Grandpa Herman continued on. Sometimes decent people do wrong things in life. Tons of reasons or issues can factor in on that person's behavior. It's not right, but some folks do stuff wrong when they are hurting inside," he said with a serious expression. "Your son didn't get much attention from you. He needs your attention now, Ellis.”"So, you honestly think that giving him attention will help, Grandfather?" I asked.He nodded. "I think so.""So, what do you suggest?"He continued his speech. "Make him too busy to do illegal things. Make an effort to get to know him better. Find out more about his past. Maybe his past was dark and he doesn't know how to respect women. Try to be understanding and supportive of Carl. Try to give him advice. Maybe even good business advice. Heck, maybe even help him start a business here. That might help a lot too. What do you think of that idea?"I really hated that idea. I would have to help my son with a business and would have to trust him t
Olivia POVEllis and I peered out the window in the bedroom of our estate. Holding hands while watching the sun slowly settle into the horizon felt romantic and beautiful to me. I couldn't help but smile. I leaned into Ellis and I could feel his arm wrap around me. But he still held onto my hand. I enjoyed our time together. Even if we did absolutely nothing. It had been several weeks now since we last saw Carl. But Ellis did make that dreadful phone call to his son. I listened as Ellis invited his son to come stay here with us. We waited for him to show up. I still felt nervous and anxious about it. After all, Carl did say some weird and creepy things to me last time. Without a doubt in my mind, I knew this reunion would be awkward. I didn't know what to expect and I knew Ellis didn't know either. I placed my hand on Ellis’ shoulder and could feel his body tense up. Hearing him sigh loudly and feeling his body start to shake made me feel the anxiety radiating off of him. But wi
I couldn’t take my eyes from Bethany’s baby bump as I rested a hand on my own. “Yeah,” I said, still in shock to see her, my voice was barely audible. “You look well,” Bethany said. She gave me a sly smile. “ I shifted uncomfortably and didn’t say anything. “What do you want?” I asked. “I mean I thought you were in prison.” “I found out I was pregnant just before my trial. When I found out I was pregnant, the judge took pity on me and granted me early release on parole. I had to take parenting classes and I must remain on probation for a few years, but for now I am free and I want to be a good mother.” “That’s…incredible,” I said. “I just don’t understand why you are here.” Bethany grinned, “I came to see Carl.” I cocked my head in confusion. "You want to see Carl? Why?""You will find out soon enough." Bethany giggled at my shocked expression.Then I saw Carl rushing in. Carl’s face lit up when he saw Bethany. He ran to her and embraced her. For a moment, I thoug
**EllisI woke up before six in the morning. I didn’t mind. Especially since I was more of a morning person anyway. I liked being up early in the morning to get ready for the day ahead. As I lay there on the bed, I did still feel a sense of heaviness as I thought about my son. Who now stayed with me since I asked him to come here. Now I just wonder how things would go for all of us. It’s now been two days since Carl and Bathany came to live with us in the Peterson estate.I closed my eyes and thought of the long day ahead. The tour of the building projects I had going on in the city, followed by a visit to the office in the afternoon to read over rules and codes with Carl would certainly be an all day task. It would be a new experience for both of us. I opened my eyes and rose from the bed. I felt a pull of anticipation in my chest.Olivia was still asleep when I finally finished getting dressed. I took my time putting on my suit and then I leaned down and kissed her cheek. I smi
**Olivia POV I awoke to the sounds of morning. Birds chirping outside, the small breeze of fresh air running through the open window, and the tree branches swaying along beside the windows. But the empty space over to my other side was nothing sweet to look at. Obviously because my husband wasn't lying there beside me. The quiet loneliness came rushing to me once again. That comes with being the only one in bed. The sun was already out, its glorious rays spilled through the curtains. I lay there for a moment. Just to relax. My eyes were closed and my heart felt heavy with the knowledge that Ellis had left as usual without waking me to say goodbye. But then I refused to let this moment be one of heartache and decided to make the best of the day. Throwing off the covers, I quickly got dressed. I went to Ken's room and saw him sitting up in bed. Seeing my son gave me joy. I went over and sat down on his bed. I smiled at him and reached my arms out. Ken smiled back at me as he wrap
**Olivia POV I spent several days thinking about the strange incident with Bethany. I didn’t like her attitude towards me or the fact that she thought she could disrespect me in my own house. I heard from Ellis how well things were going with Carl at work so I wanted to give Bethany another chance.But still, I realized I had to get Bethany under control or else she would get worse and there would be no other solution than making her leave. There was no other way around it. This could not continue. I knew that I didn’t deserve all of those rude comments from her. It was mid afternoon when I stepped into the living room to find Bethany there. I felt the tension immediately. Bethany was sitting on the sofa, thumbing through a magazine, I could tell she knew I was there but she didn’t bother to even look my way as I walked towards her. While I walked, Bethany continued avoiding my gaze. She didn't make eye contact with me whatsoever and I even felt as if she were trying to turn away fro
**OliviaPOVI begged Ellis over and over to get Carl and Bethany out of the Peterson mansion before they could cause any more problems. I put my hands together and pleaded as we were alone in our room. “Please, make Bethany and Carl leave, Ellis. Before anymore problems arise.” I reached for Ellis and rubbed his back.Ellis moved slightly away from me. I felt disappointed as he shook his head at me. “No, Olivia. I won’t make Carl leave. I finally am getting a connection with Carl.” Ellis pointed out the obvious fact.“I know, baby. That’s great. But can’t we just get rid of Bethany?” I asked in a hopeful voice.Ellis nodded, but his face twisted around as if he looked concerned about my idea. “We could. But I think that would cause a problem as well, Olivia. I think Carl would leave with Bethany if we were to kick her out. I don’t want my son to leave.”I groaned loudly in frustration. I stomped my foot loudly as the anger grew inside me. “How much longer will he need to stay here, El
**Olivia POVI couldn’t believe what he was saying.“But this could cost us a bad reputation, Ellis. People are talking about all of us. This will not look good on any of us. Do you want that?” I asked in a bold tone.“I don’t care what people think or say. People will talk no matter what. Ignore it. I will not force my son to leave. Do you understand me?” Ellis said in a rude tone.“But,” I started to say.“End of the discussion, Olivia. Now, I am going to bed. Goodnight.” Ellis ripped his clothes off and I watched him climb into bed. “Ellis, I am your wife and Bethany is constantly disrespecting me in my own house, yet you act like you don't even care about my feelings.”“I do care about your feelings, Olivia. I know it is difficult. But, I’m just asking you to give me a little more time with Carl. It’s not an ideal situation but throwing her out would also mean tossing out my grandchild. What kind of man would I be to do that?”I heaved a heavy sigh… I couldn't argue any more. No m