“I’ve come to learn that trust is overrated,” Stephanie commented. “How you and your husband feel about me is not important. What we all should be focused on is the kids’ happiness. I think all of us can agree on that. Don’t you think so?”
“That has been our focus from the beginning. I’m pleased to hear you have finally caught up with the other people in Sasha’s life. Or are you only saying what you think I want to hear?”
“Stephanie,” Luke and Joe walked back into the room. “May I have a word with you?” Luke asked.
Joe went to stand next to Sally. Sasha stood.
“Luke, is everything alright?” she asked.
Stephanie stood. “Everything is fine. It’s a conversation that is long overdue. Stop worrying.”
Stephanie followed Luke into what looked like a living room. It was small, well-furnished and not the type of place she would find herself dead in. No style, she thought as she looked around.
“You can turn your nose up in here. No one can see you but me, Stephanie. I’m proud of my beginnings,” Luke stated. “I’m prouder of my parents than you could ever imagine. You see, you had one child, and you don’t have the slightest idea how much you missed out on, regarding the one thing you need in this life.”
“And what is that?” Stephanie smirked.
“Love.”
Stephanie frowned.
Luke chuckled. “From the look on your face I can tell you don’t have a clue. This is why I am so thankful to have been brought into the world by two people who understand how important love is in our lives.”
“You think I need a lecture from you on love?” She turned to walk away. “Give me a break.”
“I’ll do better than that. I will give you a million dollars to stay and listen to what I have to say.”
Stephanie turned back and smiled. “Now you have my attention.”
“I thought that would do it,” Luke smirked. “My father asked me one question tonight. What is your motivation? What is it that you want? I think you just gave me your answer.”
“You think you got me figured out? You think it’s all about money? Well it’s not,” Stephanie hissed as she walked towards him. “That woman in there, who you claim to love so much, took my childhood away from me. Al was supposed to marry me and take me away. Instead, I had to deal with the evilness of my mother. Sasha gets exactly what I had to live through. This isn’t just about money.”
“I know it’s not,” Luke replied. “It’s about jealousy. Not a lost childhood or anything else you can blame on a child who had absolutely nothing to do with the path you took. To be clear, I don’t give a damn about what happened to you, and I’m not going to waste my time trying to figure out your problems. So here’s what we are going to do. You are going to continue with the charade of being a somewhat caring mother until after the wedding. After Sasha and I says our ‘I dos,’ I will transfer a million dollars into your account. If you cause her one tear, one sleepless night before then, your ass will be mine.”
The sinister smile he displayed sent shivers down Stephanie’s spine. But since he put money on the table, she was going to make it worth the headache of dealing with this family shit. “You think a million is enough compensation for me giving you the love of your life? I don’t. I think she is worth a whole lot more.”
“Name your price.”
Stephanie smirked. “I say we start with a million a year for the next ten years and see where it takes us from there.”
“Deal.” Luke shrugged, then walked towards the doorway. “Let’s go have dinner.”
“Wait.”
Luke turned to glare at her, but she didn’t care. It was now or never, in her opinion. “You will give me ten million dollars, just like that, to marry Sasha?”
Luke was in her face so fast she had to take a step back. “I would have given you a billion, because she is worth it.”
“Well don’t put away your wallet so soon,” Stephanie hissed back. “By the time I finish with you, it will probably reach that amount. You’re not playing with an amateur, Luke. I can play this game with the best.”
“May the best man win,” Luke said, then walked out of the room.
Stephanie stood there for a minute. Her heart was beating out of her chest. The man was pissed, there was no denying that. But what the hell? A slow smiled spread across her face. She just got her payday. Cha-ching, cha-ching.
Stephanie walked into the family room, rubbing her hands together. “My hands are clean and I’m ready for good, hot bread. What about you, Sasha?”