Page 52 of Lost Paradise

“But not in England?” Eve asks, confused.

“His mother is a blood relative of the Romanovs, the last royal family of Russia, and his grandfather is related to the Rothchild family,” I explain.

Until Hawthornes, my life never crossed his regardless of the fact that we’re very distant relatives, most likely through marriage rather than genetics.

“And what about you?” Eve asks curiously. There’s something very genuine about her question and one I shouldn’t answer.

I can feel my pulse quicken, my palms growing clammy. What could I possibly confess that wouldn't make me seem like even more of a loser? But before I can muster the courage to speak, the Astro’s eyes lock onto mine, a knowing glint shining in the fire's glow.

"Well, buddy," he drawls, "why don't you go next? Got any juicy confessions for us?"

I feel a flush of anger rising in my chest, but I swallow it down, plastering on a fake smile instead. "Nah, I'm good," I mutter, hoping he'll drop it.

But he doesn't. He leans in closer, that smirk still firmly in place. "Oh, come on, don't be shy. We're all friends here."

I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting expectantly. My mind races, searching for something, anything to say that won't expose me for the pathetic creep I am. And then, in a moment of desperation, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

Chapter 16

“My father’s Lazzard,” Byronblurts out, and it’s obvious he instantly regrets saying it, but I have no idea who that is.

Judging by the other three Brits here and their sudden surprise, they know who he is.

“You?” Astro huffs a laugh. “I’m calling that bullocks.”

“Who is Lazzard?” Zane asks, interrupting the snide remark I have ready on the tip of my tongue and aimed at Astro, the asshole.

“My mother, fresh out of university, extended her visa to work alongside my father's private secretary,” Byron begins to explain, ignoring Zane's question. “Initially, she had little interaction with my father until his secretary fell ill with infectious TB and was quarantined at home. During the brief overlap, they had an affair, leading to my conception, a secret she kept even from him.”

“Why did she keep it a secret?” I ask, now leaning away from Zane, fully immersed in Byron and his story.

“Coming from a prestigious Hong Kong family, an unwed pregnancy would lead to ostracism. She concealed it, avoiding hospital visits. When her pregnancy became apparent, it was brought to my father’s attention. He knew the tabloids would have had a field day sending a heavily pregnant woman out of the country, especially from his household.”

“Did he acknowledge you as his child then?” I ask curiously, but Astro huffs a sarcastic laugh.

“No, and he’s lying.” Astro sneers at him.

“And how would you know?” I snap at him. Jack should have let Foster and Zane destroy him earlier.

“Maybe I am,” Byron interjects. “There’s a big chance we’ll get off this island, and five peoplewill know England's biggest well-kept secret. There’s also a big chance we’ll never get rescued, or we’ll kill each other or be eaten by the cannibals before anyone realizes we’re stranded here.” He says, grinning at me with amusement.

“England's biggest well-kept secret?” I ask, still confused. “Is Izzard someone important?”

“Lazzard,” Byron clarifies. “It’s a well-known nickname.”

“Because that will mean,” Astro explains, “that the next line for the crown of England has an illegitimate child. And had it with his intern.”

“What!” Zane and I spit out simultaneously, and we stare at him with gapping mouths.

“You’re royalty?” Zane asks, grinning, quickly recovering from the initial shock.

“No, he’s not,” Astro interjects firmly. “Nice story, though, knobhead.”

“Yes, he is,” Jack confirms but doesn’t elaborate.

“Well?” I ask, eager for clarification. There’s no doubt that he’s only part Asian, but that still doesn’t mean he’s royal-related.

“My mother had complications throughout her pregnancy but never saw a doctor about it. She was young and too scared. She suffered from preeclampsia and had to go into early delivery in an attempt to save both of us. I survived she didn’t. My father knew he was the father. He said even if he wasn’t, he would have still provided care for me. A paternity test proved I was his son. But at that time, he was already engaged to his current wife, so I was kept as the secret son from the public.”

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