Chapter 14
Miles
It didn’t matter if I pulled this off or not. All I had to do was stay married for one year, and there wasn’t a damn thing my uncle could do.
When Stella emerged from her room, and I turned around, my heart beat faster as I stared at her beauty.
“You look beautiful.” I smiled.
“Thank you. I’m ready to go if you are.”
I placed my phone in my pocket, and we headed to where Sean awaited us with the car.
“I’m a little nervous.” She glanced at me.
“Don’t be,” I said, taking hold of her hand. “We got this.” The corners of my mouth lifted as I gave her a wink.
When we walked through the doors of Tavern on the Green, the hostess took us to the table where my aunt and uncle were waiting for us.
“Hello, Miles.” My Aunt Gabby stood and hugged me.
“Hello, Aunt Gabby.”
“Miles.” My Uncle Ben nodded, extending his hand. “I didn’t know you were bringing anyone with you.”
“Aunt Gabby. Uncle Ben. I’d like you to meet my wife, Stella.”
Immediately, his eyes diverted to our ring fingers.
“Excuse me?” He cocked his head. “Your wife?”
“Oh, dear, Miles. When did this happen?” My aunt asked with surprise.
“Yesterday. Stella, this is my Uncle Ben and Aunt Gabby.”
“It’s nice to meet you both.” She smiled as we sat down across from them.
“What are you up to, Miles?” My uncle’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m up to nothing, Uncle Ben. I met Stella in Vegas, and it was love at first sight. We spent the weekend together, and I fell in love and wanted to make her my wife.” I smiled.
“Bullshit,” he said.
“Ben, please.” My aunt placed her hand on his arm.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Stella. Welcome to the family.” My aunt smiled, reaching across the table and placing her hand on Stella’s.”
“You were in the office yesterday, and I didn’t see a ring on your finger.” My uncle glared at me.
“I didn’t wear it because I wanted it to be a surprise.” I grinned.
The waiter walked over and took our drink order. I needed that drink, and I needed it now.
“Stella is fully moved into my penthouse, and we’re very happy. Isn’t that right, baby?” I took hold of her hand.
“Yes. The moment I met Miles, I knew he was the one.” She leaned over and kissed my lips.
My uncle stared at me, shaking his head. “I knew you’d do something like this, but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly. How much is he paying you, young lady? And who the hell just meets someone and marries them a few days later? I’ll tell you who. A gold digger.” He pointed at Stella.
“You will not disrespect my wife, Uncle Ben. She is a part of this family now.”
“You won’t make it a year,” he said, picking up his drink.
“I appreciate your confidence, Uncle Ben. Now, let’s have a nice dinner.” I smiled, opening the menu.
* * *
Stella
I was uncomfortable, to say the least. Suddenly, I heard someone yell my name. Glancing over, I saw Austin and Jenna running toward me. I stood from my chair.
“Hey, you two.” I smiled, hugging them.
“Stella?” Mr. and Mrs. Kensington approached me. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
“We miss you so much, Stella.” Jenna pouted.
“Miles.” Mr. Kensington extended his hand.
“It’s good to see you, Brandon. Nadine, you look as lovely as ever.”
“Is she with you?” Mrs. Kensington asked.
“I am, Nadine.” I stared at her.
“Stella is my wife. We were recently married,” Miles spoke.
“Excuse me?” Mr. Kensington asked. “I don’t?—”
“I didn’t realize you two were dating,” Mrs. Kensington said.
“We met in Vegas, and it was love at first sight.” A smile crossed my lips.
“Please come back to us,” Austin whined. “We hate our new nanny.”
“Austin, that’s enough,” Mrs. Kensington scolded him.
“Congratulations to the both of you,” Mr. Kensington said. “Come on, children. We must go back to our table.”
“No!” Jenna shouted, hugging me tightly. “I want to stay with Stella.”
“Me too!” Austin shouted, causing a scene in the restaurant.
“Listen to me.” I knelt in front of them. “I miss both of you so much, but I have to focus on my schooling now. Remember how I told you I was taking classes to become a doctor?”
They both nodded as their sad eyes stared into mine.
“I need to go to school full-time so I can make that happen. Just like the two of you go to school.”
“It’s not fair. We don’t like our new nanny,” Jenna whined.
“That is enough, Jenna!” Mrs. Kensington spoke sternly. “Let’s go.”
I gave the children another hug and watched them head to their table. Sitting in my chair, I sighed and picked up my Cosmopolitan.
“You were the Kensington’s nanny?” Uncle Ben asked.
“Yes. For two years.”
“What type of doctor are you studying to be?” Aunt Gabby asked.
“I’m going for my doctorate in child psychology. I’m finishing up my master’s now.”
Uncle Ben chuckled. “You’re a psychologist and married him?” He pointed at Miles.
“As I said, it was love at first sight.”
“Yeah, right.” He shook his head. “You know what? I think it’s time we head home, Gabby.” He stood from his chair.
“We haven’t had dinner yet,” Miles said.
“Suddenly, I’ve lost my appetite. Let’s go, Gabby.”
“He hates me.” I stared at Miles, who sat there with a grin on his face.
“He doesn’t hate you. He hates me because he knows his time is limited at Bradshaw Capital. I guess it’s just the two of us.” He held up his drink.
Our waiter approached the table and set our food down.
“The two that were with us left,” Miles said.
“Oh. Okay. I’ll just take their food back to the kitchen.”
* * *
Miles
“Excuse me for a moment, Stella,” I said, getting up from my seat.
I walked over to the Kensington’s table. “Why don’t the two of you go over and talk to Stella before we leave?” I said to the children.
They quickly exited their seats and ran over to our table. I sat down across from Nadine and Brandon.
“Stella is a good woman. You made the right choice, Miles,” Brandon said.
“Shut up, Brandon.” Nadine sipped her drink.
“Stella told me what happened and why you fired her, Nadine. She also told me the rumors you’re spreading about her throughout the social circle.”
“That woman is a thief, and she was after my husband.”
“You’re a liar.” I pointed at her.
“How dare you, Miles?”
“She didn’t steal from you and wasn’t after Brandon. I don’t appreciate lies and false information being spread about my wife. You tell your social circle that you were wrong in firing Stella. Understand me?”
“I will do no such thing,” Nadine scolded.
“Okay then. Maybe your social circle would like to know the kind of financial trouble you’re in.”
“Now hold on, Miles.” Brandon raised his hand.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Nadine’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, but I would.” I smiled. “She’s my wife, and I will not tolerate lies being spread for something she didn’t do because of your insecurities, Nadine. She still talks to the other nannies. So, next time she does, she better tell me that you told everyone you were wrong, and you regret firing her.” I stood from my chair. “Enjoy the rest of your dinner.” I walked back to my table. “Austin. Jenna. Your parents are waiting for you.”
“Bye, Stella.” Both children waved to her.
“What did you say to them?” Stella asked.
“Nothing you need to worry about.” I picked up my fork.