52

Did you see the way he was looking at Jul,’ asked Patrick with some concern.

Indeed, I was watching his every move. I'm afraid he wants to hurt Jul.

Don't mention it,’ said Patrick in horror. I don't know what it is about Armand that every unstable woman harasses him.

Don't forget that Cecil, at the top of that list, Thomas reminded him, with some malice.

I know, but that's behind him, he's someone else now.

If you say so, I wouldn't stick my hands in the fire for her.

You wouldn't, but I would,’ Patrick said, folding his arms.

You have to understand that it's still hard for me to trust her and above all to assimilate that she's your partner.

I'm aware of that, but I'm not going to put pressure on you to accept her overnight.

I appreciate that on your part, brother.

But back to the redhead, do you really think she's capable of hurting Jul,’ Patrick asked incredulously.

I'm afraid so, because it's well known that a hurt woman is capable of doing anything to get her own way.

That's what scares me the most.

You are not the only one, brother. However, we have to rule out any possibility.

As the brothers discussed what they would do about the welfare of their cousin and the unborn child. Backstage, Maxwell was really proud of his success and was quick to congratulate his actors, especially Armand, for his impeccable and passionate performance.

You did well this time, my boy,’ Maxwell said happily, patting the brown-haired man on the back. I'm very proud of you.

I appreciate that, Max,’ replied the chestnut, feeling satisfied.

You know that tomorrow your face will be on the cover of several magazines, right? And everyone will be talking about your magnificent performance. I'm glad to see that that young girl is doing you a lot of good, because now you are no longer so sullen, you smile a little more, I even dare say, that your eyes have a brightness I've never seen before.

She's my muse, she always has been,’ confessed the brown-haired man, smiling warmly.

It's very clear to me now.

Maxwell, what did you think of my performance? interrupted Amber, in her typical squeaky, honeyed voice.

Great, Amber. You two are my star actors,’ said the director proudly, hugging them both.

Don't we make a great couple?

You've really hit it off, which is great, because not all actors do,’ said Maxwell, who already knew where the redhead was going.

If you'll excuse me, Max. I'd like to go and change,’ the brown-haired boy hastened to say.

Of course, my boy, I forgot that your fiancée and her family are waiting for you.

Once Armand was free, he thanked heaven for having been able to get away from Amber, because that young girl really drove him crazy with her childish and inappropriate behaviour. He prayed to God that for the next play, Maxwell would choose Karen, because she really knew how to be professional, besides the fact that the two of them got along quite well, he remembered with nostalgia the times they had fun in rehearsals, between sarcasm and sarcasm, they ended up joking, making the rehearsals not feel so heavy. Abandoning those memories, and without wasting any more time, he quickly began to change, because what he really needed most was to hug and kiss his beloved. Although they had been separated for a few hours, it felt like an eternity.

Meanwhile, the Thompsons and Armand's parents were already waiting for him a few metres from his dressing room. Maxwell, at the other end of the corridor, began to give directions to all his actors so that they could board the carriages that would take them to the gala dinner. Amber, with a diva air, passed by Juliet, looking her up and down in a derogatory manner, which infuriated the Duke and Alex, who tried to calm down, because they were gentlemen first and foremost, both looked at each other and smiled mischievously, because the one who would get a very bad surprise, that very night, would be her, they were dying to see the disappointed face she would make once her plan was put into action.

After a few minutes, Armand, was leaving his dressing room with a big smile, but this was erased when he was intercepted by the cloying Amber, who shamelessly grabbed him by the arm, that infuriated the chestnut and as he could he abruptly got away from her, without looking at her again he continued on his way and gently took his beloved by the waist and kissed her affectionately, After receiving the congratulations of his now large family, Alex indicated that they should board the cars that were already waiting outside, Armand, like the gentleman he was, helped his beloved to get in and after whispering words of love, he lavished caresses on her still flat belly. He longed so much for that little being to be born, so that he could hold it in his arms. After fifteen minutes on the road, they finally arrived at the venue where the gala dinner would take place, the impatient journalists rushed towards them, when they saw them get out of the vehicle, the flashes were not long in coming, as well as the constant questions, they could barely walk.

Armand, congratulations, you gave an excellent presentation,’ said one of the journalists.

Miss Thompson, you must be very proud of your fiancé.

Armand, is it true that you are having an affair with Amber? said a reckless reporter. Amber has confirmed that rumour, he reported.

What do you have to say about it? asked another.

Armand, faced with such absurd questions, couldn't help but tense up and feel his blood boiling, so, taking the bull by the horns, he stopped his walk to clear up that silly rumour.

First of all, I clarify that what my companion has said is a lie,’ he informed annoyed. I have never, ever, been interested in any woman other than my fiancée,’ he answered truthfully, intertwining his fingers with Juliet's. “But, Amber had confirmed it,” he said.

But, Amber had confirmed it, said an incredulous journalist.

Like I said, it's a lie, the brown-haired man said again, having a little patience. She's just my co-worker, I don't have anything else with her. Now, tonight is very special for me,’ he said with a big smile, trying to forget that unpleasant moment.

It must be because of the great success of the play for which you are responsible,’ said another journalist.

It's not just that, I mused. Remember when in Scotland my fiancée and I promised to let you know as soon as we were in sweet anticipation,’ he questioned with a big smile.

Yes, they replied excitedly.

Well, today along with our families,’ he said, looking at the Thompsons and his parents, who were standing a little way away from them. My fiancée and I want to,’ he said again, drawing his beloved to him and placing his hand on her belly. Do you really want to know? he asked amused.

Armand, Miss Thompson, please tell us, the journalists pleaded.

Well, that's fine. My fiancée and I are in sweet anticipation of a beautiful baby, he finally confessed. We are both so happy that we wanted to share this special moment with you,’ he said joyfully, kissing the blonde's cheek, causing her to smile.

Congratulations, they said in unison.

What would you like it to be?

Have you thought of a name yet?

All in good time, gentlemen,’ she replied amusedly.

You make a beautiful couple.

Would you like to say something to your fiancée?

On second thoughts, yes. Juliet Thompson, in front of them, I tell you that I love you, you make me very happy, I am the luckiest man to have you by my side and it is no longer a secret to say that when I perform I do it for you. Tonight I did it exclusively for you and for our baby, you are and always will be my muse, I am not interested and I could never be interested in another woman, because since I met you that December 31st on that boat, you got into my heart and I have never been able to get you out, only death can separate us and even after this one. I know that we will still be together and that I will still love you. I lost you twice for being immature, but I will not lose you a third time, because now I will fight every day for you, for this love and of course for our son or daughter, who I am sure will inherit not only your beauty but also your good heart. I love you, Jul,’ he said with infinite love.

Everyone was stunned by the beautiful words that the handsome actor dedicated to his fiancée, there was no doubt of the great love they felt for each other. The reporters asked for a kiss and Armand did not wait long, he took Juliet by the waist and kissed her first softly and then with such passion that it provoked the sigh of several people and applause. Amber, who was a short distance away, was writhing in anger as her plans had gone down the drain, while in Chicago, another blonde, oxygenated blond would soon be going through the same bad taste in her mouth.

At the end of the interviews both lovers said goodbye and entered the hall, Armand took advantage of every moment to make Juliet angry, causing the great Duke of Hamilton to reprimand him for bothering his adorable daughter-in-law, for everyone, it was a special night due to the great success of the play.

So, Alexander, as I told you my lovely daughter-in-law will have a boy, no doubt he will be a Hamilton,’ he said proudly and with great confidence.

My dear friend, I'm sorry to have to disappoint you, but it will be a beautiful girl, no doubt a Thompson,’ Alex replied arrogantly.

Are you so sure, Alexander? I think you're in for a big disappointment.

You're very stubborn, Richard.

Look who's talking, he defended himself.

That's enough, understand that what really matters is that both Juliet and the baby are well, said Armand, with annoyance.

We know that, son, but I'm sure, a beautiful child will be born.

Father begged you, begged the brown-haired man.

Just for tonight I will refrain from fighting with Alexander,’ he said resignedly.

Tell me, freckles, have you had any cravings? asked the chestnut in an amused tone.

For now, no. Besides, it's too soon.

I'm surprised, what with you being so gluttonous.

You're rude,’ she reprimanded him.

I'm only telling the truth, but I suppose I'll have to get used to the idea and start ordering the cooks to prepare an infinite amount of food. I'm sure that little one will have a sweet tooth, I jest.

Armand, don't go on.

I told you that when you get angry, your freckles are more noticeable.

You don't change, you're a cocky, arrogant brat, I punch him in the ribs.

Ouch! he complained. You're aggressive, remember that you have to take care of me, I'm a star, you know? I've been thinking seriously about leaving the show because I couldn't stand to be away from you, the last thing I want is to miss my baby, I want to be there when he takes his first steps and when he says his first words, besides now with your first month of pregnancy I want to be by your side and enjoy it together, tomorrow I'll talk to Maxwell.

But, Armand, theatre is your passion. You can't give it up,’ he said with some concern.

The most important thing for me is you, that's why it doesn't hurt me to quit, I'm thinking of becoming a shareholder and doing business with Maxwell.

You are a wonderful man. I am very lucky. I love you, he said lovingly.

I love you too and very much, he replied with infinite tenderness and placed a chaste kiss on her head.

The next morning, Armand decided to visit Maxwell, who greeted him very enthusiastically and congratulated him on his great debut the night before.

Tell me, what was that important thing you wanted to tell me?

Max, I appreciate the great opportunity you gave me. I'm truly forever in your debt, but I'm afraid I can't perform anymore.

Armand, my boy, you're kidding, right? You're the star, I express incredulously.

You understand that now with my fiancée's pregnancy, the last thing I want to do is leave her alone.

I understand that part, but thanks to you we've had a lot of success and it would be a regrettable loss if you were to leave.

You may no longer have me as an actor, but you will have me as a shareholder. I'd like to do business with you.

I'd be delighted, but I only ask that you act for at least two months, that will be long enough to announce your retirement.

All right, but only two months. I can't leave my fiancée alone.

I give you my word, my boy. It will really hurt me a lot to see you retire, you are a great actor, you have that unequalled passion. It will be difficult to find someone better than you.

Difficult but not impossible. I would like, in the future, to be able to be the one who selects the promising actors myself.

That idea doesn't sound so far-fetched. Believe me, it will motivate the newcomers.

After a pleasant conversation, the two gentlemen shook hands as a symbol of a future alliance. Armand thanked his manager for welcoming him into his company, but above all for understanding his current situation. The brown-haired man left and went to the mansion that the Thompsons had recently acquired, at the request of the grandmother, who considered it prudent for both the family and Juliet to be close to the future father. Once the brown-haired man parked and got out of the car, he knocked on the door, where he was greeted by Samantha, Juliet's friend and maid.

Good morning, young man,’ greeted the young woman.

Good morning, Sam,’ he responded cordially with his sensual English accent and placed a kiss on the young maid's hand. Where is my fiancée?

She is in the garden with young Robert.

The elegant one is here? I ask incredulously.

He arrived in the early hours of the morning, the maid replied shyly.

Then I'll go and say hello, she said mischievously.

Armand went to the garden and in the distance he could see his beloved who was sitting on a bench, while Robert, sitting on the grass, caressed and talked to the belly of the beautiful blonde.

Good morning, elegant, what a pleasant surprise to have you visiting, Armand greeted.

Good morning, aristocrat, he returned the greeting, standing up. Congratulations, I'm glad to hear we'll soon have yet another new member. I just hope he is not as arrogant as you, as that would be a great punishment.

Very funny, elegant.

I'm just telling the truth, he said resignedly.

Sorry to interrupt, but you haven't even said hello to me,’ said the blonde in a mock indignant voice.

Sorry, freckles, but your fancy cousin is to blame, he hastened to defend himself, approaching her and kissing her. How did my two treasures wake up? he asked, caressing her belly.

We are very well, she replied smiling.

I'm glad to hear that.

How did it go with Maxwell?

The poor guy almost fainted, but I ended up agreeing, as long as he performs for two months, which seems fair to me.

What? Are you really retiring from the theatre? asked Robert incredulously.

That's right, elegant. I don't want to neglect my family. What do you know, the smug aristocrat turned out to be quite the family man, he said in amusement.

It's called growing up. Besides, I'll do anything for my family.

Regardless of how much I dislike you, I'm coming to admire you.

So the feeling is mutual.

For the rest of the day, Armand had a wonderful time with his beloved and his new family, where they chatted and joked with each other, but most of all he loved to tease poor Robert. While in New York it was pure happiness for them, in Chicago a furious Alexei read the headlines of the newspapers.

‘Our favourite Romeo will soon be a daddy’.

‘Acclaimed actor Armand Hamilton is overjoyed to learn he's soon to be a daddy.’

‘Broadway's favourite couple announced at a gala dinner at the Royal Dinner that they are soon to be dads.’

‘The young Thompson heiress will soon be making her debut as a mum.’

‘Duke or Duchess, what do you think? ‘’

‘The most awaited baby in the world of show business’

‘You little actor's little bastard. Don't think I'll let you off that easy,‘’ the blond thought furiously, throwing the papers in the trash.

Meanwhile Amber was furious, she hated Juliet with all her strength, although her plan to intercept her letters had no effect, she had to think of something that would cause her great pain and what better than to use that little being inside her.

If I can't have Armand, you can't be happy. Your damned child won't be born and I'll take care of that‘’ she thought with malice.