pay my mother a Sunday morning visit and put an end to the mystery surrounding my birth and subsequent rejection. The media pack I had produced to keep the wolves at bay served its purpose, but what I need now is the truth. Only then will we be able to plan for the future with certainty and some degree of contentment.
There are things only Madam Duvall can explain, but whether she will is a matter for her conscience alone to decide.
Sunday
AYDEN WAS UP WITH the larks this morning. I was a sleepy observer. From beneath my duvet, I watched him dress. Caught in an updraft, a fresh shirt billowed and like a collapsing parachute landed on his muscular chest and arms, covering and caressing them in crisp, white cotton. His suit trousers were next; they slid from the hanger and clung to his ass like a second skin of navy blue. With little thought, he selected a tie and wrapped it around his collar while he slipped on a belt, socks and shoes. I was transfixed. When he bent to pick up his watch and phone from the bedside cabinet, our eyes met.
“What day is it?” I asked, rubbing my eyes with my fingertips.
“It’s Sunday, go back to sleep. There’s somewhere I have to go.” He perched on the side of the bed and stroked my hair. “I’m going to see my mother at the chateau. I need to know the truth about my birth and what happened. She’s the only one with the answers.”
I sat up in bed. “Why didn’t you tell me? I’d have come with you.”
“No. Not this time. This is something between her and me. She’ll be more likely to talk freely if I go alone.” He kissed my nose. “One look at your sweet face and she’ll close up faster than a fish’s ass.”
We laughed. I arranged his checked blue tie and sent him on his way. “Give her my best, and say hi to Sofia from me.” I smiled sweetly.
He sneered. “She won’t be there. Last I heard she was in London at some fashion show, probably with Alenka…”
At that, my sweet face was transformed by a very curious frown. “Why would she be with Alenka?” I enquired impulsively.
Realising that he had let the cat out of the bag, he stood. “They’ve been friends for a while.”
“I didn’t know that.” I slithered beneath the duvet.
“Me neither, until a fortnight ago when Sofia came here.” He slumped against the door frame, his hands in his pockets.
“She came here? I didn’t know that either.” I rolled over. “Looks like there’s a lot I don’t know. Have a safe flight, Ayden. Let me know when you get there.”
I heard him sigh. “I don’t have time to explain now, but I will when I get back. Okay?”
I didn’t answer.
He shot off to catch his flight, leaving that bombshell in his wake.
There I was blissfully unaware of so many things … until that moment.
I’m sipping decaffeinated coffee, and half-heartedly shopping on the Internet, having consulted The New Mum’s Guide to Parenting—one of the many manuals available for us newbies. So far I’ve read two chapters; now I’m ready to order a baby bath and feeding bottles with a selection of teats. I’ll be moving on to bedding and changing mats next…
If only I could stay focused…
Instead, I give in to curiosity and Google Alenka and Sofia Duvall … et voila!
Why the hell had I never seen them together before? Why had it not occurred to me that they may frequent the same circles?
I need some answers.
They could be acquaintances, not friends. They have an active social life … it’s inevitable that they will meet occasionally—there will be lots of fashion shows, celebrity parties and corporate events…
I scroll down.
…but not holidays, birthday bashes, and selfies…
My God!
They are almost connected at the hip, sisters; two of the world’s most beautiful women sought after by men in every continent—both related to Ayden in one way or another.
I sit back on the sofa, trying to rationalise why it matters. What has it to do with Ayden and me? In spite of what has been reported lately, he sees Alenka as a friend, and nothing more. And as for Sofia … well, she’s part of the Duvall legacy.
I sigh, tuck my hair behind my ears and put my anxiety down to fluctuating hormones.
That’s all it is.
I return to the manual: Chapter Three.
Bedding and changing mats are an easy purchase. Next…
THE VIBRATION FROM THE rotors