I’m Always His Second Priority Novel

The next day , Lucas came home with a stack of papers in his hand . When I opened the door , I didn't let him in . He held out the documents . " Julia , I'm here to apologize on Bella's behalf . She lost control yesterday . She didn't mean it . " " Can't she apologize herself ? " I asked . He hesitated . " She's too weak right now . " " Let's not talk about her then , " I said . " Let's talk about us . What about Jason's birthday celebration ? How do we explain this to our families ? " He fell silent . After a long pause , he said , " Once things calm down , we'll host another one .

" " Another one ? " I stared at him . " You think something like that can just be redone ? " " What else can we do ? " His tone hardened , edged with impatience . " What's done is done . I know you're upset , but Bella's lost her brother and baby . Can't we show her a little compassion ? " There it was again - compassion . I took the document from his hand . It was a share transfer agreement . He had signed over 20 percent of his law firm's equity to me . " This is compensation , " he said . " Please don't stay angry .

' When I accepted the papers , he exhaled in relief , assuming I had forgiven him . " You've always been softhearted . Don't worry . Once she recovers , I'll make it up to you and Jason . " Then he left . 0.00 % 11:00 OFFREY 288 iVouchers I tore the agreement into pieces and threw it in the trash . The next morning , I went to work and had my colleague pull the hospital records from the day before . Isabelle , pregnant at 24 weeks , had undergone induced labor . It was not a miscarriage but a deliberate termination . I called a friend in the emergency department .

" Do you remember a patient named Isabelle Mendoza ? The one who came in yesterday with heavy bleeding ? " He thought for a moment . " Oh , her . A man carried her in , panic written all over his face , saying she had miscarried . " " How was she really ? " He sighed . " Honestly ? It was standard post - procedure bleeding . Nothing dangerous . We all knew what it was just a show for the guy . " My stomach sank . She'd played it perfectly by choosing the day of our baby's celebration to induce labor , faking a hemorrhage . That night , Lucas came home late , looking pleased .

He said Isabelle was stable now . " I booked a restaurant . We'll make up for your birthday and Mom's together . " In the car , he reached for my hand . I pulled away . " Lucas , how much do you give Isabelle He froze . every month ? " " It's not that much ... Just half my income . " Lucas was one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the city . Half his income was an astronomical amount . 30.25 % 11:00 " She doesn't work ? " " She's not in good health . After Oliver's case , she fell into depression and hasn't been able to hold down a job . " " So you're supporting her ?

" His brows furrowed . " Julia , what kind of question is that ? I'm just taking responsibility for Oliver ! " His tone rose , defensive and sharp . " He died in prison because I lost that case ! Is making sure his sister has food and shelter a crime ? " I didn't reply . The air in the car turned cold . We barely spoke through dinner . On the way back , his phone rang . It was Isabelle . He answered immediately , his voice softening . " What's wrong ? Are you feeling sick ? " The power's out ? Don't move . I'll be right there . " When he hung up , he forced a smile at me .

" Julia , I'll drop you off first , then head over to Bella's place . She's alone and afraid of the dark . I looked straight at him . " Lucas , what exactly is she to you ? " His smile froze . " She's my client's sister , the victim I failed to protect . " " So now you're responsible for her meals , her bills , and fixing her circuit breaker ? " " Juliana ! " He snapped , his patience gone . " Can you not twist everything ? She's a patient ! She just 60.52 % 11:00 went through an induced labor . Her place is pitch black ! You expect me to ignore that ?

" " You could call building maintenance . " " It's not the same ! She doesn't trust anyone else ! " I laughed . " Right . She only trusts you . " I opened the door . " No need to drop me off . I can go back by myself . Go on . Your ' responsibility ' is waiting . " I stepped out and shut the door behind me . His car idled for a long moment , then finally turned around and drove off in the direction of Isabelle's apartment . 88.11 %