C3 Chapter 2

She had always thought that being the only girl, she was the only one free to choose her own destiny. Gian would take over the family business, like Justin and Jordan. She, on the other hand, could do whatever she wanted with her life.

But the news of Justin’s arranged marriage two years ago revealed that she too had been arranged to marry one of the country’s most eligible bachelors, Patrick McAllister, who came from a generation of politicians.

It was a great match and everybody agreed, including her family. But Julianne wanted the freedom to explore, to make mistakes and to fall in love.

When she learned of her arranged marriage, she fought hard against it. She had only met Patrick McAllister once. Yes, he was handsome and smart. But Julianne wanted passion and excitement. She wanted love that would consume her, a man who would make her senses go numb and her mind go blank.

And in those last two weeks in Paris… she had everything she ever dreamt of.

“You’re not going to tell us who he is, are you?” Gian asked, his voice cold and his expression sullen.

Julianne blinked back at her brother, like she was coming out of a trance.

“Yeah, Ian. He got you into so much trouble. It’s not fair that you have to go through this alone,” Justin said. It was a trick sentence. She knew what Justin and Gian would do the minute she told them his name—the guy she fell in love with in Paris.

“Guys!” Adrienne hissed. “I’m sure when Ian is ready, she will tell us exactly what happened in her trip. Right now is not the time to deal with this. She’s a grown woman and I’m sure she doesn’t regret being with this guy.” Adrienne looked at her with a slightly raised brow, as if begging her to agree with her.

Julianne nodded in agreement. “I know this is a lot to take. You guys may think that I just threw away my bright future. But… I’m gonna take care of this baby. No matter what Dad or Mom says, I’m going to do this.”

“That son of a bitch is going to pay for leaving you to do this on your own!” Gian said between gritted teeth. “I’m going to beat him black and blue. If only you tell me his name!”

Julianne rolled her eyes. “Now that you say that… there is absolutely no way you’re going to find out!” She looked at them pleadingly. “Look guys. I know you’re mad and you’re putting the blame on him. But did it ever occur to you that I just met a great guy, had a wonderful week in Paris? We fell in love and decided to part ways… damn the consequences? I mean… what if I’ve always wanted to do this alone?”

Gian smirked. “What woman would want to raise a child alone?”

Julianne raised a brow at him. “Excuse me! Women do not need men to take care of their babies! We’re stronger than you give us credit for, you chauvinist pig!”

“It’s the hormones, Gian. Don’t take it personally,” Justin quipped. “When Adrienne was pregnant, I’d get snapped at and cursed at every other half an hour. And she’s never looked more beautiful and fiery in my eyes.”

“That’s because you’re the reason a person was growing inside of her. But in my case, there’s a bastard somewhere in Europe who got lucky for a night and left my sister in ruins for the rest of her life!”

“Gian!” Julianne snapped. “One more word and I swear I will banish you from my life! I know you’re mad. But the father of my baby is a wonderful person.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’s a dreamboat. Otherwise, I would be seriously disappointed,” Justin said sarcastically.

“Cut it out boys. There will be a time and a place to discuss this. Right now, let’s just focus on getting Ian out of here, before Uncle Edward suspects anything,” Adrienne said.

“Thank you for doing this,” Julianne told Adrienne. “I’ll make it up to you someday, I promise.”

“Don’t worry about that. Let’s get you out of here,”

Julianne hugged Adrienne, Justin and her twin brother. “I’m going to miss you, guys. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to miss us, sis. We’ll visit as soon as things settle down here,” Gian promised.

A few minutes later, Julianne sat alone in the luxurious seats of Adams Industries’ private jet. She felt comfortable, yes, but deep inside, the pain still felt raw and fresh.

Gian was right. She didn’t have to do this alone. Somewhere in the other part of the world, there was a wonderful, handsome Frenchman who made her fall head over heels in love with him in the two weeks she spent in Paris. He was handsome as hell, and he was the sweetest man she had ever met.

She remembered his face like it was only yesterday. He was not just cute, not just hot… he was beautiful. He was an old soul with creative hands and a deep imagination.

She knew him for a brief moment. Fourteen days, twelve long-stemmed roses, a hundred kisses and one night together were all they had and it was enough to last forever.

She came back to the States thinking if she was going to be doomed to a loveless marriage, a marriage for business purposes, then that two weeks in Paris with that wonderful man would have been enough to last her a lifetime. She found the love that consumed her. One night was enough. She didn’t care if she never experienced love again for the rest of her life.

She closed her eyes to imagine him once more…

“Tu es ravissante…” She could still remember his low, guttural voice, thick with emotions, laced with desire. “Mon amour…”

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Her whole family thought he had abandoned her. It wasn’t fair. The truth is... he never even got the chance to come after her. Even if he wanted to find her, how could he? When she met him, she didn’t think of having a future with him. She was engaged to someone else.

“Arabella…” She remembered the first time she met him. “My name is Arabella Adams.”

When she left his studio apartment that morning before she boarded the plane back to America, she didn’t think it was necessary to tell him her real name. What for? They didn’t have tomorrow. All her tomorrows were already promised to another man against her will. So, it didn’t matter if she didn’t tell him who she really was… it didn’t matter if she didn’t give him her real name. She might never even see him again.

Who would have known that she would fall in love in two weeks, if she didn’t fall in love with him at first sight? And who would have known she was ovulating the day she finally decided to lose her virginity to the first guy she ever loved? Who would have known he wouldn’t use protection when he’s only met her two weeks ago? Who would have known she would end up pregnant after spending just one night with him?

Julianne gently caressed her abdomen.

“I’m gonna do this,” she whispered. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m going to love you. I’m going to take care of you. We’re going to be just fine.”