After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 96

“Come to the office tomorrow. I’ll fill you in on how things are going with the company,” Nestor said. He added, “It’s a good chance for you to show what you can do. If you do well, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

“Got it,” Lawrence answered.

After hanging up, Nestor felt pretty satisfied. At least Lawrence wasn’t a total lost cause. There was some backbone there.

***

At the Blair Estate, Alice sat on the couch, still feeling the dull ache in her hip from her fall. She was fuming. “Catherine is completely out of line.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll make sure she regrets it,” Shirley promised, trying to comfort her.

Alice glanced at her daughter, memories drifting back fourteen years. Catherine’s hand had been sliced and was bleeding. Alice had cleaned up the blood with a tissue, then kept the blood-stained wad. When Nestor got home, Alice had cut Shirley’s finger, dabbed away the blood right in front of him, and handed him the tissue from Catherine, crying, “If you don’t believe Shirley is your real daughter, go get a blood test!”

That night, Nestor came home and held her, apologizing over and over. She knew he’d actually gone to get that test.

Thank goodness she’d been prepared. Otherwise, how could they have enjoyed fourteen years of comfort and happiness?

Now that Catherine dared to disrespect her, Alice made a silent vow. In the Blair family, she’d never let Catherine have a place. Let her go off with that penniless loser instead.

***

Earlier that day, Catherine had picked out two gifts for Lawrence: a new tie and the latest electric razor.

She headed upstairs and paused at the study door. Lawrence was inside, focused on his paperwork. She tiptoed behind him, slipped her arms around his neck, and grinned.

“Guess what I got you?” she teased.

Lawrence looked up, his eyes softening with a smile. “If it’s from you, I’m already sold.”

Catherine put the boxes on his desk. “One’s a tie, the other’s a razor. Do you like them?”

“I love them.” Lawrence took her hand and gently pulled her in front of him. “But I have something to tell you, too.”

“What is it?” Catherine asked, curiosity lighting up her face.

“Your dad asked me to help out at Blair Group. I said yes.”

Catherine blinked in surprise. “You agreed? Did my dad pressure you?”

“No, I volunteered,” Lawrence replied with a shake of his head.

“But what about your job at Nexus Dynamics?” Catherine’s heart squeezed for him.

“I can handle both,” he said, giving her a reassuring smile. “Your dad’s giving me a shot to prove myself. If I want his approval, I have to accept.”

For a moment, Catherine was so touched she couldn’t speak. She buried her face in his shoulder, her voice muffled. “Sorry… this is all my fault.”

“Don’t say that.” Lawrence kissed the top of her head. “You’re my wife. If your dad needs help, of course I should step up.”

“But there are so many snobs at my dad’s company. They’re going to make things hard for you,” Catherine said, worry and guilt mixing in her eyes. She hated the thought of him being looked down on at Blair Group.

“It’s fine, I can handle it,” Lawrence said warmly, seeing how much she cared. “And if you need help with anything…” Catherine was already bracing herself to face it all with him.

So sweet. So exciting.

“Okay,” she said softly.

Lawrence stroked her long hair, his eyes filled with warmth. Outside, the last of the sunset faded away and night settled in.

Not far from there was the faculty apartment complex for Cabinda University. Adelina had a cozy three-bedroom place, and she’d just finished preparing a delicious dinner.

Catherine felt shy as Lawrence led her inside.

“Lawrence, Catherine, you’re here!” Adelina greeted them with a bright smile.

Susan brought over the last dish, setting it on the table. The spread was simple but looked amazing.

“Sit down, Catherine. From now on, you and Lawrence should just come here for dinner after work,” Adelina said kindly.

Catherine took in the homey space, filled with antiques and old books that matched Adelina’s history professor vibe. The place was spotless and had a classic, timeless feel.

Once they were settled, Susan ladled out two bowls of chicken soup. She smiled and said, “This chicken came fresh from the farm, butchered just today. It’s hard to get these days, so have some more.”

“Thank you, Susan,” Catherine said, touched.

Adelina beamed. “We’re family now, Catherine. Don’t be shy. If you ever want something special, just let me know.”

Staring at the bowl of generous chicken, Catherine felt her eyes sting. It had been so long since she felt this cherished. The only other time was when her mother was still alive. That warmth and care was something she’d missed for years.