Page 87 of Misdeeds of a Billionaire

“What attributes?” I asked curiously.

“It either brings happiness in marriage or doom.” My eyes flicked to my husband. Jesus, maybe he planned to kill me. Although the way he looked at me, I didn’t think so. At least not until I gave him heirs.Moreheirs. Good God.

My sister, on the other hand, might be a dead woman with the way Byron’s eyes turned icy as he stared her down.

“I don’t believe in superstition,” I commented, hoping to ease the tense situation. “Although my sister could have mentioned it earlier.”

She smiled sheepishly. “I didn’t want to add to your distress. Besides, Byron should think twice about using the necklace.”

“Do you ever not have an opinion?” Byron growled.

Billie shrugged, refusing to be intimidated by Byron. “Up to you, soeur. But from what I know, this necklace dated back three generations of the DiLustro family before it landed on your neck.” My brows scrunched. Who in the fuck were DiLustros? “Rumor has it that they are part of the mafia.” She waved her hand in the air like that little piece didn’t matter and the necklace story was more important. “Anyhow, this little ‘Hope Diamond wannabe’ has brought the DiLustros unhappy marriages.”

“I didn’t know you’re such a diamond expert,” Byron remarked dryly. I should be thankful he didn’t call us diamond thieves.

“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me. But not to worry, soeur. There is hope, because before the DiLustros, this necklace was designed for royalty. It is said to bring happiness and love to all those before them.”

“I guess we just have to hope we have some royalty in our bloodline somewhere along the way.” My tone was dry. I didn’t like that story nor the odds.

The mayor cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I’m gonna get going. See you at the fundraiser, Byron.”

My husband nodded, tucking the marriage license into his jacket. The old mayor disappeared through the door while Byron’s gaze remained on Ares and me. He seemed calmer somehow, while the tension in me grew tenfold.

“Everything okay?” he asked. I guess he thought me superstitious. I didn’t think I was, but at least my sister might rethink stealing the necklace now. I looked up at him, catching a hint of concern in his blue eyes.

“Yes,” I assured him, staring at his strong jaw. The same one I’d traced with my lips. His expression consumed and stirred something deep inside me. Something I thought I buried long ago. It terrified and thrilled me at the same time.

We’d said our vows and signed the papers. There was no going back. We were past the worries and regrets. I’d have to make the best of this. It was bittersweet how it all started, but I couldn’t exactly say I regretted it. All I had to do was look at my son to know I’d do it all over again. Every tear shed and all the heartache—I’d endure it all again for him.

It was past eight and Ares’s yawn reminded me of his bedtime. Byron must have noticed it too, because he squatted down right alongside me.

“Tired?” Another yawn as he nodded.

“Off to bed, then, buddy,” Byron said, lifting him up onto his shoulders. A wide grin spread across Ares’s small face and Byron laughed—soft and… happy?—while I memorized this moment. Father and son.

Over the years—in rare, quiet moments—I often wondered how Byron would be as a father. Now, I was getting a preview, and it made me want to see the entire movie.

It made me want the fairy tale even more.

“You all right?” Billie’s hand landed on my shoulder.

My heart thundered. Unable to peel my gaze away from my son and husband, I croaked a trembling, “Yes.”

“I don’t know about this,” she muttered under her breath. “I don’t have a good feeling about any of it.”

I shot Billie a glance. She wore a blood-red dress. She said it was a choice between either red or black. She wanted to wear black for mourning, but we finally settled on red.So much better, I thought wryly.

“Hello. Earth to my sister.”

I rubbed my nose. “Everything will be fine,” I uttered automatically, like so many times before. It had become my motto when shit was bad over the last six months.

“If you say that one more time, I’m going to lose my temper.” Billie held a glass of champagne, studying me intently. I guess I should be grateful she wasn’t going all cavewoman on Byron. She wasn’t happy about any of it—especially being connected to Winston—but it was unavoidable. Whether we were willing to admit it or not, from the moment I gave birth to Ares, we were connected.

“It’s too late for anything else.” I leaned over and pressed a kiss on her cheek. “Just, please, no more stupid decisions. Let’s just focus on the good. Ares is safe. We’re safe.”

“Except, we’re now in a completely different mess.”

I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. Today had been a whirlwind, and I didn’t know how much more I could take. Feeling eyes on me, I turned my head to find Byron, Ares, and Winston studying us. Identical blue eyes. Identical hair color. Identical expressions.