Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(82)

I can’t figure out why Roy, such a protective father, would let his young daughter be in the hands of that man. Something is missing from the equation. Or is Roy also being manipulated? Deluded? After all, he knows Alexander better than anyone else. How did Roy let this happen? I’m so confused. Fuck. I wish I could have been around the last couple of months to figure out what the hell is going on between them.

Well, no matter what, they have been very discreet. I checked the current tabloids and gossip blogs, but didn’t find anything about the duo. Not even a single picture! Nothing. Only a quick story that was written well back in October about Alex spotted with a Brazilian woman at Asiate restaurant and attending a pompous wedding in Rio. If reporters knew the most wanted bachelor in Manhattan was in a relationship with his young goddaughter, it would’ve been everywhere! But there’s very little about his romantic life since October. My critical analysis leads me to a conclusion: his relationship with Petra must’ve started then.

Holy shit. What I have in hand is quite a secret! I feel tempted to share the story with Carol and Laura, but I can’t. Or even to share it anonymously with the press, but no. I care too much about Petra.

I also have more important things to do with my time while here in New York. I’ve decided to throw an amazing party like in the good old days. Plus, Petra’s entrusted me with preparing a memorable dinner for her eighteenth birthday before the party, right here on my estate. Babygirl is not hard to please. Her only request is to start the dinner early, six p.m. at the latest, and invite just close friends. Simple enough. I wonder if Van Dieren will be attending…

I can’t help but chuckle. If I allow smartphones, everyone will be sharing pictures and videos on social media, tabloids, and blogs, which means it’ll be the first official event where they’re seen together. Would Van Dieren want that? And Petra? Does she want to be seen with him? I don’t know. But I’ll find out in four days. I step out of bed, take a shower, and get fashionably ready. My iPhone in hand, I call my loyal squad, Carol and Laura, to get their precious help.





Manhattan, December 1, 2019

Alexander Van Dieren





“I’m going to Singapore with Roy and Paulo,” I announce, drinking my espresso. “We leave tonight.”

“What? Now?”

I know she wasn’t expecting it. I had requested to meet her in the same library bar at the NoMad Hotel, but she thought it was just to spend some time with her, not to tell her I’d be leaving precisely a couple of days before her birthday. “Yes, since we recently acquired that firm, we need to make a few changes and elect the new management. It’s only for a few days.”

Petra seems confused. “But what about my birthday dinner at Emma’s? You’re not coming? Without you it won’t be the same.”

I smile. “I’ll do my best, but I need to get everything sorted out.” Nope. I have no intention of going and no interest whatsoever in drawing attention to ourselves and feeding the rumor mill.

Petra sighs, her face disappointed. “What about our trip together, then?”

My eyes locking onto hers, I tuck some hair behind her ear, give her a kiss, and whisper, “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.” She smiles, reassured, and reaches over for more. “I love you,” I add.

She doesn’t know it, but I have chosen this library bar precisely because I know no one from finance or from the media would come here. It’s a hidden gem for most people, a place with a certain charm, yet discreet enough to kiss and cuddle her in public.





Singapore, December 4, 2019





It’s such a big contrast going from freezing and snowy Manhattan to humid and hot Singapore. Even in the evening, the weather is still warm and sticky. Despite being overly tired and jet-lagged, we’ve decided to have a small celebration at the iconic LAVO Bar—the famous rooftop lounge perched on Marina Bay Sands Tower with sumptuous views of the city. After all, it’s our last night here. Since Paulo is on his way, Roy and I are sitting at a table alone, patiently waiting for him. But Roy is still acting very distant. With a pensive air, he takes a sip of his drink. Neither of us says a word. Finally, he looks back at me and sighs. “It feels so weird, Alex. I can’t even show you girls now.”

I burst into laughter. “Well, you’ll have plenty more for you.”

We finally see Paulo at the entrance, looking across the lounge for us. Roy waves at him, quite happy.

I remain thoughtful. Maybe Roy is finding it weird, not because of my relationship with Petra, but because he’s now the only bachelor among us. And as the oldest, it might have some sort of impact on his ego.

“Hey, Paulo! How are you?” greets Roy, warmly shaking his hand, followed by a pat on the back.

Paulo seems as excited as ever, just like a kid. He came from a dinner with our new office’s financial team and is enjoying Singapore much more than either of us. Paulo sits down beside Roy, glances around the lounge, and claps his hands before rubbing them. “So, did you guys spot anything good for tonight?”

I lift my eyebrows, my mouth opening wide, totally shocked by his question. “You are married, Paulo.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, but we’re in Singapore, right? And what happens in Singapore… stays in Singapore,” he replies joyfully.