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.

“Sorry I’m late.” Daniel began “My last client got

giving Daniel’s

of his desk “Would you like my assistant to get you something to drink?” Taking his own seat

I’m alright. Thank you.” He said.

and he gave her a nod which she

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

Ceaser replied.

it is very important."

"Why today?" He

find out." Daniel said opening

told me to give this to you on this particular day. She said I wasn't supposed to give you a

to take the envelope from Daniel and studied the envelope in his hand. It weighed next to nothing, he thought, but he could feel the weight of whatever was inside in his chest.

don't happen to know why?" Ceaser

clue. My job is to deliver and not

nodded.

as picked up his briefcase and got up.

as well and shook his hand. "Thank

Thompson." He said then left.

a moment of staring at the envelope and beeped Claire telling her he didn’t want to be disturbed for a

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 off

Nothing more. The white paper laying

was now or never.

thought.

on the paper, his chest tightening as he began reading her

 Ceaser,

no longer with you. Even though there was no love in our marriage I

had a really weird way of showing it.

and I kept it away from you for selfish reasons and couldn’t find the courage to tell