The Fall Bride (TSBS-3) ON HOLD

Chapter Twenty

Trust starts with truth and ends with truth.
― Santosh Kalwar

Janet Julien

To think for over twenty years, I harbored resentment for myself at the thought of Aunt Emma leaving me behind when my parents died. When I was young, I thought I wasn't special enough for my parents to stay with me, but as I grew up, the concept of death became heavier with fear. Although it scared me sometimes, I knew now, that some things were just not meant to be.

Mom and Dad were in a better place, and together.

But Aunt Emma was someone who had managed to leave scars deep enough to last me into adulthood. No more. Grandma had already suffered at the thought of her own daughter abandoning her, I couldn't stay affected by someone's harsh words when they weren't even worthy.

At first, I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps, there was something more than we knew. But she was a despicable woman, who could easily turn her back on her own daughter and young children. I was only hurting the one who had been here by tarnishing the blessed and happy childhood I had by remembering only how she walked away when there was someone else who had been holding my hand the whole time.

Grandma was worthy of my memories, not my aunt. Meeting her had been a reality check, but Ivan with his words pulled me out of the dark hole I had created within myself. Ivan, heedlessly, washed away the years of resentment in my heart and rewarded me with fulfillment.

In my vulnerability, he was the one who was an anchor. Ivan Dwayne was so much more than what the eyes see. And, I felt a new type of vulnerability at the thought of how easy it was for him to alter my emotions.

What happened in the night was a testament to it. With clothes on, we had slept together in each other's arms. It was frightening how a simple action could progress what we have between each other. It was more awakening than what went on in the morning, with my clothes haphazardly baring.

A shiver passed through me, remembering the touches being warm and inviting. I gripped the counter and looked into the mirror. The blush spread to my neck, exposing his enticing spell over my body.

And he knew that.

It was tiring to avoid my husband for 24 hours when you live in the same house, and that too when the man was cocky and flirty to the point of rendering me red—a ripe tomato for exact.

After my lack of control yesterday, I had been using Caden as a barrier for far too long. Although given how he celebrated my body, it was hard to ignore his darkened eyes, promising more.

I'd be lying if that didn't excite me.

Once I was, sure enough, that I had control over my wayward emotions, I went downstairs, hoping once again to avoid him. But he was nowhere in sight yet.

"He isn't back yet."

I turned just as Mark sauntered through the deck door with Caden in tow. Both were taking strolls on the beach, scavenging for whatever shells they could find. Looking at their empty hands, apparently nothing.

"Do you know any good book stores?"

"We need to head to the city for them. You up for it?"

Nodding, I returned from upstairs with our overcoats and made sure Caden was all wrapped from the winds outside. It was still bright outside as the sun hadn't set yet. Ivan must be floored at the office with all the mounting works since my mess had been taking his time these past few days.

Although there was obvious avoidance, I tried not to hinder him from his work any longer now. Aside from Caden, his business was the reason I was here, and retrospectively, was blessed to meet a niece.