Page 59 of My Forbidden Billionaire

She looks at me in silence for a moment, as if she’s trying to read my mind.

“You mean to another private school?”

“Yes, I suppose so,” I reply.

“Well, it all depends on which school you have in mind, and what their requirements are. But Jo, be honest with me. Are you doing this because of Ms. Abadie? Or are you motivated by something else?”

In my mind’s eye, I can see Jacob’s gorgeous face floating before me—but I could never speak a word of this to Stephanie.

“I was just thinking that, perhaps, I could start over at a different private school where there won’t be anyone trying to make life difficult for me. What do you think?”

“Sure, your idea is great. However, there are just a few things that you might need to consider,” Stephanie says. “For example, any new school that you might want to go to, especially a private one, will want to know why you left Jameson after only one semester. You can imagine they will have questions or will think that something bad happened.”

“But it didn’t!” I protest.

“I know that. They don’t. Even so, they might assume that you weren’t able to face the challenges or the pressure of a private school. And then there’s the fact that all these private schools are really just one, big, private community. All the kids know each other, all the families are linked, they’re friends, business partners, and so on. Everyone knows everyone else. Which could be either good or bad for you. It could play to your advantage, or you might be rejected someplace else.”

“I didn’t really consider any of this…” I say as I look out the window into the deserted courtyard.

“And there’s one more thing,” Stephanie replies.

“What’s that?”

“Ms. Abadie is in charge of transfers. Honestly, I don’t think she’ll make things easy for you when you try to secure a good position at another private school.”

Well there goes that idea…

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jacob

For the past several weeks, Clem’s nanny has been dropping her off and picking her up from school. After Josephine broke the news to me that she didn’t think we should see each other anymore, I figured it would be best if I gave her a little space. Mostly because I don’t want to create an awkward situation. But also because I don’t want to make Josephine uncomfortable.

This is her choice and I have to respect it.

But today’s the first day of December, and the school is organizing a talent show in honor of the holiday month. Clem is Anne Boleyn in a somewhat historical skit based on Henry the VIII’s life and reign in England.

As the limousine slowly pulls in and comes to a stop outside Jameson Juniper Hall, I realize that, above all, I miss Josephine. Talking to her, laughing, joking, her mere presence.

Seeing her at the restaurant the other night was a welcomed relief. When I drove past and spotted her waiting in line with her friends, it felt like once again, fate was working in our favor. I couldn’t stand the thought of her waiting out there for hours in the freezing cold weather, so I asked the host if he could add them to our party.

At a different table, of course.

But from our brief interactions, I could tell that she still had feelings for me … and I still have strong feelings for her as well. I’ve been thinking about her constantly since our encounter at the restaurant, all I want to do is be near her.

I can only hope that somehow, some way, fate will bring us together again.

Clem tugs at my arm, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Dad, hurry up! I don’t want to be late for the show!”

I smile down at her and ruffle her hair. “Don’t worry, pumpkin. We’re not going to be late.”

I step out of the limousine and am greeted by the crisp winter air. As we make our way into the building, I see Josephine standing in the hallway, surrounded by a group of students. Her eyes meet mine for a moment before she looks away, and my heart skips a beat. Part of me wants to go over and talk to her, but I don’t want to interrupt her conversation with the students, or make her feel awkward in any way.

Clem, however, has no such reservations and rushes over to Josephine, practically pulling me along with her.

“Hi, Miss Andrews!” Clem greets her, beaming up at her with a smile that could light up a room.

“Hello, Clem! Are you excited for the talent show today?” Josephine asks her, crouching down to her level.