From Bully To Beloved

There are several drawings, starring my dick front and center. It could be worse, I guess. Anything to see the girl of my dreams smile.

The article ends with a quote by Professor Ramstraat: “The artist’s latest work is a bold departure from their previous style. The composition is inventive, with a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that draws the eye and commands attention. Confident and expressive charcoal strokes reveal a newfound mastery of the medium. The art show was a true achievement, a testament to the artist’s dedication to their craft and willingness to take risks, push the boundaries, and create an unrelenting energy that is hard to ignore.”

Fuck, I’m happy.

I couldn’t be prouder of her, and I squeeze her into my arms. “You did it, baby. You fucking did it.”

Sera doesn’t say a word, awestruck.

Just when I lean down to kiss the happy tears from her speechless face, my gaze fall to a name that sounds familiar:

Chad Vondue Arrested

for Embezzling Money from Elderly Wealthy Widow

Sera and I exchange a glance that says, “It’s a good thing Gran knew what she was doing when she set up our real-fake marriage.”

I lean down and kiss her cheeks.

Knock. Knock.

Curious as to who it could be, I answer, only to be surprised by Vance. “Hey, Vance. I wasn’t expecting you today.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to intrude,” he says, his Italian accent as thick as always. “I know it’s a very big day, but there was something I needed to hand deliver to you personally today.”

He holds out a cream-colored envelope, and I take it with a frown. “What’s this?”

“It’s one more thing that was in your grandmother’s will. A clause, so to speak, should a specific set of events take place.”

Well, now I’m intrigued. “Thanks. Do you want to come in?”

Vance gives me a gracious smile. “Perhaps I will, just to see the little lady.”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

I step aside to let him in.

After closing the door, I examine the letter in my hands. My name is scrawled across the front in Gran’s neat handwriting. Curious, I slide the letter out of the envelope. When I unfold it, it takes me a second to read the contents.

I instantly burst into laughter.

Sera looks at me from the couch with a smile. “What’s so funny?” she asks, cradling Bianca to her chest while our friends get a good look at her.

I’m laughing too hard to speak.

Instead, I hand her the letter so she can read it for herself.

It’s just one line written in the center of the page.

Congratulations on the baby. Hope she’s named after me.