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My friend didn't want to continue working for Mr. Carter after what happened with Damien, so she was unemployed again and looking for a job.

She had resigned from her position at Durand Enterprises to support me. It was time to pay back the favor.

"Darling, Chloé is jobless..." I start saying, and Gérard raises an eyebrow.

"Do you want me to do something for her?"

"Well, she had to leave her old job in your company, and I left the Carter enterprises. She doesn't want anything to do with them now, and..."

"I'll talk to Vincent about it, don't worry," he says, kissing the tip of my nose. "She's been with you through thick and thin. In fact, I like her more than the other one, Isabella."

"You don't like Bella just because she's engaged to Dave, and he's Damien's friend, but she's a good girl," I clarify, although I had my doubts at first, they don't exist anymore.

"Alright, maybe I'll grow to like her over time," he says, rolling his eyes before giving me another kiss.

The days went by, and there was still no sign of Alice anywhere. There were several special agents trying to locate her, but there were no leads, and I was starting to worry about another attack. But Gérard assured me that nothing would happen with the guards around.

Maybe he wasn't so exaggerated after all; I should be thankful that he cares so much about me.

Fortunately, my pregnancy was going well. I felt very happy to have Gérard and my family supporting me, but I needed to rest a bit because all the stress was affecting me, and I didn't want another miscarriage.

Days later, Gérard told me that Vincent was in need of an assistant and that the position would suit my friend Chloé. 

I didn't doubt my friend's abilities, but she had been reluctant to talk about my husband's cousin after that night at the club and hadn't wanted to tell me anything about it, which left me a little hurt.

Although I could understand her attitude, my friendship with Isabella had not sat well with her and she thought I had replaced her, but that was impossible and I was glad I had cleared things up with her.

I just hope that assistant position doesn't backfire on them.



"My little Julie, you look gorgeous and tempting," Gérard whispers in my ear with a husky voice, kissing my neck.

"You say that because you love me," I smile, feeling delightful shivers run down my spine.

"It's the truth. You're the most beautiful woman in all of France," he says, kissing my lips.

I know what he wants, and I want it too, but we can't be late this time, so I extricate myself from his strong arms before succumbing to temptation.

"It's time to go to the hospital, and then I want to visit my parents," I smile playfully at his displeasure. "Tell me, have you talked to Sophie?"

"I've tried many times to persuade her to change her name. She's a Durand, and as such, she has to accept it," he says with a sad expression.

"It's not easy to change one's identity. Give her a bit more time," I approach and give him a gentle kiss. "You know how hard it was for her to accept that she's not my parents' biological daughter. Everything in due time, my love."

"I was a bit surprised when she mentioned she'd like to become an actress," he tells me, and my eyes widen in surprise.

"Are you serious?" I furrow my brow. "Well, come to think of it, Sophie always enjoyed participating in school plays and musicals. Maybe she chose the wrong career. She's a lawyer, but she doesn't want to practice her profession yet."

"She's my little sister; I'll support her in whatever she wants. I'm planning to enroll her in the best theater and acting school in France. Plus, private lessons with one of our actors," he says confidently.

"I hope she doesn't change her mind suddenly. Sophie can be quite headstrong at times," I tell him, and we both burst into laughter.

"I have to admit that Sophie takes after my father a lot. They share the same personality," he shakes his head. "Edmond Rousseau owes me a few favors, so he couldn't refuse. He better take good care of my sister and be an excellent teacher, even though he doesn't know yet that Sophie is actually my sister."

"I'll talk to Sophie. I want her to truly commit to studying and not just treat acting as a whim."

"Let's put the Sophie topic aside for now; we need to see the doctor to find out the gender of our baby."

"You're right, we should get going. I don't want us to be late for our appointment."

We head to the hospital in his car while continuing our conversation.

I was so excited the whole way, suggesting possible names for our baby to Gérard. My maternal instinct was telling me that it would be a beautiful little boy.

"I'm really excited, although I have a feeling it's going to be a handsome boy," I say dreamily.

"A little Gérard doesn't sound bad at all. I'm sure Vittoria will adore him."

We arrive, and the doctor kindly invites us into her office.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Durand. You'll be parents to a beautiful baby boy."

"I knew it, I'm so happy," I say with tears in my eyes.

"Mrs. Durand, your pregnancy doesn't have any complications; everything is in order. Still, don't take it for granted and take care of your health. Remember to take your vitamins daily."

"Don't worry, Doctor. I'll make sure my wife and son are healthy," Gérard says proudly.

We leave the hospital feeling overjoyed and head to tell my parents the wonderful news.

Fortunately, my mother has softened towards Gérard. I'm sure their relationship will continue to improve, especially when she finds out that a new family member is on the way.