, that story isn’t a secret. The Krals adopted Lionel when he was just over five years old. Lionel’s father, Anton, passed away a few years ago and since then Johanna’s life revolves around her son.”

Boy, it seems Lionel and I have something in common after all.

“I had no idea about any of this,” I start to tell her. “I swear, ‘til this morning, I didn’t know about his money and business.”

“My husband is on his way,” she informs me. “We have about twenty minutes for you to tell me everything before he arrives, then we’ll see what can be done.”

I tell her the story as best I can, even showing her some of our photos together.

“That’s definitely Lionel,” she says as she takes a look at my Instagram account.

“My mother made me bring my marriage certificate.” And that was such a blessing. “I think she had a hunch this wouldn’t be a pleasant meeting.”

Alexandra chuckles. “Mothers know it all.” Then she bursts out laughing. “Well, unless you’re Johanna Kral. Sorry, I’m such a horrible person.”

I laugh too. “It feels like this is my first breath of fresh air, Alexandra.”

She smiles again. “What are you planning to do?”

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