**Three Years Later**
The soft, gentle hum filled the nursery, intertwined with the melody of a music box. Anyone hearing the combination would instantly feel relaxed and calm, closing their eyes and drifting into a deep sleep. This included the three-year-old child lying in bed, being gently patted while lulled by the soothing melody, slowly drifting into a peaceful dream.
His eyes, initially wide open, gradually began to close before finally falling into a deep slumber. The dark nursery, illuminated only by the soft moonlight, made the room feel even more magical and serene.
The warmth of the gentle patting, coming from his mother beside him, was a comfort the child had known since birth. Juliette, the mother of the three-year-old, smiled tenderly, her hazel eyes fixed lovingly on the adorable face of the child she had fought so hard to bring into the world. Juliette bent down and kissed her son’s forehead gently, whispering in his ear.
“I will love you forever, Roberto. Mama will never hate you, no matter what happens.” She ran her hand over Roberto’s head, where his thick, silky black hair grew.
Roberto Jerill De Lavigne was the name of the child she had given birth to, a child with De Lavigne blood flowing through his veins. Juliette had deliberately chosen the name Roberto because it reminded her of her father, as it sounded similar, and Jerill because it resembled her name. It seemed like a romantic reason, but it was true-names are the most critical identity.
Even though she had chosen Roberto, whose initials were the same as Robbin’s, reminding her of him, the name’s meaning was beautiful and profound. It reflected Juliette’s great hopes for Roberto’s future. She couldn’t afford to be selfish; she didn’t want to erase Robbin’s existence from Roberto’s life. What Robbin had done to her was between them and had nothing to do with Roberto.
Roberto was the rainbow after the storm. So, she would never blame his presence in her life. In fact, Roberto was like therapy and a cure for all the trauma Robbin had caused her.
Despite everything, Juliette also knew that her son deserved to know about his father and what he had done in the past, though she would only tell him the truth when he was old enough. Even if she had given him another name out of hundreds of options, she would still be reminded of Robbin because Roberto resembled his father, except for his lips and nose, which he had inherited from Juliette.
Roberto meant “bright,” and Jerill meant “wise, intelligent, and full of spirit and joy.” Juliette hoped that Roberto would become a shining light in the lives of those around him, including Robbin, one day and grow up to be wise and intelligent. Roberto’s very presence was a joy for Juliette, giving her the strength to keep living and face each day. She smiled and kissed Roberto’s chubby cheeks before standing up from the chair she had placed beside the crib, which was now adjusted to fit Roberto’s growing body.
Juliette stretched her sore body and yawned widely, then reached for her phone on the nightstand. Just as she did, she heard a knock on the door, followed by the sound of it opening. A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and green eyes appeared, smiling softly.
“Hey, is my nephew fast asleep?” the woman whispered as she walked into the room, glancing at Roberto through the crib’s safety rails. She reached out and gently stroked Roberto’s chubby, rosy cheek, commenting, “I can’t believe this little angel turns into an adorable little devil when his eyes are open and he’s causing chaos throughout the mansion.”
A small laugh escaped Juliette’s lips. “You’re right, Daisy. Even Uncle William struggles when taking care of Roberto.” Juliette gave Daisy a playful look. She observed Daisy’s appearance, still dressed in a navy blue gown after returning from a formal charity event for children with cancer.
Daisy’s beautiful, makeup-adorned face showed signs of fatigue. Although a lot of time had passed and Daisy had regained her ability to speak through intense therapy, there were still moments when she struggled. Sometimes, Juliette felt guilty, knowing that Daisy’s condition was due to her.
“Hah! My father’s getting old,” Daisy said in a hoarse voice.
Juliette nodded in agreement. She studied Daisy’s appearance again and asked, “How was the event? Enjoyable?”
Daisy stepped away from the crib as Juliette tucked Roberto in with a blanket and ensured the baby monitor was on. Truthfully, she felt relieved that after all this time, Juliette had finally decided to come to the De Lavigne residence with Roberto. After all, this house would become Roberto’s home when he turned ten.
Daisy had no problem traveling to Washington to visit her dear friend and nephew. Still, her busy schedule and various art exhibitions often made it hard to plan trips. Plus, Juliette’s arrival at the De Lavigne residence had quieted the rest of the family and made things more peaceful.
While Juliette was living in Washington, the elder members of the De Lavigne family constantly asked her father about Roberto, who would one day become the family’s heir. Daisy approached Juliette, who was watching over Roberto, and gently patted her on the shoulder.
“Are you sure about your decision?” she asked gently, hoping Juliette would reconsider and postpone her plans. A trace of doubt and sadness flickered across Juliette’s beautiful face, and Daisy felt her heart ache for her. No matter what Daisy felt, it was nothing compared to what Juliette had endured.
She also knew how Juliette blamed herself for her situation, even though it wasn’t her fault. Daisy cleared her throat softly to improve her voice and murmured, “You have no obligation, Julie. Whatever you decide, my father and I will support you, and so will Aunt Meryl.”
Daisy looked at Roberto’s face once more, seeing the mix of her crazy cousin and Juliette. She felt sympathy because, thanks to Robbin, Juliette had been afraid to start new relationships. Even though Juliette said her focus was on raising Roberto, Daisy knew the truth.
Juliette still hadn’t gotten over Leo, and she struggled to trust men. She had built walls around her heart and soul, ensuring that no man could enter. She protected herself from betrayal and disappointment. Daisy itched to knock some sense into Robbin for the destruction he had caused in Juliette’s life.
Juliette sighed profoundly and walked toward the door, followed by Daisy. Once they were outside the nursery with the door securely closed, Juliette leaned against the wall beside the door and stared at the ceiling of the mansion’s hallway, her mind flooded with thoughts. “How is he now?”
“Christian said there’s been some improvement since the last time. He can recognize family members and hold light conversations, as long as nothing triggers him to lash out again. If his condition continues to improve and can be managed without the strict oversight of a medical team, the court will transfer him back to prison, but he’ll be in a separate cell to avoid endangering other inmates.”
“What if what happened before happens again?”
“That’s still under consideration. Just because he’s improving doesn’t mean he’s fully recovered. Introducing Roberto to him is risky, Julie. Think carefully about your son’s safety.”
Juliette didn’t respond. She knew full well how dangerous this situation was, but she felt she had to let Roberto meet Robbin at least once before she took him to Paris to live. Roberto would only live in New York when he turned ten. If something happened to Robbin while she was gone, and Roberto never had the chance to meet him, how would Roberto react in the future? At least if she brought Roberto to meet Robbin just once before leaving, she wouldn’t have to lie to him one day about whether they had ever met. Juliette shifted her gaze to Daisy, offering her a warm look. “I know you’ll take care of him and protect him.”
“Of course. I won’t let Roberto get hurt, and he’ll always be in my arms. My father will make sure nothing bad happens either.” Daisy placed her hand on Juliette’s shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Are you sure you want to watch them from afar? You can stay at the mansion.”
Juliette shook her head briefly. “No. I need to see it-to see them look at each other for the first and last time.”
“Alright.” For a moment, silence filled the air. Both Juliette and Daisy were lost in their thoughts before Daisy finally broke the quiet. “How’s the launch of your novel going? You have a signing and fan meeting in two days, right?”
“Yes, you have to come, Daisy. After all, the book tells the story of what we’ve been through.”
Daisy nodded and smiled broadly at Juliette, relieved that the somber expression had faded from her face as she changed the subject. “Want to join me for some mac ‘n cheese? I suddenly feel hungry for something light.”
“Sure.” And with that, the two of them walked side by side toward the kitchen.
…