The next day, Aster sent over a fitted suit and that diamond watch shipped from the Netherlands.
The assistant only stared at me nervously.
I put them on quietly and fixed my appearance.
Aster Olson was correct. Cooperation must not collapse, my sister was still young, and I carry the duty to take back everything that belonged to my grandpa.
The ribbon-cutting event was bright and crowded, with wealthy people across Jacksonville gathered.
When I walked inside the villa’s entrance, the first thing I noticed was that Sean was also present.
Wearing a deep-toned, patterned suit, he stood with a cool, proud air and polished grace.
Aster held onto his arm, greeting people.
Sean’s smile carried triumph and happiness.
My mother-in-law held her own biological grandson, talking cheerfully with several rich women.
All praised the boy, with his wide forehead, lucky features, sure to prosper as he grows.
The second I stepped into the hall, chatter went silent at once. Every pair of eyes shifted toward me.
Aster let go of Sean’s arm and walked over smoothly. “Finley, come look at the baby, he’s honestly very sweet.”
Speaking so, she took my hand, guided me to my mother-in-law, and placed the child into my arms.
Staring at the pale, round little one, a bitter ache rose in my chest.
My fingertips brushed his soft face gently. If only he were my child?
Clearly, I could have been.
Many eyes turned to me, pity, laughter, coldness, …
Sean moved past the group in a hurry, steps tense. “Finley, hand Nikolai back to me.”
I stopped, shock crashing through my thoughts. “You said… his name is Nikolai?”
“Nikolai Olson. Aster said it means two souls tied as one.”
“Waaah!!”
He burst into sharp wails.
My hold went loose, and a chill swallowed my whole body.
She even used our future child’s name for another man’s boy. She wished to join hearts with him?
Nikolai. That was the name we chose when I turned eighteen.
That first night together, she wrapped around me in joy, saying if we ever had kids in the future, we’d call him Nikolai, meaning our hearts would stay linked for life.
Before I could get angry, a clear slap rang through the hall.
Only then did I come back to my senses.
The baby lay on the floor, red blood sliding from his small forehead.
Aster held him tight, her eyes full of anger.