The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 62

"So...now you know," Miles sighed looking at his grandson. "The question is what you are going to do about it?"

"What am I supposed to do? She said she never wanted to see me again."

"Women say a lot of things...especially when they are angry or scared. It's a man's job to know when they don't mean it and be there to hold them when they realize it too." Marcus sighed, "Sounds like a lot of trouble."

"Oh it is. Loving anyone is a lot of trouble but the way I see it you have two choices...Stop loving them or love them a whole lot more."

Marcus smirked, "You got that from a television show."

He couldn't count how many times he heard that line coming from his grandfather's favorite television program: M*A*S*H. When he was younger they used to have contests to see how long they could keep quoting different episodes and characters. Looking at his grandfather it was obvious he also remembered those days.

"Of course I did," Miles chuckled, "but that doesn't make it any less true. So what are you going to do?"

Marcus hesitated looking at the papers in his hand. He could still remember holding little Gabriella while he got her a glass of water. At the time it amazed him that it felt so natural and now he couldn't help but wonder if maybe some part of him knew she was his. His little girl, he loved the sound of it. Maybe that was why he had promised to see her again. A new thought suddenly occurred to him that had him lurching to his feet. He had promised to come today! Tossing the papers on the desk he bolted for the door. Miles watched him with a small smile.

Good boy. Go get her.

Marcus rushed out of the study. The only thought on his mind was reaching the garage. He would drive straight to Regina's apartment and beg her to hear him out. If he had to he would get onto his knees. There were a lot of times he lacked courage to act but not this time.

"Marcus!"

The sharp voice brought him out of his revelry like a slap to the face. He froze and turned to see Elizabeth hurrying up to him. She wore a white dress as if she could simply make her wish come true if she kept dressing the part. "Marcus, what are you doing? You aren't even dressed! Hurry up, our guests are waiting to congratulate us."

"Exactly what delusional world are you living in?" Marcus demanded. Did he not make himself clear enough yesterday?

"I think you're the one living in a delusional world," Elizabeth corrected. "This is happening whether you like it or not."" Marcus smirked, "Is that so? Remember, I gave you the opportunity to back out without being humiliated."

Grabbing her wrist he dragged her to the patio. It was time to end this once and for all. There was only one woman he would be with and he was going to make that clear to everyone it wasn't her. Elizabeth struggled to keep up so much so that she couldn't catch a breath for a single word.

Marcus shoved open the doors and dragged her outside. The gathered crowd froze in surprise. Whatever conversations were going on halted in an instant as they saw the couple join them. There was a smattering of applause but it quickly died in confusion as Marcus shoved Elizabeth forward and glared at all of them.

"I see a lot of people here," Marcus said. "I hope you all brought your phones. Let's see them. Set them to record because you'll want to look back on this. Out with them! Come on!" Hesitantly several members of the crowd obeyed and raised their phones. Marcus waited until they were all ready. Giving Elizabeth a sneer he addressed the crowd.

"You have all been lied to! You have been lied to, manipulated and tricked by this pathetic excuse for a human being. She wants you to believe we are a loving, devoted couple. We are not! I'm not even sure she has a heart! I have never and will never propose to this woman. And I will never marry her! If I never see her again after today it will be too soon!"

Marcus glared at Elizabeth to see her almost as pale as her dress but her cheeks quickly blushed deep red as he reached for her hand and yanked off the engagement ring she had flaunted for weeks.

"And another thing...This looks ridiculous on you," Tossing the ring aside Marcus gave her a look of disgust. "See if you can survive this. Make sure you share those videos with everyone; sell them to the papers too!"

Without another word he turned and marched back into the house not caring what kind of confusion he left in his wake. He had wasted enough time here. There was somewhere else he needed to be. "Marcus! Marcus!"

"What mother?" he snapped turning on her. "What is so important you need to chase me down?" "How dare you do that to Elizabeth!" his mother retorted. "She is mortified! A laughing stock!" "So?"

“So? How can you be so uncaring about her feelings?"

"And what about mine?" Marcus demanded. "You've been plotting and planning all this time with each other, did you ever ask what I thought? What I felt? No! I'm not your plaything. I'm not some doll you can wind up and send off. I'm done with it, with you and with her." "...H-how dare...Miles! Did you hear what he just said to me?"

Marcus followed her gaze to see her grandfather had come out of his study. Though he tried to maintain a neutral expression Miles couldn't hide the sparkle of amusement in his gaze. "Miles, did you hear him?"

"I did and all I have to say is it's about time."

"W-hat!" Cybil stepped back in surprise.

"Don't you have somewhere you need to be?" Miles looked at his grandson.

"Yeah. They keep sidetracking me."

"Well, off with you then."

With a nod Marcus turned and hurried on his way.

"And you better not come back empty-handed!" Miles called after him earning a wave.

"That's it?" Cybil turned to her father-in-law. "That's all you're going to say after how he talked to me and Elizabeth?"

"Yes." "What?"

"You and that woman have been trying to run his life like he doesn't know his hand from his foot," Miles stared at her. "Well, he does and he can run his own life." "And what happens when he takes over for you? Have you thought about that?" Cybil scoffed. "Marcus in charge of hospitals and people's lives? It'll be a disaster." "He'll be fine," Marcus said. "He's proven himself at the Children's Hospital and the Board agrees. He keeps it up there will be no problem with him taking over." "W-what about Elizabeth?"

"What about her?"

"She was going to take over for you."

"Since when? I never said that."

"But..."

"Face if Cybil, you can't control everyone. Not me and definitely not Marcus. The winds of change are blowing...best grab your jacket."