Page 65 of Punishing His Runaway Bride
Hallway quiet, just my footsteps.
Reached the stairs, looked down.
Sun streamed through the big windows, hitting the marble floor.
Bright.
Blinding.
I gripped the railing, went down slowly.
Each step heavy.
Through the hall, pushed open the door, into the garden.
Sun even brighter.
I squinted, spotted the gazebo far off. Bianca sat there, holding a tiny figure.
Juliet.
My steps faltered.
Then sped up.
Bianca looked up, saw me, and smiled.
"Mrs. Visconti," she said, voice sweet. "Good morning."
I ignored her.
Just stared at the baby in her arms.
Juliet.
She'd grown.
Round little face, pale skin, blonde hair shining in the sun. Eyes open, fixed on Bianca's face, tiny hand clutching her clothes.
"Juliet." My voice shook.
No reaction.
"Juliet," I said it again, stepped closer.
Bianca stood.
"She just woke up, a bit fussy," she said, still sweet. "Mrs. Visconti, stay back. Don't scare her."
"She's my kid," I said.
"I know." Bianca smiled. "But she doesn't know you now."
Those words knifed my heart.
"What?"
"See?" Bianca looked down at Juliet, voice soft. "She clings to me. Won't let go."
