Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Seventeen

Ezra

I lead Daphne towards the door to leave as my mind races. I can see Matty calming down a fuming Camilla. I probably owe him a case of beer for playing interference between Camilla and Daphne's mother. I can only imagine that interaction would end in a blood bath of epic proportions.

We pass several people lingering in the halls who look like they want to say something, but quickly back off when they see the scowl on my face. Daphne is clinging to my middle as if I'm the only thing holding her up. It's a little awkward to walk like this, but I'll do whatever it takes to help her right now. When we turn down an empty hall, I scoop her up into my arms.

She gasps, but doesn't say anything else as we quickly leave the building and get in my car. I buckle Daphne in before jogging to the driver's side and pulling out my phone.

I need to text Matty to see how much our little showdown was heard and to do some damage control if needed. Instead, I already have a message from him telling me he's handling it and to take care of Daphne and to let him know how she's doing later. This is why Matty has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Not only is he smart as a whip, but he's one of the kindest people I know.

When I pull into the driveway to see a congratulations sign over the door and my parents waiting anxiously, it makes a lot more sense why they dipped out so early. I glance over to check Daphne's reaction but am not surprised when I find her passed out. Today was a huge day for my introverted little nerd. The fight with her mom was the proverbial cherry on top of an already emotionally taxing day for her.

I shut the car off and head over to talk to my parents.

"Nice sign, Mom."

Sensing my bad mood, my mother's smile drops from her face. "What's wrong? Is it too much? I should've asked first. I'm so—"

I cut her off before she gets more worked up. "No, it's perfect. After you guys left, we had a run-in with Daphne's mother." I've told my parents all about how awful she is, so I'm sure they're prepared to hear nothing good come out of my mouth.

"I've never met a more miserable and evil mother in my life. She was being awful to Daphne, but instead of taking it like she normally does, Daphne stood up for herself and it was fucking magnificent."

I can't stop the smile from spreading on my face at remembering Daphne standing her ground.

My mom's smile matches my own as pride shines through my dad's eyes.

"But what was even crazier is that the senator finally got to witness her tyranny firsthand. Apparently, he's been making some moves nobody knew about. He told Daphne's mother they are getting a divorce, and he already acquired a condo for her to move into. He then acknowledged his lack of involvement in Daphne's life and apologized to her. He wants to try and repair the damage that's been done, which I think will be amazing for both of them."

"Wow, that is shocking, but I couldn't be happier for them. Daphne deserves the best. I'm glad her father can see it now. We'll get out of your hair. I made some food, but it will all keep until later. Celeste and the kids were going to join us after their naps, but I'll tell her to wait."

"Thanks, Mom. Daphne's passed out in the car right now. I'm gonna get her inside for a nap, but if she's up to it, we'd love for everyone to come over later."

"That would be wonderful, son. Just let us know and take care of our girl." My dad claps me on the shoulder before pulling me in for a hug.

I give my mom a hug, then head towards the car to get Daphne. She doesn't even wake as I scoop her out of the car and carry her to my room.

I strip off her clothes and then climb in behind her, pulling her back into my chest. Today was a huge day in so many ways, but none more so than Daphne loving me and her knowing I love her just as much.

I try to take a nap, but my mind is buzzing with everything that happened today and where we can go from here.

Daphne shifts in her sleep so she's lying on my chest, which lets me snag my phone and check in with Matty.

I pull open my text and see one from an unknown number.

Unknown: Hi Ezra, it's Senator Barkley. I hope you don't mind I asked your business partner for your number. I just wanted to thank you for being there for my daughter today. I've made many mistakes where she's concerned, but I'm going to do everything in my power to right them.

I'm so sorry we caused a scene at the event. That was not my intention, but I could not stand by and let her mother do any more damage to my sweet girl. What you two pulled off today was absolutely brilliant. I am so proud of Daphne and everything she stands for.

I know I asked her for a chance to build our relationship, but I'd also like a chance to get to know you better. I'd be a fool not to see how in love you two are. I know you'll be around for a long time, and I couldn't have picked a better man for my daughter.

So, if you'd be so kind as to join me, I'd love to get lunch or coffee sometime and get to know you better. Senator Barkley

Holy shit. I want to be annoyed with Matty for giving my number out, but I can't be. I think Senator Barkley truly means what he says, and if I can help the two of them repair their relationship in any way, I'm glad to do it. I want Daphne to have with her dad what I have with my parents.

I send a quick message, thanking him and accepting the offer, before I check the news sites for any update on the day.

I'm not sure how we've gotten so lucky, but there is no mention about the showdown between Daphne's parents. What I do find is article after article praising our event.

I'm shocked as hell to see several videos about our program going viral. There are some really great interviews, from the businesses that participated to the kids who completed today's event. The outcome by far exceeded our expectations of what we wanted to accomplish when we first came up with this idea.

I use the quiet to answer some messages and emails, most in regard to the event, but some work ones as well. I love owning my company and being able to set the climate, but sometimes there's no avoiding having to work on the weekends or the evenings.

I'm just getting done with an email to one of my board members congratulating me on a successful event and pairing with Daphne. It's irritating that I get judged on my partner, but I know it comes with the territory. But whether they like Daphne or not, there's no way I'd leave her to gain their approval.

It takes me a minute to realize that Daphne is trying to hide that she's crying, and it breaks my heart.

I gather her tighter in my arms as I tuck her head under my chin.

"It's okay, love. I've got you. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I just can't believe her." She sobs, soaking my chest.

"Honestly, if I didn't witness it for myself, I'd have a hard time believing how awful she is. I know some people have pretty shit parents, but I have a difficult imagining it since mine are so great."

"Y-you are so lucky to have them."

"I know I am. But you want to know a secret?"

"Yes," Daphne whispers into my chest.

"They love you so much and have already claimed you as their own. So has Celeste. I'm pretty sure you're replacing me in the coolest sibling department."

That pulls a small giggle out of Daphne, which has me heaving out a sigh of relief. It's going to take some time, but I know she's going to be okay.

I'm not sure how long we stay wrapped up in each other. It could be a few minutes or a few hours, but having Daphne safe with me brings me peace I didn't even know I longed for.

"I'm sorry for passing out on you on the way home."

"It's okay. You obviously needed it.

"You know how my parents dipped out early?"

Daphne nods.

"They came home to surprise us with a celebration." I see the panic grow in her eyes, so I silence her mouth with a deep kiss before she can spin out. "Do not get worked up about missing it. They completely understand after everything happened with your parents, and they said they could come over later and celebrate with us if you're up for it."

"I feel awful. I ruined their surprise."

"Hush. You didn't ruin it. We're just postponing it for a bit."

"I think I'd like it if they came over tonight. I don't want to sit with all of this crap running through my head. I'd rather spend time with the people who love us than dwell on the ones who don't."

"Fucking hell, love. You are amazing, you know that?"

She flushes, still not used to hearing compliments, which is just another reason why I love her. I pepper her with kisses, which makes her laugh.

"Ugh, I don't want to leave the bed but I really need to find my phone and see how much damage control I need to do."

"It's actually not bad at all. I didn't see anything online when I searched for the event. I didn't deep dive into social media, but everything that was trending was good."

"Well, that's good. I still need to check in with Camilla. I never should've left like that."

"I talked to Matty, and they both understand. Actually, Matty is probably glad you left because if Camilla had seen you even more upset, she might have hunted down your mother to exact her own smack-down."

"Oh God!" Daphne bursts out laughing before quickly covering her mouth as she tries to stifle it. "I know I shouldn't laugh at that, but I'm imagining my mother, with her highbrow approach, being utterly decimated by Camilla and picturing it as a total blood bath."

"If Matty hadn't held her back, I think we would've seen it all play out right in front of our eyes."

"Oh, man. We owe Matty. Like, really owe him. I've seen Camilla when someone comes after her loved ones, and it is S-C-A-R-Y scary."

"Good thing Matty's a big boy and can handle it. Was your phone in your purse?"

"I think so."

"Okay. Why don't you get into some comfy clothes, and I will go grab it out of the car."

I give Daphne a quick kiss then force myself to leave my room. If I take her like I want to right now, there's no way anyone is coming over tonight. As good as that sounds, I know my girl needs to be around people and see how many truly love her.

Grabbing her purse from the car, I open it to see if her phone is in it. She has a million notifications. Normally, I wouldn't look, but the most recent message is from her mother.

Mom: How dare you do this to me? I have spent years taking care of you, giving you the best things in life, and setting you up for success and to be the best wife someday, only for you to repay me like this. What gives you the right to come between your father and me? You've always been his entitled little princess, never doing any wrong and always the light in his eyes. How does he not see that you'd both be NOTHING without me? I spent years being his doting wife, meant to sit back and smile pretty without my own thoughts and desires. I've earned this life and will not sit back and let you take it all from me, you conniving little bitch. Why couldn't you just fall in line? No, of course you couldn't. You had to fall for the only CEO who looks like a felon and has the mouth of one to boot. Your father will see through his charm soon enough and realize how sullied his sweet pretty princess is. You need to fix this mess, or I promise you will regret it.

I stare at the message completely enraged. I have never, and will never condone violence against women, but holy shit do I wish she were a dude so I could give her just one good jab to her pompous face.

I forward the message to myself and to Daphne's father before deleting it and blocking her mother. Daphne doesn't need to see how vile her mother truly is.

I make my way into the house with a clouded head and heart. It's unfathomable to me that a mother could be so cruel to her own child. I get a message from her father thanking me for keeping him in the loop and preventing Daphne from seeing the message. Even though he wasn't the best father to Daphne, I feel bad for the guy.

"What's got you looking so grumpy?" Daphne startles me from my thoughts.

She's sitting on the kitchen counter in my favorite pair of sleep shorts and one of her crop tops, looking cute as fuck with her face scrubbed clean, glasses on, and her hair a mess on top of her head. She finally looks like she found some peace, and I fucking hate having to tell her about the message, but there's no way I'm keeping that from her.

"I got your purse. When I checked to see if your phone was in it, there was a notification from your mother. Normally I wouldn't snoop, but after today and seeing the beginning of the message, I read it. It was fucking awful, Daph. I never knew a mother could be so damn cruel to her own kid. I forwarded the message to myself and your dad before deleting it and blocking your mother. I hope you're not upset with me, but I couldn't stand that woman causing you any more pain than she already has."

Daphne's silent as she sits on the counter, curled into herself. I'm trying to give her space, but the moment a sob rips free, I'm across the room and gathering her into my arms. I wrap her legs around my waist as she puts her arms around my neck, burying her face in it. I spin us so I'm leaning against the counter while Daphne cries in my arms.

When she finally calms down, I take a few steps and set her on the island counter. I pull her arms off my neck as my hands close around her face so I can look into her eyes. It's killing me to stay silent, but I wait for Daphne to speak first.

"Why does she hate me so much?"

"I don't know, love. There's obviously something wrong with her because you are fucking amazing. Everyone who comes into your life is blessed to know you. You're so fucking smart, gifted, kind, and driven. You make everyone around you want to be and do better. You're the strongest person I know. You wake up every day busting your ass for what you believe in. Sure, your parents might have given you the money to start your foundation, but that was your brain, baby. You built it into an incredible opportunity for so many kids who wouldn't have the experiences they have without you and your foundation. You might be shy and quiet, but you bring so much to every relationship you have. I love you so damn much and cannot begin to fathom how your mother can't see how brilliant you are."

"Thank you. I-I'm sorry it took me so long to see that you truly were all in with me. You're everything I've wanted but never let myself dream of having."

I lean in and kiss Daphne. I pour as much love as I can into the kiss, not only to tell her but also show her that she is so lovable. She's the best woman I've ever met, and I can't believe I'm the lucky bastard who made her mine.

Willing myself to stop before we get too carried away, I gently break our kiss.

"How do you feel about having people over?"

"I think that sounds like exactly what I need. Who did you have in mind?"

"Whoever you'd like, love."

"Alright. I think I'd like to celebrate like your mom originally planned. Can you invite your family and Matty, and I'll call the girls?"

"Done. Anyone else?"

"Um, I want to say my dad, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet."

"I understand that. Either way, I'll support your decision." I wait patiently while Daphne thinks it over. "Actually, I think I'd like to invite him. It will be good to see the family I've made for myself, and I think it would be nice to introduce him to some genuinely good people. Plus, if we're hosting, I can step away if things get to be too much."

"That sounds like a solid plan. Let's call our people and get this party started."

Daphne shoots me a sweet smile before grabbing her phone and calling her girls. I give her a quick kiss before snagging mine and doing the same. If I were faced with her situation, I don't know if I'd be able to look at the bright side and throw a party after the day she had. It's just another reason why I love her.