Me: *pokes head in* Listen to Rockabye while reading this bit!

Sucking in a laboured breath, my body slowly gave out as my head hit the pillow in a pool of my own sweat. The woman dressed in minty green beside me smiled brightly giving my hand a gentle squeeze for reassurance as I tried to catch my breath again. "You did great," She grinned.

"Congratulations ma'am! It's a healthy baby boy,"

A smile spread across my face at the loud declaration of the other midwife in front of me as she sauntered to my side, gently placing the blue bundle of blankets into my tired arms. Small cries emitted from the beautiful boy I held against me as all midwives quietly left the room, giving me time to my little love.

He was gorgeous.

With small sprouts of light brown hair and deep chocolate eyes glossing with frustration as he cried in my arms. He looked like Brandon even without his feature properly setting yet, he was a copy of the man I loved. My baby boy. Tears pooled in my eyes as they slid down my cheeks in both happiness and sheer proudness.

"Shhh," I whispered gently, cocooning him to my chest, "Oh my sweet baby boy," More tears swam down my face as I hugged him, just wishing Brandon was here with me to celebrate the birth of our son.

But he wasn't. He chose to abandon me and my son. He will never know about Nicholas, nor will he ever get any time with my son. He lost that chance months ago and I will protect my child, even from him.

The small cries quieted as his big brown eyes searched my face with curiosity, "There there, my love. No one's going to hurt you, mommy's here to give you all her love," My words cracked as I gently kissed his pink cheek. "Nothing matter to mommy more than you, love,"

He gazed around in interest before looking back at me with a small yawn, "My little Nicholas," I whispered through tears as I kissed his forehead. "Mommy loves you so much,"

My eyes fluttered open, fixing instantly on my little boy as he slept, his head on my shoulder as his light brown/blonde locks swept over his closed eyes. Fixing him gently I leant against the door of the car, as I gazed around at the sight I hadn't seen in years.

Manhattan.

"It hasn't really changed has it?" I mumbled, taking in the sight of the busy streets. It looked exactly the same since the day I came down this very street 4 years ago, heading to Brandon's villa. And oddly enough, I was going to the same place, once again.

"No, not really," Sky piped into my thoughts with a smile as he sat in the seat beside me, tapping away on his phone. "Well we'll be arriving at the hotel in a bit,"

"We're staying at Brandon's hotel?" I questioned quite astonished at the sudden plan. Wouldn't Brandon know we've checked in if we were to stay at his hotel?

Sky chuckled, "Of course you are,"

"But won't Brandon know?"

"Nah, he lives in the penthouse of the hotel for now and then he'll move to the villa when his father takes the penthouse for the time being," He informed me casually, tapping back at his phone.

Well, all this for Nic better is worth it.

No POV

It was odd.

Very very unfamiliarly odd.

None of his fool-proof plans had ever failed him, and yet she manages to dart them down like a flock of low flying birds. Brandon sighed rather loudly before sinking his head on the sofa blankly. He was a renowned businessman taking the world by storm and yet a simple country girl manages to throw him off.

He was certain Cara would agree to his plan, besides he had done all his research on her lifestyle and current status, everything was planned and he was sure no woman in their right mind would disagree to that. Only she wasn't a woman in her right minds, that's precisely why he had fallen for her once upon a bitter time.

After her blunt rejection, he was shocked, to say the least, possibly didn't even move until everything registered into his mind. He didn't even have time to negotiate before she conceitedly stormed off, leaving him for the first time ever clueless. Why is it only her that manages to tear him apart?

He had flown back to his villa in Manhattan shortly after meeting Cara since it was where his father had chosen to arrive tomorrow precisely. Groaning loudly Brandon buried his face in his hands, his mind completely fried trying to think of other possible ways to retrieve a fake wife. Now the old geezer was landing in Manhattan tomorrow and screwing up everything Brandon had worked to the bone building up.

Blankly he stood up making his way to his mini bar, seeing as there was no point thinking things now. He was a goner and the name DeCaro was going to be shot off the leaderboard, so why not enjoy his last night as the world's top businessman before it all gets trashed.

Undoing the buttons of his plain white shirt, he shrugs it off, along with his pants before sinking into a pair of comfortable trackies as he collapsed on the sofa shirtless with a drink in hand and a bottle in the other.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Brandon rolled his eyes, downing the beer glass in one go before looking at the intruder in his suite. His best friend Sky, stood leaning against the door of his living room, arms crossed over his chest as he gazed at the brunette in concern.

"Enjoying myself," Brandon answered sarcastically, before pouring himself another glass from the bottle on his coffee table.

"Seriously? Your father is coming tomorrow, do you want to look like a mess?" The blonde questioned walking over in his usual attire of jeans and a leather jacket. Brandon often wanted to wear a leather jacket and do things like Sky did, but he was far too uptight for that.

"I'm already a mess," He looked up at Sky as he had made his way to the coffee table. "So mind clearing my office for me? I won't be needing that anymore,"

Sky couldn't help but chuckle at his distressed friend, "Brandon gets up, sitting down and sulking won't get you anywhere,"

"Nothing will get me anywhere now," He shot back sipping down another glass. Rolling his eyes Sky took a hold of the bottle much to Brandon's protests before chucking it in the nearest bin.

"I have some queries, and I need you sober for those," He told his friend pointedly. Silencing himself Brandon slammed his feet onto the coffee table, staring at his friend expectedly. "When did you and Stella exactly break up?"

"Really Sky? Getting with my ex?" Brandon joked laughing to himself. Sky pursued his lips into a thin grim line before glaring at his friend. "Near the end of December 2011,"

Sky nodded, processing the information in his head. From what Stella had told him, Nic was born in August the following year, so she was a bit over 2 months along when they broke up and their relationship was of 8 months…

"Sky! Hello?" Brandon waved his hand across his friend's face, snapping him out of his thoughts, "Why did you need that?"

"Just wanted to know," He shook his head shrugging vaguely, "Do you…still, like her?"

Brandon stared into space for a few second before looking back at his friend, "You want an honest answer or?"

Sky laughed, "Honest,"

Brandon instantly shrugged, "My feelings are all over the place, I mean, I loved her, yes, but now she has a child, who she had with another man while she was still with me, it's kind of hard to still love someone after that," He mused slurring his words together, "So no, I don't love her, I don't think I ever can. She was just another fling," He admitted, though deep down, he knew it was way more than that.

Maybe it was never another man Sky thought before nodding back at him knowingly. In all honest truth, there was something big in the picture that Brandon was oblivious and ignorant too, but those little details never get passed Sky, but he needed more proof before confirming.

The situation couldn't be any more obvious. The kid looks exactly like Brandon, Except for maybe the hair, but those eyes. Sky felt as if he was staring right back at his best friend when he looked into them. It was clear to Brandon too, but he was so tied down to the idea of Stella having a lover that he refuses to believe it.

Nicholas was Brandon's child no doubt, Sky knew that much. But why does Brandon believe the whole lover facade to not see it? He needs more info on this.

Gazing up at his friend Sky opened his mouth to ask some more questioned, but instantly shut up after taking in the scene in front of him. After all, those drinks and talking Brandon had successfully drunken himself to sleep.

—

The following morning was hectic, to say the least, the entire villa was flooded with people awaiting Mr DeCaro's arrival while the staff had to prepare for the after-party. Sky was managing everything from getting the place set to keeping everyone in order since Brandon had slept most of the day.

Which was a shocker for everyone seeing as the nefarious Brandon DeCaro was always punctual and ready by the early morning, but today he looked as if he'd sleep through a blizzard. It was now 2pm and after a lot of persuasions, he was up and perfectly fitted into a suit, waiting out in the lobby of his most renowned hotel.

The place would've been flooded with unwanted people, snooping about if the entire hotel hadn't been closed off, even then a few desperate people would crowd around the sealed entrance. Brandon groaned under his breath, leaning against the wall beside the elevator as he dipped his head, hitting the wall.

It was getting closer to the afternoon and Brandon was sure the old geezer was stalling up just to annoy him. Brandon, unlike his father, was an inpatient and prompt man when he was in his true nature, but his father, who was the complete opposite, just adored to push his buttons.

Sky was, according to himself, held up with some arrangements so there was no one to vent out his anger to as he stood by himself, counting the minutes in his mind, till everything he builds goes skyrocket, as it was inevitable anyways.

A plethora of painstakingly long minutes stumbled by until finally a sleek black Mercedes, rolled in front of the entrance to the luxury hotel as Brandon instantly stood up straight. This was it, this was the moment everything will come crashing down.

In all honest truth, Brandon hadn't mentally prepared for this at all. Instead, he just watched blankly as the silhouette of a seemingly cosy wheelchair, steered by the caregiver, appear through the double automatic doors.

His father, who seemed to haven't aged a day since Brandon last saw him, sat amongst the blankets and pillows as he was wheeled into the practically bare lobby. Following his long strides, Brandon leisure walked forward, a little wavered to accept that he was going to be no more.

"Father," he spoke, nodding his head in greeting. Mr DeCaro stared blankly at his son before averting his gaze around his glorified surroundings. Everything Brandon had done over the years had made a dramatic impact on the shabby little place he had left behind years ago. From indoor fountains to the marble flooring and crystal clear chandeliers, everything looked undeniably beautiful, showing off the wealth.

"Where's your family?" Mr DeCaro question, amusement laced in his tone, making Brandon grit his teeth. His father had expected him to not have a family and the most annoying part about it was that he was correct.

"They-" He began calmly. The thing about a tycoon was that they were inevitably calm despite anything.

"Will be here shortly,"

Brandon blinked, gazing back the neat blonde sauntering in casually. His civilian attire had vanished, replaced with a fitted white suit as he strolled in and stood beside Brandon, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He was up to something.

"Sky Eraklyon, Sir, a pleasure to meet you," Sky smiled, offering his hand in greeting. Mr DeCaro smiled, taking the young successors hand in his.

"Pleasures all mine Mr Eraklyon," The geezer smiled back and Brandon rolled his eyes internally. "I've heard a lot about you, seems you are a high rising successor in New York,"

Ha-Ha, that's all he seems to notice, Brandon thought bitterly before his eyes took a look at his own complete line of masterpieces. To be honest, he was quite haughty of his establishment, seeing as it was one of the top leading industries, anyone would be proud to own something as big as DeCaro Enterprises.

"In all honest truth Mr DeCaro, I like to keep humble," Sky mused going at it like the golden boy he was, charming everyone. At times Brandon envied his best friend's easy going nature, but that's what, in his opinion, acts as a flaw for Sky.

Mr DeCaro gazed at the blonde proudly and Brandon yet again found himself gagging internally. "So how's your family-" He began before he was cut off the familiar bell of the elevator doors opening.

Sky gazed back before Brandon had a chance to, grinning stupidly, "Speaking of family, I see she's arrived,"

In an instant Brandon turned around, his eyes widening at the shocking sight. There stood the least likely person he'd expect, a nice yellow sundress fitted over her perfect curves as she approached in a pair of nice black heels.

Damn, she was beautiful.

Stella smiled, the corner of her eyes crinkling cutely as Nic, in a pair of jeans and checkered top, bounced beside her, holding her hand as they reached the three businessmen. "Good evening Mr DeCaro," She dimpled at the older tycoon nodding to show her greeting.

"And who's this?" He questioned curiously as Brandon stood there a little speechlessly. Within the next few seconds, Brandon managed to collect himself, smiling warmly at his now fake wife.

"This is my wife Stella and our son, Nicholas," He spoke calmly as he wrapped an arm around her waist making it look so real, that even Stella wavered a bit.

Even if she didn't want it, her heart fluttered at the way he addressed them. Wife and our son, It seemed like a dream that the words were actually coming out of his mouth.

Mr DeCaro's grin was absolutely unreal and Brandon was sure he's never seen the geezer smile so big in his entire life. He was happy and it actually made Brandon smile.

"Mommy, is that grandpa?" Nic questioned curious tugging Stella's sundress. She crouched to his height, gently kissing his temple.

"Yes, that's grandpa," She smiled as a megawatt grin washed over his face, upon seeing someone he had been busting to see. "Why don't you say hi?"

She didn't have to say it twice because Nic was already climbing onto his lap much to the old man's delight. "Hi grandpa," Nic greeted in his bubbly tone as he sat comfortably on his long lost grandpa's lap. Nic barely saw anyone actually blood-related to him except Stella's mother so seeing Mr DeCaro, right here in the flesh was a joy.

"My, he looks just like when Brandon was young," The older tycoon pointed out, ruffling the blonde-brunettes hair. Brandon smiled in fake, pulling his wife close to him, he was sure the geezer had bought the act, hell, even he was starting to believe it if he hadn't kept reminding himself it was fake.

Sky chuckled giving his best friend a little thumbs up before turning to the older brunette man, "Why don't we go to the penthouse to continue the conversation?"

Stella's POV

As soon as we were in Brandon's luxurious penthouse on the top floor, I immediately excuse myself to the kitchen to prepare a drink. Leaning slouched against the countertop, before wheezing out the tight breath I didn't even know I was holding.

I did this all for Nic, and it was all worth it. Seeing his blood-related grandfather was a joy for him since he hasn't left his side since everyone was seated in the living room. I could tell Brandon wasn't expecting this from the way his cool posture stiffened upon our arrival, but he took everything smoothly making it look as if we were really married, it almost made me believe we actually were.

All for Nic. I reminded myself, before straightening up and strolling to the large fridge sitting in the high-ceiling kitchen. Tugging open the fridge door, I peered inside for something to prepare.

"You did great,"

I smiled at the floor upon Sky's sly arrival into the room before gazing up at him, "I was so nervous," I admitted sheepishly before fishing out a drink from the fridge.

"Yeah, but you made his father happy," He pointed out, taking a seat on the barstools arranged behind the breakfast bar.

"I'm glad," I nodded giving him a ghost of a smile, "Thanks for the dress by the way," I grinned showing my gratitude for the simple yellow dress that hugged my figure.

"You look good in it," He winked and I couldn't help laugh, "Be careful, though…"

"Huh?"

"He might just rip it off of you at the end of the night," He joked sending me another wink. I rolled my eyes playfully socking his face with the nearest dish towel. "Okay, so the back story is, you and Brandon wanted a normal life for your child, so until he was of age, Brandon had you live in Sydney and make it look like he's not married so you both could live the years in peace,"

"Will that even work?" I questioned, rummaging out a crystal clear tray and I placed the expensive glasses of drink onto it.

"Well, that's what the media has posted around and people love a good forbidden romance here and there," He mused holding his phone up in my face.

Billionaire's Secret Wife Is Revealed To The Public.

Below the bolded breaking headlines was a nice framed picture of Brandon and I standing together in the lobby a few hours ago. "You have got to be kidding me," I murmured, my face falling at all the other bizarre headlines popping up.

Sky laughed loudly, "Welcome back to the tabloids, Stella DeCaro," He chuckled, adding up the new last name for me since he had successfully managed to change my last name legally. "Has a nice ring to it,"

"Oh please, Solaria still is the best," I murmured, sticking my tongue at him as he mimicked.

"His father will ask you a series of questions, so keep in mind that you are the Brandon DeCaro's wife and you are to lead an industry besides him," He explained as I picked up the tray of drinks. "Can you handle that?"

"Of course," I jutted my chin confidently, before walking through a series of doors and luxurious rooms until I got to the living room I had left a few moments ago. Only now it was packed with blue little boxes everywhere, blanketing the entire rug.

"What's all this?" I questioned in astonishment at all the presents flooding Brandon's living area.

"Nothing sweetheart, just a little something for my grandson," Mr DeCaro filled me in, smiling at my son, who sat beside him raving about and tearing open presents.

Little?! That's not little!

Brandon had relaxed on the sofa opposite his father, arm draped over the back and a big smirk plastered across his face. I ignored his smug look before placing the tray of drinks on the coffee table before taking a seat unwilling beside my husband.

It honestly felt weird to call him that knowing once upon a time, I actually wanted him to be titled that.

Sky wandered in a few moments later, hoarding a sofa to himself as he sat on the one to the right, with his back to the wall made entirely on windows, gazing over the city. "So Stella, my dear, how are you adjusting to Manhattan? I heard you haven't been out of the country in 4 years," Mr DeCaro questioned out of the blues and suddenly all eyes were on me, except for Nic busy tapping away on the GameBoy in his grasp.

"Well in all honestly sir, I'm a little nervous to be around the public again, since a bunch of them are a nutcase and really have no respect for personal privacy. I'm sure it will take a bit of effort, but I'm sure I can do my utmost best in being the female equal to Brandon's role," I blabbered out like an idiot, but still didn't let my confident expression drop.

The room hung over in silence, and I gazed around the room. Sky looked like he was going to face palm any moment and Brandon had pursed his lips quietly. What? What did I say wrong?

"It's a common truth, really," I shrugged, swallowing hard knowing I screwed up in the first speech. I had lived in Australia for almost 5 years! They were known for their accent and carefree manner, I had pretty much gotten used to spewing my thoughts.

After a long silence, Brandon's father stared at me blankly before a smile broke his face.

"I like her," His father chuckled out and possibly the entire room let out a breath they had been holding. "I adore the way you think my dear," I smiled at him.

Sky sat back relieved, and Brandon's entire body relaxed as he scooted me closer. "Not bad," He whispered, close to my ear, before gazing down at Nic.

"Mommy, nap-time," Nic yawned, dropping the game boy out of his grasp. I smiled, standing up to retrieve my sleepy child.

"Are you sleepy little man?" Mr Decaro chuckled, and Nic nodded tiredly rubbing his eyes as I cocooned him in my arms.

"Dad, Stella and Nic are both still tired from the trip. Let's call it a day," Brandon cut in, standing up as he appeared by my side. His hand found a place against the small of my back as he pulled me closer to him until I was pressed against his side, making me thoroughly uncomfortable. He hasn't held me like that in 4 years.

Mr DeCaro nodded understanding and signalled the caregiver standing by the door to help him out. "Bye then little man, get some rest," He smiled, patting Nic back as the caregiver wheeled him out. The three of us watched Mr DeCaro leave the premises before breathing out a relieved sigh.

"Wow, I thought you completely screwed up the minute you opened your mouth," Sky chuckled standing up as well.

"Shut it, Eraklyeon," I snapped at him, adjusting a passed out Nic on my shoulder.

Brandon laughed that attractive laugh I had loved years ago. It still hasn't settled in my mind that I'm in the presence of the man that I shared countless nights of passion with 4 years ago, "So where are you staying?"

"Sky's hotel room,"

"Cool, tell me the number and I'll get some people to bring your stuff over to my villa when we leave for there tomorrow," Brandon informed me casually and fished his phone out of his pocket.

"Woah woah. Who said I was staying with you!" I objected, glaring at him. He spun back around, staring at me blankly. Sky chuckled quietly, as he shuffled to the door.

"I'll leave you two to figure this out," He whistled, disappearing before I could kill him.

"You're my wife now, Cara, you're staying with me," Brandon interjected my angry thoughts, giving me the obvious tone. Cara. The name still would send shivers down my spine but one I chose to ignore.

"Like hell I am," I scoffed, rolling my eyes, "Nic and I are perfectly fine at Sky's place,"

"You're staying me with me! It'll make this more convincing," He replied his tone growing a little firm and cold. I glared at him, proceeding to storm out until he grabbed my waist to prevent me from loosing grip on Nic. "Stella stops making this difficult, you agreed to know the terms,"

"I agreed to be your wife in public!" I hissed, emphasising the agree part, "Off the face of the public, I don't want anything to do with you!"

"Well, that isn't going to work," He gritted out, "I'll get the interior decorators to customise a room to Nic liking, and in the meantime, you're in the same room as me,"

"Brandon!" I growled, poking him square in the chest with my free hand as he took a step back, a smirk plastered across his face, "Don't forget I agreed to this, not the other way around. There is no way I'm going to live in the same house as you, let alone same room,"

"Well you're going to have to, there's no way you're leaving this building without getting swamped by the media," He smirked, knowing he had everything to his advantage. His attractive chocolate glistened in mischief as he gazed down at me, "Nic is asleep anyways, so put him in his room and we can discuss this later,"

Are you kidding me?! I don't want to live in the same damn house as my ex! Especially with the risk of him finding out he's been living with his own son without knowing it! God, this is a mess.

"Here, give him to me," He offered, holding his hands out to take my child.

"You don't know anything about children," I snapped, swatting his hand away. He gazed at me, his eyes hardening with annoyance.

"Look, from now on, he's my son! So I will look after him and be the father figure he needs!" He snapped harshly, and I glared at him, refusing to even give him my child. He doesn't need to be your son 'from now on' he was always your son! If he does by any chance find out about Nic being his, like hell will I give my baby up to a bastard!

"Where's our room?" I questioned him coldly, looking around the several doors just in the living space.

"Nic's room is that one, and our room is just beside it," He informed me, pointing at the two closed doors from the living room.

"I want a room of my own," I told him primly.

"That isn't happening," he replied, furrowing his eyebrows at me, "You'll be sleeping with me. Media is everywhere,"

"Like it isn't!" I puffed, stalking over to Nic room. Brandon didn't follow me in, however, he just rolled his eyes and fumbled with his phone, taking a different direction.

Nic's room was currently done up in the nice grey theme, with a large bed in the centre and essential bedroom needs around it. It was neatly decorated much like the rest of the house.

Walking into the room, I gently and carefully place my child under the covers, patting him as he rolled over a bit, finding a good position to sleep in. Nicholas was a beautiful little boy, and I was quite proud to have him as a son. He was so Brandon, the way he looked, the way he does things, everything.

Recently he does the unintentional pout when he can't figure something out or was deep in thought much like Brandon would. My son was much like his father in every way. But unlike Brandon not being there for me. Nic always was, and I hope he always will.

Hey, babes! So today I got a spark of inspiration to keep writing this story after hearing Clean Bandits 'Rockabye'. It relates to Stella so much seeing as she would do anything for her son, keep him safe and make sure he doesn't have to go through anything she had to. The first part of this chapter has a few of the lyrics of the song but anyways, have a listen to it!

Cyaaaaaaa

-StarStyleSunshine

IMPORTANT SQUABBLE/ANNOUNCEMENT

I might put The One That Shall Stay on reconstruction. Well delete it and rewrite it obviously.

Brandon Callums: Wait what?

Me: Uh huh. I don't know what to write for your story.

Brandon Callums: At least get us together, I hate sitting on cliffhangers. The readers wanna know what's gonna happen!

Me: okay I'll spoil it now! Here's what happens-

Brandon Callums: *slaps hand over my mouth* Why did I get stuck with an idiot for an author.

Me: *mumble* I am not an idiot!