The Billionaire's Twins Play Matchmaker novel Chapter 36

When Victoria Met Macey

“Doctor, how is she?” Augustus demanded as soon as she exited the bedroom.

Signing for quiet the doctor peered into the bedroom at her patient comfortably resting before pulling the door closed. Maia Darman had been practicing for over two decades and had gathered a rather exclusive clientele. Though her hair was slowly fading to gray now, her wits were as sharp as ever.

It was often assumed the rich were entitled and self-absorbed and in some cases that was undoubtedly true. However, there was also reason for their entitlement especially in terms of healthcare. After all ensuring their good health as well as the health of their heirs was doubly important when the rumor of a cold was enough to affect their company’s profits and stocks.

With such stakes it wasn’t a surprise they rarely stepped into a hospital preferring the physician to make a house call. And of course that doctor had to be trustworthy enough not to succumb to idle gossip. Augustus DaLair was no different but he wasn’t impossible with his demands. As such she was able to maintain her own practice aided by his generous donation and endorsement.

“She’s resting comfortably now,” Maia said. “I prescribed her something for the nausea if it gets that bad again but the most important thing for her right now is rest and to reduce her stress levels.”

“Stress?”

“This is her first pregnancy and according to what she told me her cycles have a habit of being irregular,” the doctor explained. “Irregular cycles can be a sign of hormonal imbalances in which case getting pregnant can be more difficult and also more difficult to maintain especially in the first trimester.”

Augustus felt himself go pale. His wife had a hard time conceiving and Rose had as well. Was Macey similarly cursed?

“What about the baby?”

“As far as I can tell it’s fine,” the doctor sighed.

Augustus let out a slow breath.

“She should continue to rest and allow the pregnancy to establish itself. She should take it easy and relax and you should keep as much stress out of her daily life as possible.”

“It shall be done,” Augustus nodded.

“I’ll return in a couple days for a follow-up but call me if anything comes up before then.”

“Of course, thank you doctor.”

A sidelong glance at Stephen was all that was necessary to instruct the younger man to escort the doctor out. When they were both gone Augustus quietly let himself into the bedroom. With a sigh he took a seat beside the bed and stared at the woman comfortably sleeping.

It had been a trying two days since she left Julius. She left everything behind aside from a handful of cash. Even her cell phone had been discarded. If he hadn’t the foresight to send Stephen to shadow her she would have disappeared completely forever out of his sight and protection. Augustus couldn’t let that happen.

He owed his life to her father. Carl Grayson was a simple man or so Augustus thought at their first meeting. They met in basic training when Augustus along the other men of his squad. Their training centered on working together until their deployment. While the other men in the squad soon developed close ties and camaraderie Carl maintained an aloof manner and kept everyone at a distance.

He obeyed orders and carried them out to the letter but seemed to lack imagination. Battle was a fluid thing and sometimes it was necessary to think on one’s feet but Carl seemed to lack this ability and it caused strife among the other members. When not actively training he spent an inordinate amount of time checking his gear, sharpening his knife or disassembling and cleaning his weapon rather than hanging out with the squad. Even at meal time he kept himself apart quietly observing them.

Not wanting any disharmony with his men Augustus took Carl aside one day to confront him about these issues. Carl merely nodded quietly and shrugged when he was asked to work on them. Frustrated Augustus demanded, “These men are your comrades. How can you expect them to watch your back if you don’t prove yourself to them?”

“I don’t expect them too,” Carl answered easily.

Augustus was at a loss for worlds. Was this even possible? Was this man serious or just that arrogant?

“I know I’m not making a good impression but I never do,” Carl continued when Augustus continued to stare at him. “I’m just not good at relating to people no matter how much I want to. It’s like…It’s like…music.”

“Music?”

“Yes. Everyone here is like rock music while I’m…classical. Have you ever listened to Beethoven?”

“No. I can’t say that I have.”

“That’s a pity. He is considered a genius for a reason. Whenever I play one of his pieces I feel uplifted.”

“You play?”

“Yes, my grandmother taught me. I think she did it so I could connect to something since people are hard.” Carl frowned momentarily lost in thought. “But in any case…I’m not good with people.”

“Because they don’t like the same music?”

“Like has nothing to do with it. We just don’t connect.” Carl sighed frustrated. It was perhaps the only time Augustus ever saw him express an emotion. “When you turn on a radio station it’s because you like the music they play, right? Whether its rock, country, classical, whatever. No radio station plays them all, right? I know I’m not explaining it well but…”

“No. It’s fine. I think I understand what you are saying,” Augustus said after a moment sensing Carl was getting worked up from his own ability to express what he thought. “You have a hard time connecting to others. It’s not something you can control or overcome.”

“Right.”

“But these men are your comrades and you’re life will depend on them.”

“I will never abandon my comrades,” Carl nodded. There was no uncertainty in his statement and Augustus was forced to leave it at that though he was still unsatisfied.

He made up his mind to try and include Carl more in hopes of improving the squad’s harmony that plan fell through as they were shipped out soon after. Carl remained aloof and unapproachable but while others complained about the heat and humidity he remained stoic and unbothered. It actually gave the others a bit of confidence oddly enough.

Augustus’s lips twitched fighting a smile at the memories. He looked again to Macey. There was no sign of her earlier struggles though her expression still seemed strained. He didn’t know exactly what Julius said to her but it was clear it had a terrible effect.

Augustus was surprised by her pale, haunted look. He couldn’t believe his son had rendered such a lively woman to such a state. It had taken everything in him not to confront his son immediately and now he was grateful he held back. If he had caused a ruckus it might have induced more stress on Macey and the baby. But now, what should he do?

It had been two days since the party and March claimed Julius was desperately searching for her even going as far as enlisting the IT department to track her route from the apartment to the bus station. Augustus admired his son’s tenacity but that didn’t excuse him. As much as he wanted to bring this trouble to a swift conclusion it was impossible as long as Macey’s health was in question and he certainly wasn’t going to risk the life of his grandchild.

Coming to a decision Augustus stood and quietly let himself out without disturbing his daughter-in-law’s sleep. He was quite certain Julius would be furious once he learned Macey had been with Augustus the entire time but that didn’t matter as long as Macey and the baby recovered. He would put off any decision until after that.

* * *

“How are you feeling, my dear?” Augustus asked.

“Better.” Macey managed a smile. She was relaxed reclining on her pillows.

It had been just over a week since she arrived at the mansion. The staff had been told not to reveal the identity of their guest and to treat her with the upmost care following doctor’s orders. Luckily his sons were infrequent visitors and since his birthday party there was little need from them to come home when they saw him at work every day. Normally Augustus lamented their inattention but now he was grateful as it allowed Macey to recover without interruption.

“I’m glad,” Augustus sighed. “And the baby?”

“The doctor says its heartbeat is strong so she doesn’t think there will be any complications as long as I avoid unnecessary stress.”

“Good.” Augustus didn’t try to hide his relief but continued to worry how the next topic would affect her. “As much as don’t want to I need to discuss something with you.”

“Oh?” Macey looked at him genuinely confused.

It seemed she had not heard any rumors about Julius’s continued search. His son was becoming more desperate and Augustus was having a difficult time keeping the truth away from him. He was beginning to suspect that Julius found out about the pregnancy despite Macey’s assurance there was no way for him to know.

“It’s about Julius.”

Macey stiffened and her serene expression fell.

“You should know he’s been looking for you ever since the night you left,” Augustus said. “I haven’t told him you are here.”

“Thank you,” Macey said after a moment. “I’ll…I’ll leave soon. So you don’t need to worry…”

“Now hold on,” Augustus argued. “No one said anything about you leaving.”

“…But I can’t stay especially after…”

“After what? Macey, you can tell me. What happened that night?”

Macey breathed deep. She didn’t want to revisit that night but perhaps it would be best to tell him. Slowly coming to a decision she started from the beginning. Augustus listened quietly fuming. How could his son do such a thing to the wonderful woman in front of him? Did he teach him nothing?

“…And when I got home…I found the divorce papers.”

“Divorce papers!!!” Augustus leapt to his feet ready to drag his son in front of him at that very moment.

“Dad, please, calm down,” Macey said.

Looking at her pale face he slowly marshaled his control and sat down again. It was no wonder she had been so unhappy and stressed. Augustus took her hand holding it gently.

He wasn’t sure exactly when he noticed Macey had developed a crush on Julius. Was it when they were in high school? At the time Julius had been something of a playboy going out with several different girls though he was never serious about any of them. None of his relationships lasted more than a week but they had an effect on Macey.

Thankfully she went to public school and was spared watching Julius carry on with his various affairs but whenever she and her parents visited she had to endure listening to his escapades all the same. Augustus could never forget the look of disappointment and hurt that flitted across her face and darkened her gaze. Despite knowing each other for so long Julius seemed oblivious to her. She had grown up with the brothers so they treated her like a sister or cousin rather than a romantic interest.

Julius, you damned fool.

Augustus sighed, “So what exactly did the papers detail? What kind of alimony did he offer?”

“…I don’t know. I didn’t read any of it. I just sighed.”

“Macey…”

“I don’t want anything from him,” Macey fought back tears. “If I did take any money it would only prove I’m the gold-digging whore they claim I am.”

“…Macey.”

“Please, just leave it. The papers are signed. It’s over.”

Augustus fell silent. If it was over why was Julius looking for her so desperately? Something didn’t add up. Could it be? Could Julius have finally realized the truth? Maybe…But was it too little too late?

The woman in front of him was resigned. She had given up the love she had nurtured for so long truly believing it was over. Would Julius be able to convince her he made a mistake? No. In her current state she probably wouldn’t even listen.

“Let’s face it…he and I…we’re too different. I just don’t belong in his world and I guess he knew it from the beginning,” Macey let out a sniffle prompting him to give her a tissue. “It’s better if I just leave. I don’t want to cause problems.”

Augustus studied her for a long moment in silence. Perhaps it was better to put distance between them for now. Macey had always lacked confidence when it came to standing among the DaLairs. Though they treated her as a member of the family she could never forget she was still an outsider. Exposure to those harpies undoubtedly solidified her inferiority complex though Augustus knew she was far superior to any of them.

“So what would you like to do?” he finally asked.