The Tyrant's Wife

Realizing her stalling was ridiculous, Zaria opened the envelope, finally allowing herself to check out the content.

Her eyes widened when she had read enough to understand what this was. "Adoption papers?"

More specifically, adoption legal work for her to adopt Rosaly. She was overwhelmed as she read the clauses over and over to make sure she was not seeing things. After the umpteenth check, she finally asked, "how did you get these so fast?" Adoption was a slow procedure and being Rosaly's biological father and legal guardian didn't help speed anything up.

He ran a hand through his hair and answered vaguely. "Well, someone owed me a favor. Do you like it?"

She threw herself into his arms. "Thank you. This is the best gift I could ever get."

He pretended to sulk at her remark, his hand weaving around her waist. "It is? I thought I was the best gift to you."

"You are." She kissed his cheek and added, "you and Rosaly are a package deal, the best one of its kind. Marry a hot dad, get an adorable daughter. Who wouldn't want that?"

He smiled as she stopped fooling around and looked for a pen. Without reading any part of the contract, she uncapped the pen and flipped to the last page where she should sign.

He held her hand to stop her. "I think you should always read any contract you put your signature on."

She scoffed. "What will you do, trick me into selling myself to you? Not like that's a bad thing."

He smiled, sitting on the bed. Even though he already knew the answer, he asked, "Once you sign it, Rosaly will become a part of you. No matter what happens between us, even if something were to happen to me, you would be legally obliged to take good care of her."

"Tell me something I don't know." she turned to him with a frown.

He was a little nervous when he asked, "are you okay with that? The knowledge that if I were to turn into a deadbeat and…"

"Desmond," she placed the pen on the document and walked over to sit on his lap. "I love Rosaly, okay? It doesn't matter what happens. I'm willing to be her mother forever. Now, can I sign the damn document?"

He held her close for a little longer and only let her go when he knew she was going to chew him out if he held onto her for a second longer. He watched as she signed the document with the happiest smile on her face and he could swear it was the best thing he had ever watched.

He had watched her sign her name on their marriage certificate only a few days ago and thought nothing could ever beat that. But now, she was not just displaying her willingness to spend the rest of her life with him. The loose-mouthed plus-one was right. Marriage was not permanent—not most marriages, anyway.

It took a lot of effort on both sides and divorce was more common than anyone was willing to admit. However, motherhood could not be taken back. It was a lifetime commitment and she had just made it. To Rosaly, and although there was no document to show for it, to Rosaly's little sibling—who chose that moment to kick.

"Ow," she chuckled and placed a hand on her belly. "You're excited too, aren't you? She is finally your sister. Not just your stepsister, your sister in every way that matters. No one will bully her anymore."

He was so caught in watching her talk to the baby that he nearly missed her last words. He frowned. "Bully?"

"Oh. Uh…" She returned the signed document to its envelope, considering what she should say, and decided to tell him the truth. "Her friends think a Cinderella situation will happen once our baby is born."

"Those little…" He seethed. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Children. They are innocent children who don't think much of expressing their opinions. They didn't know their words would hurt her feelings." She explained. It was the only thing she could do to stop Desmond from making a barely rational decision like taking Rosaly out of her current school.

Heaven knew the remarks wouldn't change just because she was in a different school. There would always be a friend or two to ask if her stepmother is anything like Cinderella's, or if she gave her a poisoned apple.

"Besides," she continued. "It's settled. I'm her mother now."

The creases on his forehead let up, his shoulders finally relaxing. "Did you ask to adopt her because of this?"

"It's just a bonus." She winked and picked up the document to stash into her suitcase. She wanted to send it home right away but she thought of a better use.

She checked the time. "Let's check in with Rosaly before we leave." She said, though she knew they didn't have to. The girl was probably enjoying her time with her grandparents so much that she didn't even remember they existed.

_____ 𝒷ℯ𝓭𝓷ℴ𝓋𝓮𝓵.𝒸ℴ𝓶

"How am I supposed to know where we're going if you blindfold me so soon?" Zaria grabbed onto his arm since she couldn't see her thing against the silk scarf around her eyes.

"That's the point." He admitted.

She followed his lead for a few steps before he carried her off the ground. From the whirling she could hear coming closer before a strong breeze blew on her hair and dress, she guessed his helicopter was picking them up. To go where? She wondered.

Knowing he would not answer her if she asked, she focused on trying to smell the air. His laughter was evidence that she looked as ridiculous as she felt.

Luckily, it wasn't long before she felt them landing, then he helped her out and carried her yet again.

"Almost there." He announced. From his footwork, she guessed they were going up some stairs, then he used his elbow to push a door open.

"Welcome, Mr. Fort." a man spoke, earning his grunt. She guessed they must have entered a house.

He finally put her down, let out a breath, and pulled the blindfold off her. "You can look."

She opened her eyes and took in the house they were in. She was standing in a living room, unfamiliar but warm in its antique décor. It was a fairly large house and it took a while exploring the unfamiliar living room for clues before she finally got it.

"A bed and breakfast?" but she was certain that was not his surprise. At least not all of it.

"Not just any bed and breakfast. Is your memory that bad?"

His question brought back the odd feeling that she knew this place even though she was certain she had never been here. She tapped her chin deep in thought, her jaw dropping when she realized what felt so familiar about it. She ran to the window and looked out to confirm it.

"We're in Luxenville!" that was not all. This was where she had grown up. While it looked different after all these years, some things had not changed. "Is that…" she pointed at the neighboring house.

"Your childhood home." He confirmed and was yet to explain that it was now occupied by another family and this was the next best option when she threw herself into his arms.

"I don't know what to say, Des."

That was enough. The way she drew his name out joyously. He was in heaven.

________

AN

Sorry for the slow updates in the last week. A lot has been going on in my country thanks to weather changes that didn't allow me to work as usual. I hope it all gets better.

Side note, if you love hot single dads, check out my newest book, Falling for the wicked boss. Tristan Lexington and his lovely little girl will steal your hearts and never let go.