Chapter 10
Lily and Julian froze. Julian’s face lit up: “Chloe–you didn’t send the recordings to the cops. That means you still care, right?”
“Mom, you still love me, don’t you?” Lily piped up.
I shot back, “Since you’re asking for it–Alia, send all the evidence and recordings to the police.”
Six months later, alumni buzzed that Julian and Lily faced charges. Ophelia had died, and Liam’s adoptive parents were suing Julian
too.
Another six months passed. Julian got life in prison for murder, ‘conspiracy, and tax evasion. Lily, still a minor, avoided jail.
From prison, Julian begged me to raise Lily: “Just see her through college. She’s your kid–give her a shot. Please, Chloe.”
I shook my head. “Julian, remember? She faked a broken leg, and I went blind for her. I was blind to trust you both. Blood or not, a kid who betrays you isn’t worth raising.”
I walked out, got in Brendan’s car, and never visited again.
Five years later, Julian’s assistant–out after five years for being an accomplice–said Julian died in prison, killed by enemies he’d made.
Lily? I sent her alimony out of blood obligation, but she spiraled. By middle school, she was stealing, skipping school, smoking, drinking–full–on junkie. Two years later, a drug–fueled joyride left a socialite crippled; she got expelled. I didn’t intervene. Three years on, she died in a car crash while high.
Brendan sighed when he heard. “Regret it? She was still your kid.”
I rubbed my pregnant belly, thinking of our twins. “The day she chose Ophelia, she stopped being my daughter.” I pointed at him. “You better not pull any shit.”
Brendan threw up his hands. “No way, babe.”
Alia pressed a toy gun to his head: “Relax, Chloe. If he cheats, I’ll pop him.”
Five months later, I had twins. Brendan spoiled me rotten, and the kids were angels. Genetics, huh? Our kids didn’t scorn me like Lily did. Guess Julian’s DNA was toxic–their kind just can’t help fucking up.
“Mom, these are for you!” the kids yelled, shoving flowers into my hands.
Yeah, the future’s looking bright.
9455
Marrying Hockey God: W
