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had become someone my father would have detested and for that... I had to let Jules go.
    I would never believe Emily to be deserving of him. She was a commoner, an ordinary woman thrust into a life she knew nothing of. She would surely crumble under the scrutiny of the press and the lifestyle Jules and I lived. There was no doubt. I, on the other hand, would be a perfect fit for Jules. It was why his father thought it best we wed.
    Releasing a sigh, I slowly lowered myself onto my knees beside Jules’ strong, solid form and kissed his warm temple, letting my lips linger for a moment, before pulling away. His father would be heartbroken to hear of our separation, but it would be for the best. He would have to come to terms with it, as would I, someday .
    I hadn’t the faintest idea what would become of me. I had to believe that time would help the pain he would leave behind, once he was gone.
    Deciding to retreat to the study, I straightened myself and made my way upstairs; all the while preparing myself for the sobering moment Jules would walk out of the door.
    I am a Delacroix. I need no validation from anyone, not even my beloved , I recited to myself.
    If only I could believe that in my heart. Je vous aimerai toujours, Jules. I will always love you, Jules.

Chapter Two

    Shane decided to stay last night on the couch. Between the loud sighs and his insistent grunting, I guess the old couch didn’t live up to whatever bedding he was used to. Each time I heard him groan, I had to suppress the urge to laugh. I knew I shouldn’t take pleasure in his discomfort, but dammit, I just couldn’t help but enjoy it. He wanted so desperately to appear unfazed by his family fortune, but the man was as uppity as they come.
    I hadn’t slept much, my mind often wandered to Julien. I had no idea how he was doing. Although I tried my hardest, Shane wouldn’t give me any details. Men and their fucking guy codes.
    “Morning, grumpy head,” I greeted, as I made my way into the kitchen. I noticed that Shane had already folded up the comforter I had given him last night neatly on the couch.
    As I began making coffee, I went to pull out some eggs, but stopped just as I was about to reach for them. I suddenly felt guilty for thinking of making another man breakfast and slowly closed the refrigerator door. Darting a look at Shane, who was now standing by the window peering out, much like the first time I had met him. I wondered how Julien would feel about my making breakfast for Shane. He was his brother, after all.
    It doesn’t matter what Julien thinks, you guys aren’t together anymore, remember?
    I shook my head, feeling silly for feeling guilty over something so innocent.
    “Breakfast?” I pulled the eggs out of the refrigerator and grabbed some frozen sausages. I was in no mood for a five-star meal this morning. Shane and I needed to get brainstorming on how we would exact revenge on that bitch, once and for all.
    “Nope, don’t eat breakfast. I will take some coffee, if you don’t mind,” he stated, without turning toward me.
    I made myself breakfast and poured us some coffee, before bringing it to the kitchen island and calling him over.
    “So... we need to brainstorm,” I said, before taking a sip of the caramel coffee. The favor instantly brought to mind Diana, since we bonded over our mutual love of coffee. I suppressed the feelings threatening to surface. I couldn’t afford to take my focus off of Charlette, not now anyway. I needed to deal with one crazy bitch at a time. Diana would have to wait, I tried to convince myself, but a part of me missed her still.
    “Right. About that...” Shane began in an unsure tone, which immediately sent me jumping from my stool and pointing my finger in his face.
    “What about it, Shane Belmont?” I challenged him. “I swear if you even think about bailing on me, I will castrate your ass,” I threatened, watching as his eyes widened.
    “Easy there, sweetheart, I’m not bailing.