Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Sixteen

Daphne

" H oly crap. I'm so nervous." I'm pacing in Camilla's office while Wren and Meadow reassure me that today is going to be a hit. "I don't think I can do this. This is way bigger than what I signed up for. There's no way anyone is going to take me seriously."

"Oh, shut the fuck up," Wren snaps.

I stop my pacing as I whip my head in her direction. If she weren't smirking, I might end up in tears from her abrasiveness.

"Wren!" Meadow pinches the back of her arm, making her yelp. She steps towards Meadow like she's going to retaliate, but I jump between them.

"Stop it. I didn't think it was going to be two grown adults that I had to separate today." I act stern, but this is exactly what I needed to calm my nerves. Leave it to my ridiculous found family to pull a stunt like this to distract me from my panic.

"What exactly are you worried about? You're amazing and built this foundation from the ground up. What you and Ezra are doing is going to be good for so many people." Meadow sweetly rubs my arm to keep my panic at bay.

"I'm nervous that I'll go all awkward, introvert girl and end up messing everything up. I don't want to do any interviews or be in the spotlight. That's not me."

"Then don't," Wren states matter-of-factly, making me look at her curiously.

"Okay, sure. I'll just tell them no comment."

"That's not what I meant, smartass. I meant let someone else do the talking if you're worried about that. Ezra's great at the PR stuff, and so are Matty and Camilla. Let them handle it."

"Huh, I suppose I could do that. But I doubt I'll get away without having to talk or do an interview."

"You're probably right, but just stick to one of the other three like glue and have them redirect the conversation towards themselves."

"That actually sounds like a really good plan. Thanks, Wren."

I lean in to give her a hug while she grumbles, "I don't know why you sound so shocked. It's not like I'm not a successful business owner."

"I didn't mean anything by that. I—"

Wren cuts me off with a cackle as she watches me squirm thinking I offended her.

"Ugh, you're such a brat," I groan

"Sure am, but that's why you love me."

"Where's River? Didn't she come with you?" I turn towards Meadow.

"She did. She was in one of the classrooms, probably terrifying someone with that big brain of hers. She wanted to check out what tech Ezra brought with him."

"Crap. I probably should've asked her if she wanted to join. I'm such a bad aunt."

"No, you're not. And she would've declined. She loves the idea, but she's too advanced to try and do a project like this with the other kids without taking over and running circles around them. Her words, not mine."

"Hmm, she's probably not wrong. Ezra has boasted about having pretty advanced kids, but no one like River. I tried keeping up with their conversation the one time he dropped us off lunch, but I was lost within seconds. I honestly think he'd do just about anything to get her to sign a contract with him to work at his company once she's done with school."

"I don't know if he'd have to do much. You know Riv. There are very few people she feels comfortable with right off the bat since she misses some social cues because of that big brain of hers, but with Ezra, it was like they've known each other forever. He speaks her language and can keep up, but even more importantly, he doesn't talk down to her. He listens and values what she has to say, which goes a long way with River."

I smile at the image of two of my favorite people getting along so well. I was also really impressed with how Ezra interacted with River. That's part of the reason why I knew this idea was going to be a success.

I'm finally feeling a little calmer about everything when strong arms wrap around me middle and a beard scrapes my neck as Ezra nuzzles in. I know it's him by the teak and sandalwood smell.

"You about ready to kick things off, love?" he whispers in my ear before kissing down my neck.

"Not really, but I have no choice."

Wren groans at me, Meadow's light laugh floats in the air, and Matty is giving Ezra a very concerned look. Camilla is standing beside him, just shaking her head at me.

" Mija , you will be fine. Whether you realize it or not, your puta of a mother prepared you very well for a situation like this. The boys and I will keep as much attention off you as possible, but you're going to do great." Camilla walks towards me and pulls me out of Ezra's hug to give me one of her own.

"Alright, everyone. It's go time." Matty claps his hands as he bounces on his feet.

I reluctantly follow them out and head to the small auditorium to greet everyone and get the day's events kicked off. Following Camilla and Matty up the stage, Ezra keeps me tucked into his side as we head towards the podium.

"Good morning," his deep voice rings out, drawing all of the attention in the room which instantly silences. "Daphne and I couldn't be more excited about this event. We are both extremely passionate about our foundations, and it seemed like a no-brainer to combine them to teach all of our kids how to turn their skills into something practical that can provide a livable income.

"We are thrilled to have so many businesses in our community stepping up to participate in our event, from being mock clients to providing their expertise by joining our kids' teams. This is going to give them the most realistic experience of how they can apply their skills in a practical manner.

"We also need to acknowledge our kids in the program. To be a part of the event today, each child had to write an essay stating why they'd like to be a participant. The essays were blind judged by volunteers and teachers from each foundation. The chosen kids had meetings all week to prepare them for today's event. They will have five hours to complete their respective projects.

"Please feel free to walk around the classrooms to check out what each group is doing but try not to interrupt them. At the end of the five hours, we will meet back here to observe each group's meeting with their prospective client.

"And to our kiddos, we're so proud of you already. Do your best today, but remember to have fun, ask questions, and lean on your teammates.

"Time starts… now!"

The room erupts with activity as the kids file out to their classrooms. I can't want to walk around and see what they've come up with. I'm so stinking proud of how serious they're all taking this and how excited they are about it.

"Come on, love. Let's go show our kiddos support."

Ezra tugs me to the side of the stage where Camilla and Matty are animatedly talking to one of the people doing media coverage. I duck my head as we walk past, not ready to face that evil.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?"

"Only about five times since I got dressed this morning. I can't take much credit. Tink sent me the outfit, and Wren helped do my hair, as you know."

"Yes, but it's the woman with the biggest heart who's tucked into this gorgeous suit that makes it beautiful."

I blush as I slide my hand down my pant legs. The pant suit Tink sent me for today is stunning. It's cream with a high waist and legs that flare at the bottom. She paired it with a vest and a light camisole underneath it. I love that it looks professional but is not as stuffy as a full suit. Wren gave me big waves that flow down my back, making me look elegant. I debated wearing my contacts, but I didn't want to fuss with them all day, so I have on my gold-rimmed glasses that Ezra loves.

"Thank you, Ezra. You look so handsome. I love you in your casual clothes, but you in a suit." I bite my lips as heat flashes in my eyes. "I really love this look." Ezra is in his usual black-on-black, but it fits him so damn well.

"Come on, let's go check on our kids."

Ezra and I spend the next five hours working our way through the different groups. I'm extremely impressed with how well and thought out the children's plans are. I spend about an hour with each group, sometimes observing, and other times helping the kids puzzle out a tough problem.

The volunteers from the local businesses have been a huge asset to the groups. I think it shows a lot about Ezra's character that so many of his contacts showed up. Their support means they believe in what we're trying to do for these kids, which will hopefully lead to more funding for them and each of our programs.

"Hi. Daphne, correct?" A woman with a camera makes her way over to where I'm standing on the side watching one of the groups.

"Um, yes. Hello," I reply tentatively. I recognize her as one of the bloggers covering the event. I suppose if I am going to be approached by anyone, I'm glad it's her.

She looks like she's close to my age, but it's more about her welcoming appearance than anything. She's bubbly and friendly, and I've already seen her talking excitedly to other people about what the kids are doing.

"Hi, I'm Erica. Can I just say that I love your program and what you're doing for these kids. I wish there'd been something like this when I was growing up. I was lucky and had a great art teacher who helped me get into college, but having resources like this would have been amazing."

"Thank you. I was fortunate enough to have parents who could afford for me to do specialized art projects, but I also understood how lucky I was for the opportunities I was given."

"Is that why you decided to start your foundation?"

"Absolutely. I had friends who were just as talented as myself, if not more, who chose different paths because they didn't have the means to chase their dreams. My father's work as a senator also made me more aware of the platform I had and my ability to do something about it. He was my biggest supporter when I first pitched the idea, basically founding my entire foundation."

"Wow, that's wonderful that he is so supportive of you."

"It really is." I smile sweetly at her. "He still donates, but he gave me the connections I needed to make the foundation what it is today." I wave my hand out towards the kids.

"I love that. Thank you so much for talking to me. I'm going to mingle some more."

"Of course. Thank you for coming and supporting the programs. Any exposure helps."

Erica smiles before turning back towards the room.

We only have about thirty minutes left, so I remind the group. Leaving the room, I pop into each classroom to warn them of the countdown before heading back to the auditorium.

The front two rows are reserved for participants, the volunteers, and the teachers. I find Ezra and Matty standing in front of the stage, talking to another man who looks to be our age.

When I get close, Ezra tugs me into his side. "I'm so fucking proud of you, love. This is amazing."

"Thank you, but I didn't do much. Really, we owe Camilla and Matty big time."

Hearing his name, Matty excuses himself from his conversation, then turns towards me and smiles. "Talking about how amazing I am, are you?" He teases as he puffs out his chest and saunters closer.

Ezra rolls his eyes, but I can't contain my giggle. Slipping out from under Ezra's arm, I give Matty a big squeeze.

"Thank you for working so hard on this. This is above and beyond what I thought of when Ezra and I first talked about doing a joint event."

Matty hugs me back, and when I pull away, a slight blush covers his cheeks.

We take our seats and watch each student present their projects to their respective "clients", and I couldn't be prouder. They did an excellent job of combining their skill sets to present well-rounded finished projects. To wrap up each group's presentation, the businesses provide positive feedback and critiques. Overall, everything ran really smoothly, and everyone had a good time.

Ezra and I join Camilla and Matty on stage to wrap up the day. We invite everyone to stay around and enjoy lunch on us, then say goodbye to our friends and family who came to support us.

"I can't believe how well that went," I muse to Ezra after another person is done congratulating us on our success.

"It was amazing. I think we need to make it a quarterly event."

"As long as Matty and Camilla are on board, I'm down."

I smile at Ezra as I sink further into his embrace. His lips touch mine gently, but it's not long until he deepens the kiss, driving me wild.

"Seriously, Daphne. Do you deem to be a disgrace in every public situation, let alone one as important as this?"

My eyes fly open as my back snaps straight, and I pull my mouth from Ezra's. I'd know that voice filled with disappointment anywhere. I turn in Ezra's arms to see my mother glaring at me, arms crossed over her chest, and her nose high in the air.

"I don't know where I went wrong with you or why you think this behavior is acceptable. I raised you better than this. I can only imagine it's from the company you seem set on keeping, which makes no sense when you can do so much better."

Ezra's arms tighten around me, but instead of cowering, I'm done.

" Enough !" I cut off my mother, who gasps. "Do you not see that this is neither the time or place to be having this conversation? You're making more of a scene than I am by kissing the man I love after providing an amazing event for so many.

"And how dare you talk about Ezra like that. This man is amazing. He's selfless, caring, and supportive. He loves me for who I am and is the best partner I could ever hope for. Look around you at what we created." I gesture to the room. I notice out of the corner of my eye that we're starting to draw a crowd, but I don't care. This has been a long time coming.

"Yes, the event was a success, but that was due to your foundations' leaders, not you. You've been too busy out gallivanting with him. Don't think I haven't seen the pictures of you two in the gossip rags."

I startle. That's news to me, but I've never paid attention to that nonsense. And even if we have been photographed, I'm sure we weren't doing anything that would warrant her to act like this.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I can assure you that if there are pictures, all they'll show is two people who love each other."

"Pshh, you don't love him. You don't even know what love is."

"And who the fuck's fault is that?" Ezra growls out from behind me, startling me.

I forgot he was there for a minute, but I step back into him, pulling his strength from him.

"What is that supposed to mean? Do you see how he talks to me? I am your mother and deserve the respe—"

"Respect is earned, and you most certainly have not earned my respect. You're vile, and the way you treat your amazing, resilient daughter is abysmal."

"I— You cannot talk to me that way." My mother stomps her foot, which for some reason makes me want to laugh, but I hold it in. "If you continue to associate with this man, I will no longer support your foundation. I will make sure your trust is reestablished so you will not inherit it if you choose to marry him."

There are gasps around the room, and even though she didn't touch me, it feels like she slapped me across the face.

"Fuck. You," Ezra grits out. "We don't need you or your money. I have more than enough to support Daphne and will do just that if it means we no longer have to deal with you."

"Please, you may have money now, but nothing like what we can provide my daughter. If you—"

"Enough." I don't know where he came from, but my dad is standing behind my mother and he looks livid.

"Oh, honey. There you are. We need to go. I will not stay here being disrespected like this."

"You can go. And while you're at it, go home and get your stuff out of the house."

"W-what do you mean?" My mother's eyes are wide as she stares at my father.

"I cannot stand for you to treat our daughter like this anymore. I did wrong by Daphne when I left her in your care. You've never been a warm woman, but until recently, I didn't realize how cold and cruel you've been to our daughter. I will not have it anymore.

"Daphne, I owe you an apology. I never realized how much my career would affect you over the years. I was absent at best, and I missed so much with you. I've been slowing down some, preparing to retire, and have learned the true colors of your mother that I was blind to before. I love you so much, and I wish I had been a better father. But if you'll let me, I'd like to start now."

I'm floored. I have no idea what is going on, but I can't believe what I'm hearing.

"I-I'd love that, Dad."

Relief floods his face as he steps around my mother, his arms opened. I take a big step and throw myself into his embrace. This hug doesn't fix everything, but it's a great start to healing some old wounds.

"What is going on?" my mom huffs from behind me.

"You need to leave. I have arranged for an apartment for you in the city. My assistant will help you find someone to pack and move your things out of the house, which I will be selling. My term is up in a few months, and I decided I'd like to be closer to my daughter. I will help you find a lawyer and pay the fees, but we will be getting a divorce."

"What? You can't divorce me! I've dedicated my life to being the perfect wife for you."

"Stop it." My dad shuts her down. "I'm sorry for ruining your event. I will get your mother out of here. If you're available, I'd like to get lunch or dinner this week."

"Thank you, Dad. I would love that."

My mother is still sputtering and carrying on as my father grabs her elbow and guides her out of the auditorium. Thankfully, the event was mostly over so not many people witnessed our family drama. That being said, I'm fucking exhausted as I sink into Ezra's embrace.

"I'm so fucking proud of you, love. You were so brave."

"Thank you."

"Come on. Let's go home." Ezra nods towards Matty before steering me towards the door.

We really should stay and help wrap everything up, but I don't think I can manage any more peopling today. Home with Ezra sounds like the perfect place to be.