Bound By His Daughter

Present.

Jules walked to the room next to hers and pushed the door, it was like her little girl knew she was coming.

"Momma." she was up in her cot smiling at Jules as she walked in. Her little arms were stretched out to her.

Jules’ heart leapt for joy every time her little Munchkin called her that. She had started speaking a few weeks ago and 'Momma' was the first word that came out of her mouth, the rest were words she picked up from anyone and everyone. Jules was shocked at first but her heart bubbled with happiness, she was a proud Momma.

Walking towards her cot she picked her up.

"Happy Birthday, Ivy" Jules said to her, smiling "You turn one today."

Ivy giggled like she understood what Jules said. She was the perfect child and she couldn’t have wished for a better baby than her little Ivy. Ivy was the most beautiful little baby and she was smarter than other babies her age.

Jules wondered how her biological parents could have given her up like they did. It was beyond her. But that's all in the past. Now, Ivy belonged to her and her love for her grew every single day and she wouldn't stop loving her because she was just so darn cute and lovable. The dimple on her left cheek, probably hereditary, only made her look even more so.

Today was her day and she was going to make it special for her because it was Ivy’s first birthday with her. She couldn’t wait.

Speaking of waiting, Ceaser wondered what was taking Daniel Smith so long. Bea's lawyer had asked to see him today and he was running late. Since Claire - his assistant – had given him his today’s schedule, he had wondered why Daniel wanted to meet him today of all days. He had expected him to call a month ago when he became a widower but he didn't.

Why now?

He wondered.

"Sir, Mr. Smith has arrived." His assistant's voice blared out of the intercom.

"Let him in Claire.” He said.

His office door opened after a moment, Claire stepped in and Daniel followed behind. Jack was a young and successful lawyer who handled most of Bea’s family’s legal cases. Ceaser stood up as Daniel made his way towards his desk.

last

Ceaser stretched his hand out giving Daniel’s a firm

seat." Ceaser gestured to one of the seats in front of his desk “Would you like my assistant to get

alright. Thank you.” He

Ceaser looked at Claire who stood near the door and he gave her a nod which she understood. She left the office

for taking the time to see me.” Daniel began “I know you might be wondering why I asked to see you."

Ceaser

is very important." Daniel

today?" He asked.

"That is what you’re about to find out." Daniel said opening his briefcase and he pulled out a brown envelope.

late wife Mrs. Beatrice Thompson specifically told me to give this to you on this particular day. She said I wasn't supposed to

He reached out to take the envelope from Daniel and studied the envelope in his hand. It weighed next to nothing, he thought, but

to know why?" Ceaser asked.

job is to

nodded.

then" Daniel said as picked up his briefcase and got up.

Ceaser got up as well and shook his hand. "Thank

my job Mr. Thompson." He said then left.

to the envelope on his desk. He sat down after a moment of

Whatever was inside would satisfy his curiosity, but he was nervous at what he might find inside. Knowing Bea as well as he did, she could drop a bomb and smile seconds after it had gone

paper laying there on his desk threatened to go off in seconds. He picked it up and slowly unfolded the paper.

or

He thought.

the paper, his chest tightening

 Ceaser,

you're reading this letter then I'm no longer with you. Even though there was no love in our marriage I still cared about you. You know that,

way of showing it. Ceaser thought.

the truth and I kept it away from you for selfish reasons and couldn’t find the courage to tell you when I knew I wasn’t going to make it