CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY

The party went on without a hitch, expect for whatever that seems to be going on with Jer, after receiving a mysterious phone call.

I watched him in a huddle with Logan, Justin and Whiz for a few minutes before they rejoined the party as if nothing's wrong.

Looking at the amount of alcohol around, I know that's not a result of Mrs. Stanley and I.

Mom and dad actually seemed to be having a good time with each other for a change, especially with mom's upcoming show, which she is super excited about.

What I am now being privy to is Jer's involvement in the show as a photographer. He's being hired through the photographer who replace me and the knowledge of it still saddens me.

I no longer have a career and being the wife of a Mafia boss was never and still isn't in my long term plan for my life.

My Life!

What life would I have after the surgery?

I am already determined to divorce Logan if I am left paralysed from the surgery, but I can't leave my baby behind and I know he won't allow me to take my baby and leave.

"You look as if you're planning your funeral?" Justin says, taking the vacant seat behind me.

I looked up in surprise, "what?" I asked softly.

Without looking away, Justin kept his dark brooding eyes on me.

"I said that you seem to be planning your funeral," he repeated, softly but firmly.

Finally able to break eye contact with him, I shook my head awkwardly, "I.. I.. " stuttering, I lifted my eyes to meet his once again. "I was just ..." I pause, looking away once again, but this time, my focus was my husband, who appeared to be in a deep conversation with Bob and Cameron, who graced us with his presence for the party.

"Something big must be going on," I said observantly, turning back to Justin.

Chuckling dryly, his eyes briefly leaving my face to stare at the trio whose still deep in conversation, before looking back at me, his expression still brooding.

"But not as big as what's going on in there," Justin taps my forehead lightly for emphasis.

Wiping the spot where Justin just touched nervously, I looked down at my legs that was covered with a blanket, because of the coolness outside.

"I... I..." I started stuttering again, "I'm sorry," I apologized, as my eyes flew to where Logan still sat, engrossed in a conversation with Bob and Cameron.

"He's never going to abandon you," Justin says softly besides me.

I felt tears forming at the back of my eyes when Justin made that comment, because I already know that.

"But if the surgery is not a success and I survive it, I am going to leave." I responded softly, afraid of the tears that will start overflowing now.

Gazing back at where Logan sat, "I'm afraid to see what will become of him if you don't survive the surgery, but if you survive and leave him, then, I hope I not around either." Justin responds softly.

I look up at Justin curiously, aware that both Justin and I share the same sentiments about Logan's grandmother.

"Would he go back into the Mafia life?" I asked curiously, hoping for Justin's honesty because as his best friend, Justin would definitely know.

With a soft scuff, Justin lowers his eyes to his Navy Jordan sneakers.

Shaking his head slowly, "he never left it and it's not a life that just dies," Justin starts explaining and suddenly have a bad feeling with what I am about to hear.

"Someone will always try to take over and the Daniels Empire under Logan's grandparents is one of the largest in Scotland, Britain and here in the US." Justin admits, but I can't respond, because I am afraid.

"If the wrong person takes over or overthrows Mr. Daniels, so much could be lost and I am not talking about wealth." Justin said, finally turning to look at me.

"Lives," I nod, taking a deep breath, gazing at Logan again, frowning to see that he's still deep in conversation, with his 'friends'.

Chuckling besides me, "you would think that he isn't looking at you, but his eyes are always on you Leah Daniels, never forget that," Justin says before struggling to stand up.

"Too much of booze?" I chuckle and succeeding on his third attempt to stand, he stared down at me with a big grin on his face.

Twirling his index finger at me, "well it's the party planners fault," he laughs heartily. A sound I last heard at my wedding.

Laughing and twirling my index finger at him, "oh on, mister, alcohol was not on my to do list," I clarified. "Check your list again." I suggested as I laughed with my tipsy brother-in-law and he laughs because he's a happy tipsy guy.

"Right, it's the birthday guy son whose responsible then," he says and we both look across to see Logan and his companions eyes on us. All of them wearing an amused expression.

My laughter slowly died down, but the smile remained on my face when I met Logan's curious smile.

Turning towards the cabin, "bathroom" I heard Justin mutter as he walked away.

Logan winks at me, but Mrs. Phillips came to sit on the chair Justin just vacated.

"You last minute surprise party is a hit, Leah." My grandmother who I still call Mrs. Phillip chuckles beside me.

Looking away from Logan I smiled at her.

"It's thanks to you and Mr. Phillip," I laugh softly.

A sadness replaces the smile in her eyes, even though the smile remains on her lips at the words I just uttered.

Reaching across, I covered her hand that was resting on her lap with mines. "I'm so sorry," I said quickly, "I guess when I rarely see you, it's hard getting accustom to calling you grandma." I admitted nervously.

Laughing softly, she covers my hand with hers, "it's your husband's fault,"