White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1) Read Free

diapers. In many ways, she helped raise me.
    Nervously, he shuffled his feet. “I don’t want to cause problems, Willow. She’s pretty upset. After you left yesterday, Mildred was in the study cleaning and found some papers behind a bookcase. Alex walked in, lost his temper, and fired her. He said some terrible things. I came in from outside, and when I walked in the room, he stormed off in a rage.”
    A heavy stone landed on my heart. This was the crux of our arguments. He wanted everyone I considered family gone. The reasoning was he wanted to start out fresh—sell the house, fire all the staff, distance myself from my best friend, and us be in control of my multi-million dollar trust fund.
    This was my home.
    What I’d hoped to be our home.
    Our children’s home.
    Frustration brewed within me. Had Alex played me last night? I blew out some air in a gust. “Yesterday was a rough day for Alex and me. Mildred isn’t fired.”
    Chris nodded. I knew he was holding back what he wanted to say. For a while now, I suspected he didn’t like Alex, but he supported me. Honestly, after how Alex acted, I doubted anyone was a fan.
    I let go of the handle and exhaled, knowing painting would have to wait. Family first. “Is Mildred here?”
    “She arrived just before you, after spending the night with her sister. I imagine Mildred is gathering her things from the guest house. Alex said she had until today to leave.”
    I gave Chris a quick hug. “Thanks. I know this has been a tough few months with Alex’s condition. I promise it’s going to get better.”
    “I worry about you, Willow.” The tone in his voice told me there were doubts to my words, which was fair. I had said something similar to him and Mildred about two months ago.
    The truth was I worried about myself, too. How long was I going to be able to keep piecing everything back together? Dad always said marriage should be a lifelong commitment. But were there extenuating circumstances?
    At times, I hoped the answer was yes.
    Alex and I still had a lot to work out even after last night. I was still processing the fact he didn’t want kids. A month ago he informed me he’d changed his mind and kids were no longer an option for us.
    “I appreciate you always looking out for me, Chris.” I took a few steps. “I need to go convince Mildred to stay. I’ll be back. I hope she will.”
    Chris nodded. “Of course she’ll stay for you.”
    I hoped so. The thought of her leaving left another empty hole in my chest.
    Baby steps.
    One day at a time.
    That was the advice my therapist gave me for dealing with someone who had PTSD. I held out hope Alex and I were able to figure it out because this was our last chance.

 
     
    T he sun shone bright on this spring day in the Hamptons as I took off to the guest house on the left side of the painting studio. Landscaping hid the studio and guest house from the front.
    Mildred’s familiar black car was parked next to her garage. Thank goodness she hadn’t left. As I got closer, I saw the door was left open. Sniffling sounds resonated through the air.
    Pausing, I knocked. “Mildred?”
    The air grew quiet, and then I heard Mildred answer. “Come in, Willow.” A duffel bag was near the door. “My brother is going to come help me get the heavy stuff. My sister just left with a load.”
    Without thinking, I walked up to Mildred and threw my arms around her. “You’re not fired. I just found out from Chris what Alex did, or I would have come home last night. I stayed in the city. Mildred, you have a place here for as long as you like. Please don’t leave me.”
    Strong arms came around my back as the middle-aged woman brought me to her. “I’m so sorry, Willow. I had no idea I was messing with Mr. Alex’s things. He lost his temper. I try. I really do. I love it here.”
    Putting a little distance between us so I could see Mildred’s face, I felt the tears burning at the back of my eyes. At times, Alex had been a