His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Forty Two

"Thank you so much." I say sincerely, giving the lady a warm smile. "I really appreciate you taking the time to listen to me."
"Don't be silly, it was my pleasure." She replies kindly, squeezing my hand.
"Talking with you really helped and it was exactly what I needed." I admit, realising how much lighter I feel now I've unburdened myself to a complete stranger.
"Just follow your heart and you won't go wrong." She advises me sweetly.
"I will."
"Good luck." She whispers, waving at me as she starts to leave.
I sigh deeply, watching her walk away and remain standing on the platform for a few moments. Part of me doesn't want to go anywhere, knowing I'll have to face reality as soon as I step out of this train station.

I decide to grab a hot chocolate from the station's cafe before heading home, choosing to walk instead of calling Finn or getting a taxi. It's not a long journey back and I could do with some fresh air after being on the train so long.
It was really kind of Betty to give up her time and talk to me like an old friend. She was an excellent listener and didn't interrupt me at all. I also realise that I still have plenty of problems which need facing and lots of obstacles to deal with but all of that can wait for now. All I want to do is go home and run myself a bath.

I let myself in the front door and dump my bag at the bottom of the stairs. I know Finn isn't home because the driveway was empty so at least I'll have some time to myself before I have to face him.
I submerge beneath the water once I've ran my bath and stare aimlessly at the cold tap as it drips repetitively onto my foot. I can't drag my eyes away from it and end up staying like that for a long time.
In my mind I keep trying to prepare myself for what I'm going to tell Finn but know it's pointless. It's not as though I can rehearse something like this.

I hear his car pull into the driveway a couple of hours later. I'm sitting on the sofa and try to calm down my breathing when I hear his key turn in the lock. His footsteps come to a standstill and I presume he's noticed my bag which is still where I left it.
"April?" He calls out, raising his voice so I can hear him.
"I'm in here." I reply quickly, exhaling slowly.
He enters the living room and freezes once he spots me sitting there on the couch.
"W-when did you get back?" He stammers, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I've been home a couple of hours."
"Why didn't you call me? Why didn't you let me know?"
"I was going to when I first got on the train but then I ended up speaking to this lovely old lady called Betty on my way back."
"Betty?"
"Long story." I say, smiling weakly. "How are you anyway?"
"How do you think I am, April? You just vanished and took off on me. I had no idea what to think and I've been worried sick about you."
"I know that and I'm sorry but I let you know I was safe and told you where I was." I point out, patting the space beside me so he can join me.
"That's not the point." He complains bitterly, rubbing his forehead as he takes a seat.
"Finn, we really need to talk." I murmur softly, wringing my hands together.
"I can't right now. I've got to be somewhere." He replies curtly, refusing to look at me.
"Where are you going?"
"I promised I'd meet a mate of mine for a drink after work." He responds coldly, leaving the room so he can make his way upstairs.
"But can we talk later?" I persist stubbornly, following him as he goes into the bathroom.
"Maybe."
"Finn, don't shut me out. I know this is difficult but we really have to talk." I insist firmly, frustrated that he won't listen to me.
I'm now standing outside the bathroom door with my back leaning against it, metaphorically and literally locked out.
"Miranda is coming over later so it will have to be after that." He informs me, raising his voice so I can hear him above the noise from the shower.
"Miranda? She's coming over tonight?" I ask frantically, horrified by the idea of having to face her as well.
The thought of it fills me with dread and I can't help wondering if she somehow knows what almost happened between me and Chase. Has he told her already? Is she coming over so she can tell Finn?
"That's what I said." He answers brusquely, switching off the shower as he exits the bathroom.
"But why? Is something wrong? Is she alright?"
"She's fine. She called me earlier to ask if she could come round and I said yes."
He's only wearing a towel around his waist and I try to keep my eyes on his so they don't wander elsewhere. It's a struggle because Finn has always been ridiculously attractive. The fact that he's dripping wet also emphasises just how gorgeous he is. He spends most of his time at the gym and it's definitely paid off. His rippling muscles and remarkable physique quite often leave me speechless.
"Does that mean she's coming over with Chase?" I ask him, stepping aside so he can walk past me into our bedroom.
"I don't know." He replies flippantly. "Why do you care?"
"I don't."
"Good." He concludes coldly, wanting to bring an end to our discussion.
"Do you know what time you'll be back?" I inquire timidly, watching him drop his towel as he dries himself off.
"I'll be home in a couple of hours."
He throws on some clothes and sprays his aftershave before he's out the front door again. He doesn't give me a second glance and I can't help wondering what's changed since he sent that text message which was full of concern for me.
I know I only have myself to blame for everything that's happened but I still care for Finn. We've been together a long time and I can't just switch my feelings off for him overnight.