"Good morning daddy" Lauren said running towards her father.
"Good morning Princess. How did you sleep?" Lincoln asked as he hugged her.
Lauren nodded her head.
"Good" She said.
Marissa was stationed at the kitchen cooking away eggs, pancakes, and bacon for her tiny family. She couldn't help but overhear her boyfriend and daughter's conversation.
She loved seeing her two favorite people bonding and expressing love to one another.
For the past two years, Marissa no longer had to hide anymore. She no longer was a priority of the media once Michael started seeing other women. Of course everything he was doing was hurting her but she was glad it kept her lowkey.
"There's the most gorgeous woman alive" Lincoln teased placing a kiss on Marissa's cheeks.
"No, I'm the most beautiful" Lauren complained.
Marissa smiled as she turned off the stove.
"You're right baby, I'm sorry" Lincoln said.
"Eat your food quickly so you can get to school on time" Marissa warned placing everyone's food on the table.
Once everyone was done eating, Lincoln volunteered to be the one to bring Lauren to Pre-school. Marissa agreed without hesistation. She's been having a weird feeling lately and she knows it's only a matter of time before her ex-husband comes back for her and his unknown child.
Marissa watched from the window as Lincoln exits the parking lot and drives to the entrance of the neighborhood.
She sighed as she sat on the couch reading a newspaper.
Marissa's life was no where close to easy. She knew Michael could track her down every minute so caution was a huge priority. She canceled all her credit cards, she uses money to pay for everything, and she makes sure every type of paperwork is done under Lincoln's name. She did not want Michael to find out about his child. Marissa believed he had no right to know after how badly their relationship ended.
On the other side of the country, Michael was alone in his house. He knew he couldn't have any distractions in order to find Marissa even if it means months without sex.
His mind was still thinking about the child from the picture. The man next to them and Lauren had no similar traits except maybe the hair and eye color. Everything else was all Marissa.
Michael believed the child could not be his either for Marissa was never pregnant throughout their relationship, or so he thought.
What Michael didn't know was that the child had his one, single dimple on her left cheek, she had his mothers hazel eyes that turned green in the sun, she even had his sense of humor.
Michael's doorbell rang and he immediately placed the photo under his bed and went to the front door. On the other side stood his witch of a mother.
"My baby! I haven't seen you in so long!" His mother, Claire, exclaimed.
Claire pulled Michael into a deep hug and he just patted her back.
Michael hated his mother, she was the reason for his divorce from the only woman he has ever loved.
"Hello mother" he said and they both walked into the living room.
Michael did not have any chefs, butlers, or maid. He always believed that its his responsibility to tend to his own home. All he had was his nanny from birth, Wilma.
Wilma lives on the other side of the estate and used to tend to Marissa and Michael's needs but after their divorce, Michael didn't need her anymore, now she's simply a resident Michael goes to for advice. Of course, she still does household chores.
"I have a proposal for you" Claire said raising both eyebrows.
Michael looked down at her new black Versace stilletos. He already knew her latest boy toy brought her that, he just couldn't believe how naive his father was not to notice all the cheating that has been happening behind his back.
"I don't want to hear it" Michael said.
Her last proposal was 4 years ago. She told him exactly what he had to do. Make multiple sex tapes with different woman, sext a few, and arrive home late.
Michael was unsure why she would ask him to do that but she threatened to take Marissa's mother off of life support if he didn't. Little did he know she would put it all in their bedroom.
"I need you to get a steady girlfriend. All these playboy acts have brought in big money to our magazine but its getting old." Announced Claire.
"No" Michael said.
Claire sighed.
"It's been four years Michael, move on!" She yelled.
Michael rubbed his forehead to calm himself down. If that wasn't his mother, he would of pounced on her.
"Who's the child?" Michael asked.
"What child?" Claire asked suspiciously.
Michael looked up at her.
"You don't know?" He asked.
Claire shook her head leaning in closer.
"Damn! That would of made a great story" Claire exclaimed. "Wilma probably knows, the two were very close" She added.
Michael nodded.
"But I'm not hooking up with anybody so please, find your way out" Michael said standing up.
"I'll tell you where she is" Claire said.
Michael froze.
Claire heels could be heard throughout the entire home.
"I have a PI investigating that" He told her.
Claire smiled and kissed her son on the cheek before placing a strip of paper into his shirt pocket.
"Call me if you change your mind" She said before walking out.
As soon as Claire left the estate, he rushed upstairs towards Wilma's room.
"Its not my story to tell" Wilma said immediately.
"Wilma, please" Michael begged.
Wilma patted a spot on the bed next to her and Michael sat down.
"Out of all the woman you have brought into this house, she will always be my favorite. She was caring, loving, and she was the most beautiful gem this world has to offer" Wilma began.
She caressed Michael's cheek as she continued talking.
"Why would you hurt her?" Wilma asked.
"I was tricked" Michael said simply.
Wilma shook her head.
"You laid with women that were not your wife. That should of been a red flag all by itself." Wilma spoke.
Michael looked down knowing she was right.
"My mother threatened to take Marissa's mother off of life support" Michael said.
Wilma left the bed and opened the top drawer taking out a few photos.
"Marissa always sent me pictures of every birthday like I asked her to" Wilma smiled and handed me three pictures.
The first one was Marissa and Lincoln on a bed together holding a newborn baby. It looked like she had just given birth yet they were not at the hospital.
"She always wrote a note on the back too." Wilma said and I flipped over the photo.
Dear Wilma,
Today was the most heavenly day of my life. I have never lived a much more beautiful day than this one, not even my wedding could top it.
We named her Lauren, after your middle name. It was with your guidance that I was able to welcome such a beautiful soul into this world. I really wish you could hold her and talk to her. She would of liked you very much. I hope one day she can see you, her godmother.
Presenting Lauren Marie Costello born March 3, 2013 weighing 8 1/2 pounds.
I miss you,
M.C
On the side of the letter were Lauren's tiny foot and handprints.
The next picture was of Lauren and a smiling Marissa with a cake in front of them displaying a single candle.
Dear Wilma,
It's been a whole year since I had my biggest treasure. There have been so many difficult times throughout the year but we have always been able to remain a tiny family. Lincoln proposed today, I said no. Ever since Michael, I've been terrified of being tied down. I know inside it deeply hurt Lincoln because he had been saving up all the money he made to buy me such a beautiful ring.
Lauren said her first words "Dada" in her 11th month. At 5 months she started crawling and on her first birthday, today, she took her first steps alone. This was all I wanted, to see her have her first everythings. I am now officially a mother.
Thank you so much also for the baby clothes, Lauren loved them very much.
I can't wait to see you again,
M.C
"Thats why you bought all those clothes?" Michael asked.
Wilma nodded her head.
The following picture was just of Lauren and a birthday hat with cake all over her face and a big, bright smile.
Dear Wilma,
Last week I had my surgery. Thankfully, everything went well and I'm still recovering. I have a few episodes of pain here and there but in a couple years, it will all be worth it.
Lauren turned two today and she has done nothing but light up our world. I get a bit jealous sometimes for shes a big daddys girl. Shes soo clingy with him my heart breaks. I'm just happy that she has a father all together, one that loves her very much.
We had a break in two days ago. Luckily Lauren wasn't home. I was the only one in the house when it happened, and it was terrifying. But I'm safe now.
Lauren is now speaking two word sentences and she knows who you are. I showed her many photos of you and she refers to you as "Wima" i have to send you a video, its the most adorable thing ever.
I also want to think you for keeping all of this away from Michael. I know one day something will slip and he'll get curious and I'm not sure what I'll do. I have grown so used to this tiny family.
I Miss You,
M.C
And the final picture showed Lincoln holding Lauren as she blew three candles.
Dear Wilma,
Three whole years with these two. This photo is my all time favorite and I debated whether to send it or not. Instead, I made a copy.
Lauren can now talk with some grammatical mistakes but its so cute. I can't believe shes already three. Lincoln used up ALL of his saved money and rented a bounce house, a clown, a pony, and a face paint artist. Lauren loved it!
I hope that next year, you will be able to come and stay for a week or two. Its not the same showing Lauren pictures instead of having you physically here with us.
My surgery scars have healed and Lincoln is already wanting a baby. I also don't want Lauren and her future brother or sister to be too far apart so that they could grow up together. We're still thinking about it.
Lincoln wanted to propose yet again but ended up not going through it. Instead he gifted me a knot ring, a symbol that we will eventually tie the knot.
Anyways, I really miss you. You have always been my best friend and secret keeper. I hope to write you more than just every birthday and I want to see you again. If you ever want to come by please let me know so that I can make the arrangements.
I love you so much,
M.C
Michael stared down at all three pictures in his hand. He couldn't believe Wilma was reciving all these letters without his knowledge.
"What address are these letters coming from?" Michael asked.
"She never writes a return address" Wilma spoke. "All I know is that she's in Washington"
Michael turned to Wilma and gave her a tight hug.
"Now go get her back" She said.