45

What time is this time to arrive, miss? he asked, pretending to be annoyed, because although the frightened face that his cousin had put on was poetry, no matter how hard he tried to continue with his serious pose, he couldn't help but burst out laughing.

You don't do that, Patrick,’ the blonde reprimanded him.

Patrick, inevitably, kept laughing like a madman, to such a degree that both hands were placed on his stomach, which was already starting to hurt, due to the involuntary laughter. As much as he wanted to look authoritative, he simply couldn't, especially when he saw the funny faces she was making.

You're a fool, Patrick,’ she reprimanded him, just as she was about to hit him. He managed to dodge that right, although in all honesty it wasn't that much, but he couldn't deny that his cousin hit very hard.

The only thing I'll ask is, did you enjoy your evening? he asked with that smile of both complicity and mischief.

Causing her to instantly blush, for it was more than logical that she would not give details of what had happened the night before.

Well, I'll take that as a yes,’ she interrupted the silence that was beginning to fall. All I ask is, make me godfather to that little boy,’ he said mischievously, winking at her. Besides, they owe me. Now I'll leave you to change, because we're going for a walk,’ said the brunette, leaving a very red and stunned Juliet.

Meanwhile in the Stanford company, all of Armand's companions were still whispering about his beautiful fiancée, because they still couldn't understand how such a beautiful and good-natured woman could have noticed a sullen boy like him. That was certainly something you didn't see every day, and what any of them would give to be in the place of the brown-haired man, which Richardson also longed for, because he had seen the blonde in some magazine or newspaper, where she was always photographed in the company of her brother and cousins, Although she was well known for being a cheerful and humanitarian young woman, despite her good position, she was never seen looking down on anyone and everything she did, she did it from the heart, everything about her was natural, even the smile she always showed and which was so characteristic of her.

Meanwhile, in the armchairs, Karen and Armand were sitting reading their books, especially the brown one who was very concentrated on his work, until the scandalous voice of his friend, disconcerted him.

Now tell me, Armand, how was your evening,’ the curious brunette hastened to ask, ’Was it as passionate as you always imagined it would be?

That's none of your business, Karen,’ the chestnut replied with annoyance, trying to concentrate on his lines.

Oh, come on, Armand. You and I have always had a lot of trust in each other. Besides, if what I imagine happened, it's normal. You both love each other and you're almost ready to get married,’ he said matter-of-factly, putting his notebook down on another armchair.

You're impossible,’ complained the brown-haired man. I'll just tell you that in a few months I'll probably be carrying my little princess,’ he said with some excitement.

You say that with such certainty. Remember that it could be a boy, she assured him. Maybe it could even be twins, she said mischievously.

What? he questioned incredulously, changing his face to one of concern. Well, he had never thought about such a situation, but what would he do with two little ones? It would be a lot of responsibility and he would feel sorry for Juliet, since she would bear the brunt of it all.

Don't tell me you didn't consider it,’ she said incredulously. I can imagine you trying to reassure your little ones. They will drive you crazy. But luckily you'll have the help of good Aunt Karen, I mused triumphantly. I can imagine, I'll spoil them a lot, plus I'll help them to annoy you.

I don't want you to spoil my children,’ she hastened to reply. So don't even dream that I'll leave you my children. You'll traumatise the poor.

Why am I asking you? she mused incredulously. I'll ask Juliet, I know she'll let me take care of them. After all, we are friends,’ she said triumphantly. So you'll have no choice but to obey what she says.

That's what you think.

That's what's going to happen, you have to admit that in this relationship Juliet is the one calling the shots, and you have no choice but to obey, as I know you don't like to see her upset.

In the relationship, there's no one who calls the shots,’ assured the brown-haired man.

Yes, whatever you say.

It's the truth, Karen.

Sure, and I'm agreeing with you,’ she replied sarcastically.

I don't know why you're my friend.

Because I'm kind, gentle and a unique person, she said with total arrogance.

As well as arrogant, the brown-haired man mused, rolling his eyes.

Look who's talking, sir, I don't like talking to anyone,’ mused the brown man, faking the chestnut's voice.

First of all, I don't talk like that, secondly, I'm not sullen. I'm just selective with my friends,’ he defended himself.

I didn't know it was called that now, I've missed so much.

You're such a character, Karen. I don't know what to do with you anymore.

Appreciate me as you have so far and accept that I'm your children's spoiled aunt.

I'll think about it.

I just hope you don't take too long, or else I'll be obliged to ask Juliet and she won't refuse me.

You two, you're going to drive me crazy, I mused with resignation.

Causing both actors to burst out laughing.

Armand and Karen were so amused, joking and having a good time, that they didn't even notice that Amber was listening to them, behind the curtain, her fists clenched, causing them to turn white from the pressure she was exerting. She had never felt so furious in her life, she was used to always getting her own way, and this would be no exception, she had to think of something and fast, if she intended to stay with Armand and get that vapid blonde out of the way.

‘Neither that brat, nor that tasteless rich girl, are going to take Armand away from me. I'll kill them first,’ she thought furiously, turning away from the curtain.

While she was planning her next move, in the reception of the hotel where Juliet and her cousins were staying, a more than delighted and cheerful Thomas was pressing them to leave the hotel and go sightseeing.

Come on, boys, hurry up,’ said Thomas, who was the first to leave the hotel.

Let's go, why are you in such a hurry Thom? questioned Patrick, a little annoyed.

I want to take advantage of the fact that there aren't so many people to take a picture near the Statue of Liberty,’ he answered cheerfully, showing his new camera.

How come I've never seen that camera before, said the brown-haired man incredulously.

That's because, just yesterday, I bought it,’ he replied with a big smile.

Yesterday? said Patrick incredulously. What time did that happen?

I have my secrets too, brother. Don't think I'm just wasting my time.

I never said or thought that, Thomas,’ Patrick defended himself. On the contrary, I've always admired you, because apart from Alex, you're the second one who stays on top of our family's business.

You know I'm only joking, brother, it's just that sometimes you take things I say very seriously.

Well, you can't tell with you, I grumble.

Guys, please don't start a pitched battle,’ interjected Juliet with a laugh. At this rate, we'll never be able to take a picture near the Statue of Liberty.

That's true, Thom mused. You see, it's because of you that I almost forgot what I wanted to do so badly, he said accusingly.

Now it's my fault, said a very indignant Patrick.

Guys,’ intervened the blonde, who was already waiting for them at the hotel exit, ’Are you coming?

Of course, replied both brothers in unison.