Page 148 of The Baby Twist
We walked into the restaurant and were immediately seated. The waiter walked over to our table and poured water into our glasses.
“Good evening, Mr. Bradshaw. It’s good to see you again.”
“Good evening, Paul. I’ll have a bourbon, neat.”
“And for the lovely lady?” Paul smiled, looking at me.
“I’m just going to stick with water.”
As soon as Paul walked away, Miles narrowed his eyes at me.
“You’re not drinking?” he asked.
“My stomach has been bothering me all day.”
“Again? You really need to see a doctor, Stella. This has been going on long enough.”
“I know.” I picked up my water glass.
“We’re here to celebrate, and you’re not ordering a drink.”
“What are we celebrating?” I asked.
“Bradshaw Capital is officially mine. You’re looking at the new Chairman and CEO.” He grinned.
“Congratulations, Miles. How?”
“Unfortunately, my uncle is incapacitated and will not be back to work for a period of time, if ever.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I looked down. “I hope you’re not happy about his condition.”
“No, I’m not.” He sighed. “I truly hope he recovers.”
Paul approached our table with the bourbon for Miles and took our dinner order.
“Now that you got your company, what about us?”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about,” he said, and suddenly, I felt sick again. “We no longer have to be married, so I’m having my attorney draw up the annulment papers. We can sign as soon as they’re ready, and our marriage will be dissolved as if it never happened.”
My heart started racing, and I fought to hold back the tears.
“I will still give you the other half of the money. With that, you can afford a really nice apartment and still go to school full-time for your doctorate.”
Oh God. The tears were forcing their way through.
“I know it will take you time to find a place, and my realtor is looking as we speak. I gave him your number, so he’ll call you.”
Not only did I feel humiliated, but I also felt an anger that I’d never felt before. I needed to remain in control.
“Okay.” I forced a smile. “You are over the moon about your company. Look at you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.”
“I am, Stella.” He smiled, sipping his bourbon. “It’s what I’ve worked so hard for. You’ll understand that when you get your doctorate.”
“Yeah. I suppose I will.”
We finished dinner and left the restaurant. As soon as we stepped into the penthouse, I set my purse down on the island and kicked off the heels that were killing my feet.
“Let’s go finish celebrating in the bedroom.” Miles smiled.
