Starting over

I headed for the plane. I didn't know what was in store for me or what I was going to do, or if it was going to work out. The only thing that mattered to me was that I had someone to protect, and whatever path came, it would be surrounded by a lot of love. And about Madeleine, well, one day she would understand. The letter I'd written and left on the table would give her all the answers she needed. And even if she didn't understand, a part of me prayed that one day she would forgive me.

Madeleine,

I never wanted things to come to this between us. Part of me just wanted you to understand.

I let you down because I knew about your plans, but this baby is part of me and I want him and I'm going to have him. He will be very much loved.

I don't blame you for being this way with me, I know I've hurt you too, but right now I need some time to myself, and I know it'll all work out.

Don't worry, I'll be fine. And you were right, I don't know anything about life, so now I'm going to learn to walk on my own two feet.

I hope that one day you'll forgive me. And may we live together normally as the family we never were.

Love, Nicole.

The plane ride went more or less smoothly, but my nerves were on edge. My thoughts wouldn't leave me alone. What if Mr. Colleri didn't like me? What if she changed her mind and didn't accept me? How long could I stay there without him finding out about the pregnancy? Vivian hadn't said anything to him about accommodating a pregnant, single, unemployed woman. How long would it take me to buy my own place? Rent, at least? Would I need a crèche? What about prenatal care? I needed to start prenatal care! What if I couldn't get enough money to support myself?

Did Madeleine find the letter? Did she care?

What if... what if....

The questions were killing me. After the crisis of thoughts, I decided to relax, the girls had paid for a first class trip for me, it was time to accept the treat.

I landed at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport at eight in the morning. I went through check-in, picked up my suitcase, the card Vivian had sent me with the address and headed for the exit to get a cab. However, I was surprised to find a man wearing an elegant suit and holding a sign with my name on it.

- Err... um... I'm Nicole. - I gave a half-hearted smile.

- Nicole! I'm Benjamin. - The elegant man approached me and shook my hand. - Is that all your luggage? - He stared shamelessly at my small handbag and roller suitcase.

- It's... yes. - I realized I was blushing.

- Well, I'd be happy to carry it for you. - He picked up my bags and I didn't even think about denying it. I was exhausted. Although it had only been a two-hour drive, the last few days had been very tiring.

He opened the door of the huge limousine and I got in, feeling a bit awkward, after all, it wasn't my father they were paying the favor to and yet I was being treated very well. We walked down the road in silence. I even thought about talking to him, but what could I say? I didn't know him, I didn't know the city, I didn't know anyone, so I preferred to keep quiet. A few times we exchanged glances in the rearview mirror. No big deal, but I felt he was analyzing me.

We're coming," he said and got out of the limousine in front of a huge black iron gate, typing in a code. The gate started to open, he got into the car and started driving us around again.

Damn, what is this place? It's beautiful! We entered a large dirt path. A perfectly shaped garden embraced the landscape. I'd never seen anything like it. Even though I've always had money, and our house was perfect, it didn't even come close to the beauty of this place. It seemed surreal.

- Mr. Colle has only owned this place for three years. I think it's one of his favorite places. He had disposed of a few properties over the years, but never this one. He has always looked after these hundred acres of land with great love and harmony. There's a lake, a tennis court, a helipad and other attractions. He bought it from a sheik just after... he was rescued.

Wow, a barrage of information! I think he realized that I was drooling over the landscape from the window. How much money did that man have? I was from a very wealthy family and had seen similar landscapes before, but nothing so fantastic. The car turned around at a fountain and stopped in front of a white mansion that screamed luxury. Benjamin opened the door and went downstairs. I approached to open my side when another man in black opened it. He was tall, at least 1.85m, light-haired, strong... handsome. He looked at me, his eyes kind. He politely held out his hand, I put mine up and got out of the car. I looked over and saw Benjamin already entering the house with my bags.

The man snorted. - Nicole?

- Ah... yes. It's a pleasure. Thank you for receiving me so kindly, Mr. Colleri.

He smiled warmly, making my cheeks blush.

- I'm actually Will. I'm part of your security team and I'm currently helping to look after the property. Mr. Colleri asked me to see you, as he had a last-minute meeting and couldn't miss it. He'll be back in the evening. In the meantime, I'll introduce you to the area as soon as you're ready. Maria is the housekeeper, whom you'll be replacing. She'll settle you into your quarters and familiarize you with the services, but I can tell you that it shouldn't be too difficult. You'll like it here. I confess we weren't expecting someone so young.

He walked alongside me until we entered the house. There was a huge hall and a little lady in her sixties greeted me with a huge hug, I was a bit embarrassed, but I returned it with the same intensity.

Welcome! - She loosened her embrace and looked me in the eye! - But

You're still a child! - She squeezed my cheeks tightly.

Okay, I really did feel like a child. I smiled at her.

- You must be Maria.

- Yes. Darling, I told Mr. Colleri that I don't intend to retire any time soon, I've always taken care of everything here. I could use some help, though.

I smiled awkwardly. She continued:

- But he's so stubborn! You'll like him, he has a big heart. Ah, you poor thing, you must be tired. It's been a long trip, hasn't it? Come on, I'll get you settled in your room.

I continued through the huge house. She led me down a long corridor.

- Normally, he would leave his employees in the house to the north of the estate, but he made sure you stayed in the main house. - Maria winked and opened the doors.