Light to Her Darkness

Chapter 23

Fear has been constant in my life. The fear that I felt when doctors said that they could do nothing more to save my dad. The fear that I felt when Keith touched me for the first time when I was a mere teenager. The fear when I left Adrian, or the fear when Lily was in the operation theatre. And the fear when Adrian took Lily from me.

But this fear... I wish I never had to face it again. The fear of knowing that any moment Grayson could do something terribly bad and I might not be able to do anything to stop it. My family is at risk because of this man and all I could do is feed him dinner and play nice so he wouldn't hurt any of them.

He has things... mediums... through which he could destroy everyone's life in a second and I could not do anything about it. Can't even tell Adrian about it. I wish there was some way anything to get me out of this terrific situation but there isn't.

I know because I tried to find ways to avoid Grayson. To not let him use me as a pawn.

I know I'm just a pawn for Grayson, a means to Adrian's end, and that... that terrifies me. I don't mind being destroyed if it means I could save Adrian.

My eyes shifted to look at the beautiful face of my husband sitting on the head chair to my left. He was listening carefully to what Grayson was saying while cutting the steak with his fork and knife elegantly. I took a sip of the white wine that Grayson bought letting the cool liquid calm my nerves.

"So, are you bringing Emma to the charity event now that she is your wife," Grayson said and took a spoonful in his mouth. "Of course. It's time everyone should know, she's mine."

I bit my tongue and fisted the cloth of my dress trying to avoid the anxiety that was building in my chest. I had no idea what they were talking about and as much as I wanted to know I didn't want to disappoint Adrian by asking stupid questions.

"Are you sure? I mean, yes she is your wife but you guys did have a really messy breakup. They will eat her up with the questions." Grayson said his eyes shifting between me and Adrian.

I froze at his words. I didn't think about that before. And now that he has mentioned it, there is nothing in his words that isn't true. Everything that I've done in the past, what happened that day everything will come crashing to me when I'll come face to face with the reporters.

Fear clogged my chest and I could feel the sweat forming on my back. I know I deserve every bit of a hatred I'll receive but that doesn't mean I'm ready for it.

"I know." Adrian sighed and continued, "If it wasn't important I wouldn't let Emma go through this shit. But everyone needs to know I'm married and it will be temporary." His eyes shifted to mine as he said his next words, "I'll be there with you all the time."

The assurance in his voice was enough to ease my anxiety. As much as he hated me for what I did I know he would never let me be alone in situations like these.

"Why?" Grayson questioned. His lips turned into an evil smirk as he continued, "Why would you do that? She made a fool out of you in front of everyone that day. She ruined your reputation. It's only fair you do the same for her."

My hold tightened on the spoon as I bit the insides of my cheeks. I know what I did and why I did that. But he doesn't get to say anything about that day.

"I would suggest you quit speaking like that about my wife, Grayson. Don't force me to do something that you'll regret later." his voice was stern as he looked at him with anger lingering in his gaze.

"Is that a threat, Cromwell?" malice was dripping off his voice and a shudder ran through my body.

"Enough," I finally said and thankfully my voice didn't crack from the fear I was feeling. "Please just stop." I looked at Grayson and said, "Let them write shit about me. I made a mistake, and I can bear the consequences."