Chapter 2

I came downstairs to see Miles with his dad Jack Harmon Senior and his brother William and his sons Wyatt and Leo lounging in the living room waiting for me. I called David to bring the car around and GM tried to tell me it was not necessary and I explained, "The car is special. It doesn't need roads which is why I let you sleep in a little GM. This car will shave an hour of the drive so we have nothing to be concerned about." David drove GM and me to the hospital and our visitors followed behind us. We made it through the day without incident. Di and Lena arrived on schedule. We came home in time to cook dinner but Jack invited us for dinner. We dressed up for the occasion.

After dessert, Jack asked GM if she would approve our marriage to his sons and nephews. GM politely explained that Diana and Helena are married and they have children. They have no desire to divorce their husbands. I am the only one who is single and she will not be the one to decide whom I marry. I am free to choose who I want. I smiled at Jack, I have been so busy with GM. I barely have time for myself. I am still not sure I am mature enough to be a wife. My cousins will leave for New York next week because they have to take care of their kids and I need to take care of GM and see to the repairs of the estate. If I take even a moment off without precaution, something always goes wrong. That means something goes wrong in the house or GM is unconscious. I am sorry but I have to decline for now. GM and the estate is my only priority. Jack gave me a sad expression but he didn't say anything further.

I was blushing pink before reaching for the peach cobbler. "Will you marry Caesar and raise your niece as your daughter?" William asked me directly. I lowered my head, "I am scared I would be the worst mother in the world. She needs time and attention. Right now I can't give her much. My brother is leaving for Washington to acquire new businesses. If these guys are stubborn he won't come back for another six months. My cousins will leave for their personal obligations and their own jobs. I have to handle the responsibility of the inheritance my grandfather left me as well. I am currently managing seven hotels, eight bed and breakfasts, three farms, and nine restaurants, that is what grandpa left my brother's name. He left me just as much so I am sorry but I have sorted everything before I can start having a relationship. My grandfather trusted someone once and he ran away with most of the money. Pops died of a heart attack and I had to step up to be the grown-up at the age of eleven. If my older brother James were alive he could have taken the load off my back. But he died the same day as my parents in the car accident. Jessica and Alison were the ones who decided to leave the estate and live a normal life." Jack was hurt, "How old were you when your parents died?" I swallowed the lump in my throat, "My sister and I were nine years old. Jessica and Edge were five years old. We were staying with our aunts Vera and Merissa when the policeman arrived at the door. GM and Pops raised us after that. I was just not the Big sister but I had to become a mom and dad to my three younger siblings as well. When Pops died things just went from bad to worse. I am still picking up the pieces. I am sorry but I am the last person on earth who could be Bethany's mom." They accepted my excuse and I was not interrogated for the rest of the night.

The next day I went horseback riding and Arman went crazy. I lost control and I thought I was gonna die. But Edge saved me. I got up and realized that I twisted my ankle and screamed in pain. Thankfully the Matisse family heard me and came running to my rescue. They examined Arman and explained that someone had hurt him. Which would explain his odd behavior. I thanked my brother and asked Edgar to call his son to fix Edge's jeep. Edgar's daughter was kind enough to drive Arman and me home.

The next morning my cousins left for New York and Edge left for Washington to their respective priorities. I waved as they drove off. I turned to see Jack had arrived to talk to GM. I sat in the study to sign my approval on several extensions to improve the organic farms we owned, I heard GM and Jack argue. I walked out and Jack looked to me for support, "Sabrina you of all people need to understand how delicate the situation is. Bethany must not grow up without a mother." I smiled, "I am not the best person to talk about Bethany. I only knew of her just recently. If I had been in her life since birth I could have a say in her life choices but I was absent...." He was upset "Will you at least consider the idea of marrying my son and raising my granddaughter?" I looked at him perplexed, I was going to say no when Maria my maid came running declaring that Edge was on the phone. I ran towards the phone. He got the hotels and was coming home. I spend the rest of the arguing over the phone with the board of directors over their idiotic suggestions if implemented would damage the image of the company. After dinner, I walked into my room to see that the maids had drawn me a bath and the bed was made comfortably.

The next morning I woke up to see Louie was outside my bedroom window. I ran to greet him. I asked him to go to the front door. I want him to meet everyone. I grabbed a robe and ran towards the front door. He gave me the bouquet red rose explaining this new type is called party rose. He thought I would like to grow these in my secret garden. I thanked him for this new bloom and invited him in. Louie looked at GM, "Hello my lady. Looking younger every day. Edge explained that you have a new family member. I would like to meet her." I tied my hair into a bun and used a rose from the bouquet to hold it in place, "Come to the kitchen, I will cook something for you, and then we will talk about it. What would you like?" He winked at me, "I love everything you cook so surprise me." I was about to go when GM reminded me that I was in my PJs. I promised to be back in a human minute. I got dressed and gave him a Diana rose as an apology. He extended his arm for me to hold as we go for a walk and I took it. GM started laughing. I blushed, "We are not going to a debutante ball. We are going for a walk." GM smiled, "Go dance the night away if you have to. Enjoy yourself." Louie promised to have me home by nightfall and GM insisted that she will be fine. I should be home by midnight at the earliest. Louie laughed, "That is not going to happen. Tomorrow is Jessica and Edge's birthday. Even if he is absent she will do something. Let's not forget she has a charity event to prepare for as well so there is no chance of Abby here staying that late." I nod to agree with him. I thanked him for taking the week off because I needed his advice and much more. He winked, "Anything for my Queen." I blushed, "When we are husband and wife I will be your queen. Until then I am your princess." The stroll was hilarious as he recalled the excuses his students gave for their late assignments and the silliness of his fellow staff members.

GM looked up from the newspaper, "Louie dear, what was the profession you chose again?" He answered delightfully, "I am an English literature professor. I spend my days reading novels and poems. Abby here hates poems but she loves novels. Things got out of hand at the university so I quit my dream job. I am now involved in the family business." GM frowned, "How did you two meet anyway?" This brought a smile to his sweet face, "We met in the public library. I was there trying to find a decent book for my bedtime reading. But she was there to hide from someone who has been stalking her. One minute I was hiding her from a strange boy the next we were talking and laughing was asked by the nice Librarian to be quiet or leave. We have been close ever since." I was too busy typing the menu for tomorrow's bash. "All of Edge's friends will be here and it will be a blast. I look forward to Edge's expression when he sees them." Jimbo tilted his head with curiosity, "Who is Edge?" I looked up from my typing, "He is my baby brother. His birth name is Edward. He and Jessica were born on the same day as Alison and me. Louie and I are the only ones who can call him Edge. If anyone else calls him that he will punch them in the face."

I was in my private jet when my phone rang, "Sabrina! Where are you? Why is Diana here and where are you taking me? I am cleared of cancer remember? Why did you re-activate the action station?" I replied between sobs, "I have to go to the city GM. There was a terrorist attack and Alison and her baby were there. I am leaving you with Diana. You are staying with her until I get to the bottom of this. I don't want to hear any arguments GM. I have to know who assaulted my twin. I will keep you informed." Henry my bodyguard walked up to me, "The plane is landing ma'am. I have already called the FBI, they are coordinating with the first responders. We will find them. Have no fear."

The drive to the blast site felt like an eternity but we got through the zoo that surrounded the effected area. Perks of being a Multi-billionaire I guess. I rolled up my sleeve and lent a hand. Finally we managed to move into the stadium. It took me forever till I found my niece Nancy crying uncontrollably next to the lifeless dead body of my sister. "Sweetie, I am here now. I am not going to leave you." I scooped her into my arms and she screamed "I am not leaving mom. Help mommy. She won't move. Please help her. Save my mommy." I clutched her close to me as the paramedic examined her. He looked at me and replied she is barely alive. She was put on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital on my helicopter. The doctors operated on her and I held on to Nancy as we prayed for her quick recovery. The lady in scrubs walked out with a smile, "We managed to stop the bleeding. We had to put her in a medically induced coma. You are welcome to stay with her. It may take a few days or a week before we can wake her up."

Phoebe came running towards us and gave Nancy a hug. Nancy asked her curiously, "Auntie Phoebe! Who is this lady who looks like mommy?" Phoebe laughed, "This is your mommy's twin sister Sabrina. She is your mommy's big sister." She looked at me with wide eyes, "Mommy has a twin sister? Do I have a twin sister too?" I laughed, "Sweetie, I was in granny's tummy with your mommy. That is why I am her twin. I am your auntie Abby." She blushed, "Hi Auntie Abby. Mommy talks about you but she never said you was her twin." I was going to answer when the phone. I answered, "Yellow!" Nancy started to laugh "Silly auntie. You are supposed to say hello when answer the phone. Why did you answer with a color?" I winked, "I like to be quirky." I walked away to answer the phone.

I was informed by my head of security that Aly's husband has arrived so I decided not to in to see her. I was not on speaking terms with the man. As a protest statement to her union to him, I didn't attend the wedding. I was going to ask Henry to escort me Adam's penthouse, he said I could stay there for as long as I wanted. But I got a call that GM had heart attack and was in the operation theatre. I found out that instead following my orders Diana decided to follow me. GM was in a hospital not far from where I was. I was there in a few minutes. A few days later I heard my sister has passed away. I waited till everyone left her grave before I approached it. I promised to take care of her daughter from a distance. Little did I know I would be looking after her up close.

The few months later I was invited by Adam to attend a charity event when I met Nancy again. This time she was with her father. I heard he left the police force and decided to dabble in business. He had amassed a small fortune from what my sister had left him. He was on the hunt for the people responsible for the death of his parents. I think he saw me, I had to play hide while he tried to seek me. Finally I got bored of hiding and snuck discreetly. When he saw me he must have thought he was hallucinating. I am his wife's identical twin, Although we have different style, we could dupe you easy.

A few months later I walked into Louie's office to see my brother in law in his seat. "Where is Louie? We have a lunch meeting." He was reading a random file, he didn't look up "He gave me the majority of the shares of his company. He said he wanted to retire." My mouth gaped open, "You liar! He would never do that. I know Louie. You would have to put a gun to his head for him to that." He smiled as he flipped a page, "Think what you like but he is no longer in charge of this company." I walked towards the door as I rolled my sleeve, "Louie will be in that seat before sunset. You mark my words." I walked towards the exit when I heard the doors slam hard, he must have seen my face from the glass wall and decided to follow me. "Wait Alison. I need to talk you. I want to say I am sorry. You were right I was wrong. Please don't leave me. I will do anything you ask me to. Just stay with me." I ignored him and walked past a few employees.

One of them chased after us and the other fainted. "Sir! Did she roll her sleeve in the office?" He turned to her, "Do you see her?" She ignored him and continued, "Whenever she rolls her sleeve she delivers her threat within the hour." He raised his eyebrow, "Really? You can tell that?" She answered, "I am one of the oldest employees of this company, I have served for seven years. Madam is your boss, Mister Louis just looks after it for her. I have sat with her in many board meetings. She never rolls her sleeve unless it is to make threats. It will be unrolled when she delivers her promise. Please sir just do as she asks and save yourself the trouble. We want you be a productive member of this company." He laughed, "Madam? Okay! I will return what I took from Louie when I get what I want." I shook my head as my security got in his way and he watched as I walked away.

I waited elsewhere as the judge delivered his verdict. Alexander kept looking everywhere in the hopes to see me. Louis met me outside the courtroom. He looked at his feet as I pat him in the back. He looked at me with fear, "I hope you understand this means war. Not my favorite line in any shape, form or color." Louie replied looking queasy. We walked out of the court house after restoring his rightful position in his company an hour after the catastrophe. I glared at Alexander as he walked towards his former peers of the police station. "Grow a spine Louie. This is war. He just put his foot in the Lion's neck." I walked towards my Lamborghini when I heard what felt like a herd of elephants. I could see in the side mirror it was HIM and his peers running to either talk to me or to look at me. I got in my car and Louie got in his Limousine. We drove off without waiting to see what they wanted. He looked like he wanted shoot my tires. Good luck! These are designed to reinflate the moment they are deflated. I drove off laughing freely. I should have known that he would turn his attention to me.

The next morning I was enjoying a steak breakfast when he sat down with his lawyer. I looked up from the New York Times. "Let me guess you want to abscond my company now? Or are you here to sue me for helping my friend?" He stared at me without saying anything. I turned to the redhead, "Does he have the Mumps?" She shook her head "You look like his wife. The resemblance is uncanny." I smiled, "Jessica is my younger twin sister. Of course I look like her. I made her promise that until I accepted Alexander as her husband she will not say a word about me." Their jaw dropped to the floor. "You are Sabrina?" the red head exclaimed. I winked at her. "In the flesh. So to speak." He leaned forward to get a better look at me. "I have searched everywhere for a picture of you. I can't find any. Why is that?" I slurped my chocolate milkshake. "I am involved in all sorts of businesses. Some in the military, I have stalkers who like to track me so I have every online pictures of me deleted. These stalkers are always in the dark web." I wiped my mouth with a napkin and raised my hand to get the attention of the waiter. "I have wired the money and here is proof. Have a nice day." He bowed as a sign of respect. "Madam Sabrina, Please come again." I got up and so did men from twelve table. This surprised the duo who intruded on my meal but the waiter seemed unfazed. Henry walked up to me with my itinerary. I smiled at him as I accepted it. He seemed to be distracted by the audience. "Ma'am! Should I be concerned about these people?" I laughed, "Do a back round check if it pleases you. I have a long drive to go. Will you be driving me or should I drive myself?" He was about to answer when Alex cut in, "I will drive you where you need to go." I looked at him politely, "No thanks. If I don't trust you. I don't get in your car. I hope you understand." I was about to walk away when he got in front of me. "How can you trust me when you won't spend time with me. I am an excellent driver. You are totally safe with me." I pursed my lips, "Henry will you drive me please. I can't be in a car with a rival company in a bid we both are going to fight in." He looked as though he was staring into my soul and replied, "If I win this bid. Will you let me drive you?" I gave him a winning smile, "You have a deal" He gave a wicked grin and let me go. He didn't see my notes so I was safe.

"Let me drive you back to the city." I laughed as he chased after me. "I won fair and square so you better stop following me." He growled, "There is a storm coming. The roads will not be safe. I am not interested in your little company. I want YOUR company." I turned around insulted, "Rice Industries is not a little company. We are only behind by the Cantilever group. I am a multi-billionaire. So to say my company is little is an insult." He stopped when he saw Henry, "I am sorry I said that. But do you think you are safe with him?" I winked at Henry and he walked towards me. "Henry is Ex-Navy Seal. He was Delta Force Tier One. His title was Bravo One. You can't get any better than him. He didn't easily become my bodyguard if you must know. He was going to be the President's personal bodyguard. I had to wage war to get him." Alex raised his eyebrow, "You are protected by presidential-level security?" I winked at him, "One of the perks of being a multi-billionaire."