Chapter 24
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I was now Monday morning, and as planned. Dominick was supposed to pick up Grayson in the afternoon. Since it was a weekday, Paisley got up early to tackle some work she had to finish. By the time she wrapped things up, Serena was already awake.
“Mommy came a sleepy call from the bedroom.
Their house had three bedrooms. Serena still shared the south–facing room with Paisley. Maria slept in the north–facing room, while the guest room near the entrance had been Grayson’s temporary space these two days.
Paisley walked back to the bedroom to find Serena sitting up in bed and rubbing her groggy eyes, her hair a mess. Her voice, still soft and babyish piped up. “Mommy, do I have to go to school today?“:
Serena was a chatterbox who spoke fluently but still had a few words she didn’t quite pronounce right, making her sound irresistibly cute. Her lule mispronunciations had caused more dian a few funny moments.
“No, not for now, I’ll find d you a better school,” Paidey said..
After what had happened at her old preschool, Paisley didn’t feel safe letting Serena stay there.
“OIL” Serena’s face fell. “But 1 liked Ms Johnson”
Ms. Johnson–Sophia–was Serena’s teacher, the kind, patient one who greeted the kids every morning with a warm smile.
Paisley only hoped Sophia hadn’t been caught up in the fallout from the incident. If it turned out she was, Paisley had already decided she’d step and help Sophia find a new job.
“If I don’t go to school, what am I supposed to do today?” Serena asked, blinking her big, shiny eyes at Paisley.
“Well… how about this? Mommy won’t go out to work today. I’ll stay home with you. After breakfast, we can visit the park nearby. Sound good?” Paisley said with a smile.
Serena’s eyes lit up instantly. There was nothing more exciting for her than having her mother’s company on a weekday.
“Yraht” she squealed, throwing herself into Paisley’s arms with a giggle.
Suddenly, the bedroom door creaked open. Paisley glanced over and saw Grayson standing there.
“Oh, good morning.” Paisley said.
“Morning.” Grayson replied with a nod. He stood in the morning light, his expression unreadable, though something flickered in his eyes
You’re attending school today, right?” Paisley glanced at the time and added, “I can take you there first.”
Shaking his head, Grayson explained Dad gave me the day off and told me to stay here. Hell pick me up this afternoon.
Paisley fromed, not for the first time confused by Dominick’s logic. She could’ve easily taken Grayson to school in the morning, and Durninick could’ve picked him up after his business trip.
But instead, for no other reason than to keep Grayson waiting, he took the trouble to call the teacher and arrange a day off
“Honestly, what’s wrong with that man.. she muttered under her breath, yet she caught herself when she remembered the kids were standing right
there.
She stifled her annoyance and said, “Go wash
ish up. Breakfast will be ready soon.
Over the past two days, aside from that first–day clash between Serena and Grayson, the pro kids had managed to coexist without much trouble.
Grayson kept mostly to himself, occasionally letting loose with a snarky comment. Paisley just pretended not to hear him
Once the kids had finished washing up, Paisley headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. She found the ingredients Maria had prepped for pasta before leaving Soon enough, three steaming bowls of pasta were ready and placed on the table,
“Breakfast is ready,” she called out.
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Grayson quickly took his seat but pulled a long face at the sight of the plain bowl of pasta before him.
“What’s wrong! Don’t like it Paisley asked. She was about to suggest he could grab some bread instead if he didn’t want the past
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Chapter 24
“Why isn’t it rainbow pasta!” His voice carried a note of disappointment.
The words caught Paisley off guard. She thought, ‘Rainbow pasta. It’s been so long since I’ve even heard that
“It takes too long to make rainbow pasta” she said casually, lifting Serena into her booster seat before sitting down herself.
She took a bite of her pasta and thought it tasted good too.
“I don’t want this! 1 want rainbow passat Go make it for me now Grayson demanded. He stood stilly by the table and didn’t even spare a glance at his bowl anymore.
Paisley took a sigh, picked up Grayson’s bowl, and moved it to her side. Her voice dropped to a cold, firm tone. ‘Don’t eat it, then. Your choice
Grayson stood frozen and stared at her in disbelief. Then, without a word, he spun around and stomped back to his room, slamming the door so hard it ruled the frame.
The loud bang startled Serena, With wide eyes, she looked up at Paisley and asked, “Mommy, what’s wrong with Grayson?”
“Nothing,” Paisley said, keeping her tone light. Just finish your breakfast, sweetheart.”
Grayson didn’t reappear for the rest of the meal. Paisley didn’t bother checking on him either. After deaning up, she set Serena up with her loys and got back to work on her emails.
Serena played quietly in her own space for a while but soon started sneaking glances at her mother, who was focused on her laptop
When she was sure Paisley wasn’t looking, she tipsoed over to the snack cabinet, Grabbing a chocolate bar, a piece of bread, and a carton of milk, she carefully tiptoed toward the guest room
Serena thought she was being so sneaky, but every step she took was in Paisley’s line of sight Paisley just raised her eyebrows, armused, and went back to her work without saying a word.
Inside the guest room, Grayson lay sprawled on the bed, his faer buried in the pillow. He’d cried himself into a snilling mess, and his stomach was now growling angrily.
He was certain Paisley would eventually feel bad for him and cal him out for breakfast. But an hour passed, and no one came
“She’s really going to let me starve, huh? What a cruel woman he thought bitterly.
Just then, a soft shuffling noise came from the other side of the door. It sounded like a litle mouse scratching at the wood.
Grayson sat up
p and stared at the door with his red eyes. A second later, it cracked open just a sliver. Then, a small, chubby hand reached through with a chocolate bar. The hand carefully set it on the floor before disappearing.
A moment later, the hand reappeared with a small bag of bread. It was placed next to the chocolate. Finally, a carton of milk arrived, adding to the growing pile of snacks,
When all three items were lined up neatly on the door, the little hand hesitated. Then, as if worried Grayson might not notice the offering, Serena gave a loud, exaggerated cough. After pushing the snacks further into the room, she finally closed the door
Grayson stayed frozen on the bed, staring at the chocolate, bread, and milk, Jost in his thoughts. Did she…bring them for me?
Over the next linle while, Grayson walked to the door without shoes and started eating the food Serena had snuck him.
He enjoyed the food while thinking, “I don’t like bread and milk. But why does the bread taste so soft and delicious, and the milk, so sweet and refreshing
Once he finished the bread and milk, he stared at the chocolate bar for a moment but didn’t eat it. Instead, he carefully stuffed it into his pocket.
Meanwhile, Serena casually returned to her toy corner as if nothing happened.
“What were you doing, sweetie?” Paisley asked though she had already known the answer.
Serena froze for a second, but she didn’t even look back. Sle my legs.
Paisley showed a smirk but didn’t press her.
on a grown–up voice and replied. “Nothing just sitting too long. I was stretching
Around 10 a.m. Paisley’s assistant, Lucy, called with a work update. Tve got three things to report. First, you were right–Mr. Anderson’s project has been delayed. The original leads for the male lead and the second female lead dropped out, so now he has to recast those roles.
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Chapter 24
Paisley replied, “Goril
This wasn’t surprising. She’d seen this coming from a mile away, so she hadn’t rushed to fix it. After all, the leading roles in a top–tier drama should either be popular with a large fan base or have very astonishing records in other dramas
Brittany was nowhere near a big enough name to carry a lead role in sach a massive production. She didn’t have the fan base or the acting chops to pull it off…
Given that she’d only made a name for herself with bit parts in web dramas and by stealing the spotlight on ceremonies, it was no shock she was getting dropped.
For an actor, the script was just one thing. He valued other leading roles even more. After all, no actor worth his salt would risk a few months of shooting just to star apposite someone with so little credibility. It made sense for him to drop out.
The second female lead’s exit made even more sense. She was a top tier celebrity, with enough pull that she couldn’t possibly play second fidelle to someone like Brittany, Even if she were willing, her fans wouldn’t accept it
Paisley was sure this was just the beginning. More actors would likely drop out soon enough. But that wasn’t her problem. She was just a screenwriter, and the director would have to sort out this mess.
It would take Brittany forever to get the leading role.
Paisley asked, “What’s the second thing?”
Lucy continued, “Nathaniel Beaumont from Axton Enterprises has opened a new polo club in Harrowfell and wants to invite you opening party”
“Axion Enterprises?” Paisley thought for a moment, trying to connect the dots.
to the grand
Lucy then said, “You saw him last year at the Lynford International Equestrian Competition. He was one of the event’s investors, and he presented you with the champion award
“After that, you both went to the celebration party, and Mr. Beannant mentioned he would treat you to dinner when you were back in town?
Paisley found her memories. Nathaniel had made a positive impression on her back then
“So, are you going?” Lucy asked, trying to gauge her interest. She then added. “He said you could bring your family or friends–doesn’t matter how
many
Paisley chuckled, caching the hint that Lucy wanted in on this. It had been a while since she’d gone out, so she agreed, “Alright, let’s attend it. You handle the arrangements”
“Got it.” Lucy responded eagerly and then moved on to the third item. The third thing is someone in Harrowfell has reached out through a middleman to buy one of your paintings.”
“Someone wants to buy my painting?” Paisley raised her eyebrows and asked, “Who is it? Do you know!”
r’s through a third party, I don’t know who the buyer is,” replied Lacy.
Paisley glanced at the time and found it was almost time to start making lunch. Afterward, she was planning to take the kids to the park. So she replied firmly, “No matter who it is, the answer is still no. Same nude as always”
