Chapter 4: The Duty Of The Heir (Book 3): Chapter 4

Presley Estates, Wesbury

I’m sprawled out on my bed, propped up against a mountain of pillows, phone to my ear, listening to Trina go on.

‘She’s got to move into a penthouse or maybe even a house,’ Trina insists, her voice serious over the phone.

I nod to myself, ‘Yeah, I think you’re right.’

‘We shouldn’t wait till she has the baby,’ she keeps going. ‘It’s important now. She needs peace and quiet to keep the baby healthy.’

‘Totally agree,’ I say, feeling this strong need to look out for Simone. ‘You hit the nail on the head.’

‘She needs that care now, not after the baby comes,’ Trina stresses.

I frown, thinking hard. ‘So what’s better? A house or a penthouse?’

‘A penthouse should do,’ she decides. ‘A house might be too much for her right now, you know, with her being young and unmarried.’

I let out a sigh, picturing it all in my mind. ‘But a house might be better. It’s not about the size. It’s about security, and she’ll need help around.’

Trina pauses, like she’s really weighing what I’ve just said. ‘Okay, you’ve got a point.’

‘I’ll talk to my aunt first, see what she thinks. But I’m pretty sure she’ll be on board,’ I say, feeling this wave of confidence wash over me.

‘Just let her know as soon as you can, and then get back to me,’ Trina says, all urgency in her voice.

‘Hey, did you ever talk to her about quitting her job?’ I suddenly remember this key detail.

‘Not yet,’ she admits.

I frown. ‘I thought you were going to handle that, Trina. It’s important. If all goes well in two weeks, she’s going to need to stop working.’

‘I know,’ she says, a bit defensive now. ‘I was kind of waiting for things to settle first before bringing that up.’

‘I don’t want her bouncing between work and home, Trina,’ I say, firmly. ‘She’s not just carrying any baby.’

‘I’ll talk to her. Just give me a little time,’ she promises.

‘We can’t waste time on this,’ I press, feeling adamant. ‘This is going to work, Trina. It has to.’

‘Yeah, you’re right,’ she finally agrees, her tone softening.

We hang up, and I’m left staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. I know we’ve got to move quickly. I’m determined to do whatever it takes for Simone and the baby.

This child is more than just a baby;

That is the next heir,

…and their well-being is on me now.