Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(120)

“I see… And how can I help?”

“Alex.” Julia glances discreetly around. “You didn’t propose to Petra yet, right?”

“No, not yet. Roy wants me to break up with her.” I pause. “But I’m incapable of doing it.”

“Tess knows too much. She made it clear she will expose us. There are too many people involved, too many families. Our mother has made so many sacrifices—”

“Julia,” I snap to calm her down. “I’m very aware of what Tess knows, but”—my gaze drops, I let out a deep breath, then look my sister in the eye again—“I can’t live without Petra either. I just can’t.” There is some sort of melancholia in my voice, as I know all too well that distance from her body doesn’t mean distance from her.

“I know…” She leans closer to me, her face sharing the same pain. “Do you want us to take care of Tess?”

I’m not surprised by her question. After all, I know what’s at stake. “Julia, despite Tess being a threat, she’s still Petra’s mother. And Roy is also firmly against it.”

“But she’s a threat to your happiness,” Julia protests instantly. “Our happiness!” I feel her gaze studying me for a moment. “No one will know. We’ve got people who are very discreet…”

“I know, Julia, but I can’t do it. Promise me no one will harm Tess.” My sister doesn’t reply. She looks away, her face distant and displeased by my answer. “Julia, if something happens to Tess, I won’t hide the truth from Roy and Petra.”

“Fine. But what are you going to do? Are you gonna break the heart of the only woman you’ve ever truly loved? That’s your plan?”

I shut my eyes and rub my eyelids. “Roy gave me until March sixth to do so. Afterward, I’m moving to Singapore.”





Petra Van Gatt





“There is nothing for you here, my little Arthur. Your mom will be back soon.” I kiss Arthur on the head while snuggling him in my arms. He smells so good—I catch a mix of his own scent and Julia’s perfume.

All of a sudden, I hear knocking.

“May I?”

“Right on time, see?” I place a goodbye kiss on his pink cheek before handing him back to Julia. “I think he is hungry. He was trying to grab my shirt.”

“Indeed, that’s his way of asking to be fed.” Julia seems to be checking me out closely.

“Are you okay, Petra? You look so pale and tired.”

“Give me a second.” I run to the toilet of the en suite and throw up once more. “I’m sorry, I’ve been going through a lot of stress and pressure lately,” I admit while splashing some fresh water on my face. I wash my mouth and leave the bathroom, feeling as bloated as ever. “Dad wants me to build a public image, and I hate it. I don’t like crowds or being the center of attention, but he insists I give interviews, speak on panels, meet journalists…” I let out an exasperated breath. “I just need to start managing my stress, and I will be fine.”

Julia nods, then puts Arthur back in his white crib. “Of course, I understand perfectly,” she says with a sly smile on her face. “Well, regarding your ‘stress,’ I’d recommend a lot of rest, no alcohol whatsoever, a clean diet with a lot of calcium, moderate exercise but no weights, and folic acid and iron supplements.”

“Wow, so that’s what you do to handle the pressure at work?”

Julia chuckles. “Exactly, and I’d also make sure to see a doctor and follow up.” She gives me a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

I frown, confused. Is she that happy about the public image and interviews? “Julia, are you crying?”

“I’m sorry, it’s all the emotion. Oh, Petra.” She dries her tears, holding me tight again.

My eyes widen in confusion. “Okay… I never thought you would be as proud of me as that. Wow.”

While stroking my hair, Julia observes me attentively, with a big smile on her lips and a contemplative eye. “My brother is so lucky to have you.” I smile back at her, and she places a kiss on my forehead.

At this point, I’m feeling slightly uncomfortable with so much affection. “Alright…” I clear my throat. “I’ll let you be with Arthur. I’m gonna get some sleep. I’m feeling exhausted. Have a great night.” I give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Sure. Good night, Petra. And don’t forget to see a doctor soon.”





Bedford Hills, February 23, 2020





I didn’t feel his touch last night. Granted, I was tired and fell asleep immediately, but when I wake up, I don’t see him either. He seems colder and more distant, talking and laughing with me less. The way he looks at me is also quite unrecognizable. He used to whisper how much he loved me and what he wanted to do to me, but with these many trips to Singapore, it all feels so far behind. I wonder what happened. I’ve got to talk to him.

Maria said he’s in his office. I knock on the door before stepping inside. I find him casually sitting on the sofa, reading with his glasses on. He closes his book upon seeing me. “Good morning, little hermit.”