Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Winter bit down on the inside of her cheek. “I’ve gone back and forth on whether I want to know my father. I’m aware of how badly your parents have treated you,” she said to Nikki. “And you told me how you were manipulated into an engagement.” She shifted her attention to Derek.
“It’s not exactly a secret,” he muttered.
Winter nodded. “Would it be a problem for either of you if I confronted them? Once we had the test results back, I mean.” Though she asked them both, she couldn’t tear her gaze from Nikki’s. “You’re my friend,” Winter said, her voice plaintive because she liked Nikki. “I don’t want to lose you.”
What Winter really wanted was to gain her as a sister, but it was up to Nikki whether or not she wanted that, too.
“I feel the same way about you. I can’t say this is easy to digest, and I agree with Derek. We should get proof.” Nikki pulled her hand from beneath Asher’s and rose to her feet. “I want you to know, no matter what the results show, I believe you think we’re half-sisters. And if the samples match and you want to confront my parents, I understand. I needed to do the same thing.”
Nikki’s words eased the weight in Winter’s chest, and the next thing she knew, Nikki was hugging her despite not knowing for sure if they were related.
* * *
One week later, the test confirmed Winter’s mother’s claim. Three days after that, Derek and his fiancée, Jessica Cavanaugh, invited Winter to Jessica’s house for dinner, along with Nikki and Asher, so they could get to know one another better. They were curious about Winter’s mother and how Winter had grown up. Despite the preexisting friendship, the evening began awkwardly, but by the end of the night, they were laughing and had made a start toward becoming a family.
And the next weekend, Winter, with her new brother and sister by her side, showed up at their father’s home with the DNA test in hand. The senator had broken down and cried when he found out he had another daughter. Collette, on the other hand… to say she hadn’t taken the news well was an understatement. First, she’d been shocked and in denial. When faced with the DNA test results, she’d begun to scream and yell that everything she’d worked for would be destroyed and all because Winter’s bitch of a mother hadn’t done as she’d promised.
She’d actually gone after Winter, attempting to attack her physically, until Derek had grabbed his mother around the waist and pulled her back. The senator stared in shock. Nikki yelled at her mother to calm down and discuss things like a rational human being. Finally, when nothing would make Collette stop her ranting, Winter had left with Nikki. Derek stayed to try and talk sense into his mother.
By the time Winter had walked into her apartment, she’d seen for herself how weak her father had been and seemingly still was. He’d called her later, having gotten her number from Derek, and had been full of apologies for not knowing about her. For letting Collette rule his life.
Winter didn’t know what kind of relationship she’d ultimately have with the man who, on paper, was her father. Nikki wasn’t speaking to either parent. Derek was also done with their antics. And yet Winter was still curious about Corbin Bettencourt.
* * *
Rise and shine, America. I’m Erin Sawyer, and this is our political news of the week wrap-up. New York Senator Corbin Bettencourt has resigned his seat in the US Senate and stepped down from politics to, in his words, focus on his family.
His resignation comes after the revelation that he sired an illegitimate daughter he claims to have known nothing about. His wife, Collette Bettencourt, allegedly paid off her husband’s mistress to have an abortion. Instead, legal secretary Juliana Capwell, now deceased, took the money and raised her daughter far from DC in New Westminster, Maine. DNA tests have proven the senator’s daughter, freelance reporter, Winter Capwell’s, claim.
The former senator has already filed for divorce from his wife and moved out of their New York home. According to a source who preferred to remain anonymous, both Bettencourts are said to be estranged from their children, Nicolette and Derek, and the former senator has yet to bridge the gap with his newfound daughter. And now for the latest budget dispute on Capitol Hill…
Chapter Two
One Month Later
Harrison Dare stepped into the ballroom at the Meridian NYC Hotel which was heavily decorated for Halloween. He scanned the room, telling himself he was admiring the décor and not looking for the elusive woman he couldn’t get out of his head.
Winter Capwell, a brilliant reporter and a sexy siren in one delectable package. They’d met at his company’s Hampton offices this past summer for an in-depth interview with the K-Talent Productions team. The sparks had been immediate and hot.