Page 39

Madison

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

"Did he say that?" Zeus asks as he holds me in his lap.

I'm recounting my meeting with the family law attorney he got for me. We're in his office, and it's almost lunchtime. He's traveling to New Orleans tomorrow with Ares for business.

Today is my second day here, and contrary to what I thought, being Mr. Zeus Kostanidis' assistant isn't that difficult. His main assistant, Clark, is lovely and has been a great help. We've agreed to share tasks because I swear to God my boyfriend is a workaholic.

I bought some formal clothes to fit into the Kostanidis Group, but even so, I notice that some women look at me with curiosity, to say the least. One of the secretaries, who is the only friendly one among all the staff aside from Clark, told me it's because I didn't go through the standard selection process.

I mentioned this to Zeus, and he, in his not-so-subtle way, walked into the office with me holding hands today.

I could see the open mouths of everyone in the office, but he explained to me that there's no policy against fraternization in his companies, as long as the relationship doesn't hinder the employees' performance.

We've appeared in public several times, both at lunches and on one of my nights off at an event, where we were even photographed. It's a bit embarrassing how people swarm around him when he arrives, and that also draws attention to me.

"Yup," I finally answer. "And also that she's going to be investigated. He said he finds it odd that there have been so many visits in such a short period when there was nothing indicating that the children were being mistreated."

"What aren't you telling me, Madison?"

"I don't want to make accusations without being sure, but I think her intention was always to take the children away from us. For what reason, however, I have no idea."

"Why do you think that?"

"Just because. We're poor, but every time she came to our house, there was food in the cupboard, and Soraya and Silas were clean and happy. Our apartment is, or rather, was simple, because now I'm living in a real mansion," I try to joke, but I still feel embarrassed about it. "But it was always tidy, within our means. There was no reason for her to fixate on us."

"I've been researching what could lead a social worker to recommend that the children be put in foster care," he says.

"And?"

"I think the same as the lawyer. It doesn't make any sense for this woman to target you. From what I understand, something very serious would have to happen for a judge to separate minors from their biological family."

"Do you think with the lawyer getting involved, she'll back off?"

"She won't have a choice, Madison. No one is going to take your niece and nephew from you. I won't allow it."

I get off his lap and stand up.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to buy some clothes for them. They've outgrown so many of their things. Babies grow too fast."

"I thought we were going to have lunch together."

"I'm sorry, but Eleanor told me that the babies don't have socks that fit, and I also want to buy them outfits for their first birthday . . .” I leave the sentence hanging, unsure of what to say.

"What's wrong?"

"I thought about throwing a little celebration for them. I think they'll love it, so I was wondering if . . . um . . . your brother would like to come with his little one? The kids don't have anyone to play with, and it would be nice to have one more child there, at least."

"I'll talk to him. Maybe I can bring Joseph."

"You’re going to be alone with a baby? I mean, bring him to a party by yourself?"

"It can't be that difficult."

I stay quiet so as not to discourage him, but also because I'm curious about how he'll handle it.

"Let's go," he says, taking my hand and getting up.

"Where to?"

"To buy what the babies need and then have lunch. However, I'll have dessert here," he says, whispering in my ear. "On top of my desk."

"I knew I shouldn't have let you come. They won't have time to use all of this, Zeus. Babies grow quickly!"

There must be about ten bags behind the counter, and I feel embarrassed as the cashier totals the bill.

"Then we'll buy more later."

I stay silent because I don't want to argue, especially not in front of a stranger.

All the women around us are staring curiously, obviously aware of who he is. I've gotten used to the attention he gets and don't feel as out of place anymore, but it drives me crazy how blatantly they covet him.

One of the security guards comes in and picks up the bags.

Zeus turns to me. "Mission accomplished. Now let's have lunch."

"You seem pretty excited for someone who spent an hour shopping for baby clothes."

We're walking toward the exit when the manager intercepts us. Like the other saleswomen, she looks more like a millionaire than anything else—impeccable outfit and not a strand of hair out of place. I've noticed that there's a sort of dress code for women who work in offices in Manhattan, especially here on Fifth Avenue, where the Kostanidis Group's headquarters is located.

"Before you go, I wanted to congratulate you on the baby, Mr. Kostanidis."

My first reaction is to smile. Surely she didn't get her information from the saleswoman, or she'd know we bought clothes for a two-year-old, which is what the twins wear now.

Only after a few seconds do I realize that an uncomfortable silence fills the air, and when I look at Zeus, there's nothing friendly on his face.

"Could you kindly let us through?" Despite his deceptively polite tone, I know he's seething, and I wonder if it's because the woman insinuated that we're having a child or because of her intrusion into our lives.

I think it's more likely to be the second option.

The woman tries to fix it, as red as a pepper. "I didn't mean to be inappropriate."

I almost feel sorry for her, but I'm not that generous. Before congratulating us on a non-existent child, she looked me up and down.

"And yet you continue to be," he says, cutting her off.

She finally takes the hint and lets us pass, but as soon as we step onto the sidewalk, we're surrounded by paparazzi.

The security guards act quickly, shielding us, but I can still hear the questions.

"Mr. Kostanidis, do we have an heir on the way?"

"When is the baby due?"

"Is a wedding in sight?"

"Oh my God!" I say. "Maybe I should go out there and say I'm not pregnant, just eating more than I need." I’m trying to make a joke, but I'm genuinely scared. There are at least ten photographers outside.

"The saleswomen probably tipped them off. Bastards!"

"Zeus, it's not that serious. We both know I can't be pregnant. I've been on the pill since the first week, remember?"

"If you were pregnant, it wouldn't be anyone's business but ours."

"Don't even joke about that."

"I'm not joking. If it happened, it would only concern the two of us. We would get married, and that's it."

"What? No one gets married nowadays just because of a baby."

"In my family, they do."

He looks at me seriously, and I try to guess the meaning behind those words, but in the end, I give up.

Despite confessing my feelings, he’s never told me he loves me back, so he probably only said that hypothetically.