A few days later . . .
Bruce laid naked in bed with his fiancé beside him who was also naked. He was annoyed and humiliated.
“It’s okay,” Catherine soothed. “It happens to every guy eventually.”
“Not to me,” Bruce snapped and quickly climbed off the bed. He snatched his boxers off the floor. Deep down, he knew what was wrong, but it didn’t make what happened a few seconds ago any less humiliating.
“Have you been getting enough rest?” she asked softly as she covered her body with the peach colored sheet.
&nbs
Two days later . . . Yesterday morning The New York Times reported that Cameron Townsend, heir to Townsend Foods, was arrested for murdering his wife of two years and their unborn child. According to the article, Kelly Townsend, was found stabbed multiple times with a butcher knife. When police arrived, they found Cameron cradling his wife’s bloody body. With no signs of forced entry, the cops had no choice but to arrest Cameron. New York society was rocked by the news. No one could believe a man like Cameron Townsend would murder the wife he adored in such a violent way –especially while she was pregnant with his child.Bruce, Christopher, and Trevor were working out in the gym at the mansion. Courtney, the upstairs maid, walked in and stopped in her tracks.“I’m sorry. I di
Three days later . . . The dress and shoes Bruce had bought her had arrived yesterday late afternoon by carrier. He had texted her to see if they had fit, which they had. Beverly didn’t know much about the upcoming evening tonight. She just knew that she was supposed to be an ornament on his arm during a business dinner with foreign partners of his. That’s all she could be since she didn’t know a thing about real estate – much less international real estate. Beverly had gone out that afternoon to get her hair and nails done. Judging from how Bruce was acting through their text exchanges, tonight was a big deal. She didn’t want to embarrass him. In the past, she didn’t care who she embarrassed by being herself, but
They were meeting the Chinese at the opera house. Beverly had gotten over her fit and prepared for a boring four hours. Yet, Bruce insisted she would love the show. The opera house was packed. Ninety percent of the people were in formal wear. Beverly didn’t spot any well-known socialites or businessmen, but she did spot a lot of celebrities; George and Amal Clooney, Meryl Streep, Lucy Lawless, and Jamie Lee Curtis just to name a few. “Oh my god,” Beverly mumbled as she looked around at the A and B list celebrities. She wondered if she could get a quick interview with any of them. “Would you like me to introduce you to some people?” Bruce asked like he had read her mind.
Bruce had to call Ray on his cell to meet them behind the Metropolitan Opera House. Word that multiple celebrities were at the opera so paparazzi had swarmed the front of the Met. To keep from being photographed, Bruce, Beverly, and the Asians snuck out back. The Asians rode with them in the Hudson limo. They chatted and enjoyed champagne from the minibar as they traveled to the Waldorf Astoria. Beverly had only been there once. It was to attend Selena’s rehearsal dinner and bachelorette party. The photographers hadn’t made it to the Waldorf yet so they were able to enter through the front doors. The man at the door of the lounge checked for Bruce’s name on the guests’ list. He was on it. They had closed the entire lounge for the Clooneys’ pa
It was Monday morning at the Hudson Estate. The household staff commiserated among themselves about what was going on with the general, also known as Bruce Hudson. “So he really is seeing someone else?” Courtney whispered. “Yes,” Winifred, the head housekeeper, confirmed. “William keeps finding lipstick stains on the collar of his shirts and handkerchiefs and the Van Dyke woman doesn’t wear red lipstick when she does wear lipstick.” “He just doesn’t seem like the type to cheat,” Mandy whispered. “He’s so proper and stoic and . . .” “Stiff?&rdqu
It was four o’clock, Friday, and Beverly, Joanna, and Selena were at a diner in downtown New York. They were snacking on mozzarella sticks and onion rings. “I hope I won’t spoil my dinner,” Joanna said. “Or wreck my diet.” “Oh please, you look great,” Beverly said. “Thanks,” Joanna said. “So what’s been new with you?” Joanna asked. “Nothing really. Just working and researching – rinse and repeat,” Beverly answered.&n
It was Saturday evening, and The Hudsons and The Van Dykes had just finished dinner and were now having cocktails in the den. “In seven days it will all be official,” Victoria said with a big smile. “We’ll all be family.” “I can’t wait,” Carlton Van Dyke said with a smile and sipped his brandy. “This is fantastic. You guys have to tell me what kind of brandy this is.” “Actually, we have it special made,” Christopher said. “It’s . . . a Hudson brandy. The original recipe was created by our great-great-grandfather.” “You don’t s
Bruce had just removed his shirt. He was getting ready for bed. He had to get up early in the morning. He exhaled like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Not only was he lying to Catherine, he was lying to his family – and her family. Christopher had quickly offered to go in Bruce’s place just in case something went wrong and he couldn’t make it back in time for the wedding. He was almost insistent on it. Bruce had talked him out of it by reminding his eldest brother that he didn’t know German. He had also added that he was Bruce’s best man. If something went wrong it would be just as bad if he didn’t show up either. Victoria and Catherine’s sisters hadn’t been pleased, but Carlton and Stephen had calmed