No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

This little rascal really knows how to manipulate people. I lifted her from the car and settled into the Uber Shirley had called.

On the way, I whipped out my phone and ordered a gift for Nancy. Even though she wanted for nothing, I still wanted to show her I cared.

Shirley and her daughter lived in one of Seabreeze City's most upscale gated communities. As soon as we entered, I was greeted by a house festooned with balloons, toys, and garlands.

"This was all Lord's doing," Shirley said as she handed me a pair of slippers.

The lavish display and the sense of occasion made me comment, "He really dotes on Nancy."

"That's true, but what Nancy needs isn't all this... Plus," Shirley glanced at Nancy and then whispered to me, "Nancy's getting older now, and people often mistake Lord for her grandfather when they're out together. She's starting to reject him."

Lord was old enough to be a grandfather, so misunderstandings were bound to happen.

But who could be blamed for that?

If not for her circumstances, would things have come to this?

Nancy, brimming with joy, pulled me into her playroom, insisting I join her in her games.

No kidding, keeping up with a kid is exhausting work. It wasn't long before I felt my energy flagging.

Just then, the gift I'd ordered for Nancy arrived. "Nancy, your sister got you a gift. Let's see if you like it."

I took the moment to rest, realizing I hadn't seen Shirley since we got home.

brought me some coffee and fruit, and I casually inquired, "Where's Miss

nanny looked upstairs,

back to Nancy and her gift, when suddenly Shirley's sharp voice

nanny seemed off earlier; she

ten minutes later, Shirley came downstairs, her

glamorous wavy hair, she said,

be so blunt, but it seemed she wanted to vent. I offered

glanced at Nancy. "He's worried I might stake a claim on his

was momentarily taken aback, Allen's face flashing before my

though I didn't know Allen well, discussing someone else's family matters wasn't my

"Are you looking to make

Lord didn't afford her a claim to the Clark family's wealth,

have me

Lord's woman, they even had

offered together. Even withouret

a formal status,

was an intimacy shared.

wife, believe it or not?" Shirley

secret lover forever. But what about Nancy?

I could ask, Shirley clenched her teeth, "I plan

was stunned. They were together, had a child even; lacking in affection maybe, but wishing death upon each

Shirley's emotions were running

She poured herself a