The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 22

It struck him suddenly: the older girl who’d once carried him on her back through the snow-capped mountains for three days and nights now needed his protection just as much.

Jotham’s memory drifted back to when he was six and attended a winter camp. He’d gotten separated from the group in the mountains. That night, with the wind howling and snow swirling all around, he was certain he’d freeze to death. Then, out of the darkness, a warm voice broke through, urging him not to fall asleep. That voice stayed with him for three endless days and nights.

Only later did Jotham learn someone had carried him all the way down the mountain—three days and nights on foot. He searched for that person for years, only to finally discover it had been Brianna all along.

“You saved my life. I swore I’d spend my whole life repaying you, and I meant it. I’ll never change my mind, unless—”

He hadn’t even finished his vow when Brianna, face flushed and eyes shining with tears, gently pressed her hand over his mouth. She leaned her head on his shoulder, trembling.

“Don’t say such ominous things,” she whispered. “I do trust you. But sometimes, I can’t help but worry.”

She hesitated. “Ramona’s lived with you for two years now…”

Jotham gave a soft laugh and reached out to pinch Ramona’s cheek. “Silly Brianna, some people are just meant to meet once and be tied together for life. Others, no matter how long you know them, are only passing through.”

Whenever he thought of the mountain—that first meeting that wasn’t really a first meeting—a quiet warmth filled his heart. Not even his parents had ever made him feel so safe. So for the sake of that memory, that feeling, he was willing to give up everything. Brianna meant everything to him.

As for Ramona… She was wonderful in her own way. Sometimes, he wondered if what he felt was guilt or something deeper, but he knew, in the end, it didn’t matter.

Jotham spent a long time comforting Brianna. By the time he returned home, it was already two in the morning. Not wanting to wake Ramona, he tiptoed as he escorted Brianna to her room, careful not to make a sound.

He glanced at Ramona’s door—still tightly shut. He figured there was no way she hadn’t come home for two days in a row. Even if she was upset, she understood boundaries. Besides, her favorite designer shoes—the pair he’d given her—were still by the front door.

Exhausted, Jotham hesitated a moment, then headed to Ramona’s room. Just as he gripped the doorknob, he was startled by the sound of small, hurried footsteps.

“Daddy!”

Milo’s voice made Jotham’s nerves tighten. He immediately pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

Milo pouted, his little face falling as he shot a glare at Ramona’s bedroom door.

“Why are you still up this late?” Jotham scooped him up, whispering gently in his ear as he walked away from Ramona’s room.

“Mommy’s sick…”

The word “Mommy” made Jotham’s brow furrow. “I’ve told you before, call her Ms. Prescott. Your mother is Ramona.”

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