Page 89 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

I was relieved and happy Brandon wasn’t taken away. But so many things went wrong. The custody was supposed to be awarded to me, not both of us. The change of last name to Caldwell should have never been allowed.

“That’s wonderful,” Maxim exclaimed. “Best news I heard all year.”

He hugged Brandon, and then, he hugged me. “You must be so relieved, Liberty?”

I nodded, although I wanted to start screaming at Alexander. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

“Let’s celebrate,” Maxim suggested, oblivious to my state of mind. “We’ll have champagne and Brandon can have some ice cream.”

Thrilled with that suggestion, Brandon skipped into the house and Maxim followed.

“You guys coming?” he glanced at us and I started walking.

Alexander took my hand and stopped me. “We need to talk.”

“Later,” I retorted, pulling my hand out of his. I couldn’t think clearly when he touched me.

We all gathered in the family room, and Maxim had ice cream brought for Brandon while pouring champagne for the rest of us. Brandon was full of energy and each happy squeal from him was a jab at my heart.

I should have known the arrangement wouldn’t be so simple. I was so stupid and desperate that my decision was rushed. I should have outlined all my requirements in terms of Brandon’s life, our living arrangements, our sleeping arrangements. How could I let this happen?

You would have lost him if you hadn’t married Alexander and you know it, my mind whispered.

The moment financial stability was brought up or my citizenship status, I would have been at risk losing Brandon if it hadn’t been for Alexander.

Then why was I so upset? Why was I so mad? Alexander said this marriage could be real. It was all too rushed and I hated that all my carefully built walls went up in flames. I didn’t know what to think.

Brandon finished his ice cream in record time and hurried into his room to play with his planes. I had to scoff angrily at myself. And I was worried about competing with his room in Alexander’s house! I would never be able to compete with getting custody from Alexander, a perfect stranger. Lena and Larry were probably turning in their grave.

“What is the matter with you two?” Maxim asked as Brandon left.

I glanced up from my spot on the chair and met Maxim’s gaze. Unsure of what I could or couldn’t say to him, I just shrugged my shoulder.

Alexander stood by the fireplace, his expression unreadable, and it took me back to the day I first saw him in the elevator. His cold eyes were piercing through me now, just like on that first day. Except now, our life was permanently intertwined, I couldn’t see how we’d ever go our own separate ways and never see each other again.

“Ok, you two,” Maxim started. “I’ll chalk this up to all the stress you went through. I’ll go upstairs and check on Brandon. Try to solve whatever the problem is now.”

He walked away without a backward glance. Alexander moved from his spot, and for a second, I thought he was leaving too. Till he shut the door and turned around to face me.

“Now, Liberty.” His calm voice was so opposite of the boiling anger I felt inside me. “Tell me what’s the matter.”

I stared at him incredulously.

“How can you even ask?” I snapped.

“Tell me,” he ordered.

“What is there to tell?” I was raising my voice with each word, shaking with anger. “The deal was for me to get custody of Brandon.”

“And you did,” he replied calmly.

I stood up. “No, Alexander,” I was yelling now. “Wegot custody of him. You and me. Tell me how in the hell is that supposed to work?”

“It was just a precaution by the judge to ensure we are not divorcing tomorrow,” he stated, never raising his tone although I detected anger in his words. “Which we are not.”

“Are you nuts?” I ranted. “They gave us joint custody. Joint fucking custody, Alexander! When we divorce, no judge in their right mind will choose me over the rich and powerful Alexander Caldwell.”

I was walking in circles. I knew my anger was fueling my words. I knew I should have left to go and cool off… but I didn’t.

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