Trust and Betrayal

Chapter 12: The Calm before the Storm

Danielle's Point of View

After that amazing dinner date with Austin, things have been hectic the last couple of days with work and the wedding preparations as the big day approaches, I must admit I am excited to start this new chapter in my life with Austin, and I can't help but reflect on everything that has happened so far that has led to this point, The saying is true that everything happens for a reason, I just don't want my past to affect that,

What is disturbing, though, is that Brandon seems to keep coming around and showing up everywhere I am, First at my business and again at the restaurant, it's almost as if he is intentionally doing it to prove a point, The question is why, He got the life that he wanted and now he wants to have a conversation about the past smh, I must admit his little threat left me unsettled though,

I'm not sure what happened back at the restaurant, but when Austin returned from the restroom he seemed pissed off, He tried to hide it from me, but I know him like a book, He can never hide his emotions that well from me, I wanted to ask what was wrong but had a nagging feeling it had something to do with Brandon, Knowing Austin, he probably confronted Brandon about showing up at my job and threatening me, I love how he protects me, but I don't want him getting into it with Brandon because of me, I really wish Brandon and Natalie would hurry up and return to Atlanta, It's always chaos and trouble with those two,

As I'm finishing up my last report for today, I decided to leave work early for my bridal dress fitting appointment, My dress is so beautiful, a Vera Wang crystal-beaded sequin sweetheart tulle ball gown, Austin spared no expense on this wedding and my wedding dress, In his words, he wanted to give me "the wedding of my dreams," I tried to get him to at least let me purchase my dress because as much as I love that he wants to spoil me, I can also provide for myself, but he is so stubborn, He refused any kind of contribution I offered besides making the final decisions on all preparations lol,

As I cleared my thoughts and finished up everything and left, I decided to call him on my way to the bridal shop,

“Hey baby, I was just about to call you,” he said, his voice warm through the speaker,

“Well, I guess great minds think alike, How’s your day going?” I asked, smiling,

“It’s going great so far, I have two meetings this afternoon, other than that, I don’t have to work late tonight, so I should be home around eight, What about you, How’s your day going?”

“Great so far, I ended up leaving work early and right now I’m on my way over to the bridal shop to have my last dress fitting, Speaking of which, have you and the guys done the last fitting for your tuxedos?”

“Yeah, the guys and I went last week and had our fitting, I can’t wait to see how beautiful you look in your dress and finally make you mine, I love the way that sounds,”

“And I can’t wait to make you my husband and start our new life together, I’m so excited about our big day, I love you so much,”

“I love you too, baby, Hey, listen, I have to go, it’s almost time for my meeting, I’ll call you as soon as I’m done, and drive safely, okay?”

“Okay, baby, Ttyl, Bye,”

“Bye,”

I finally arrived at the bridal shop and proceeded with my gown fitting, It still surprises me that I’m actually getting married again, I thought I might have cold feet due to having been married before, but surprisingly, I don’t, This time just feels different, and right,

They finally put the finishing touches on the gown, and after admiring it one last time, I thanked the staff and stepped out of the shop, still feeling the excitement of the final fitting, The city buzzed around me, but my mind was focused on the wedding and the life Austin and I were about to start together, I had finally found my peace, my happiness, and nothing from the past could take that away,

As I walked toward my car, a familiar voice called my name, I turned to see Terrance, Brandon’s best friend, standing a few feet away with that polite smile plastered on his face,

“Hey, Danielle, I thought that was you, I didn’t know you lived here in New York, How have you been?” he asked,

“I’m great, Terrance, Decided to start fresh here,” I replied cautiously, already bracing myself, “What brings you here?”

“Oh, just passing by, Helping Brandon with a business deal,” he said smoothly, “I wanted to check in… make sure you were okay after everything that went down,”

I tensed slightly, my dislike for him bubbling under the surface, He had tried to pin the blame on me during the court proceedings, making it seem like I was the reason Brandon strayed with Natalie, I didn’t trust him, and never would,

“I’m fine, Terrance, What’s done is done, I’m past all of that,” I said, keeping my tone cool,

“I know, I just wanted to say I wasn’t on board with what happened,” he added, his smile polite but careful, “You know I see you like family and would never want to see you hurt,”

“Thanks, but I’m really good,” I said quickly, ready to end the conversation,

“So, how’s everything going for you in New York?” he asked, easing into small talk,

“Great, I own my own advertising company now,” I said, keeping it brief,

“Not surprised, you’ve always had brains and beauty,” he said smoothly, his charm deliberate,

“Thanks,” I said politely, “How are things for you in Atlanta?”

“Good, just made partner at my firm, Career’s going well, Still single though, hoping to find Mrs. Right soon,” he chuckled,

“You’ll find her when it’s right,” I said, trying to wrap things up,

He nodded, then his tone shifted slightly, “And you… Are you still single, or did one of these New York men finally snatch you up?”

I smiled, a little proudly, “I’m not single, I’m getting married in a couple of weeks to Austin King,” I said, my voice calm, I added casually, “I recently ran into Brandon and Natalie at his charity ball event,”

The look on Terrance’s face flickered for just a moment, shock, maybe something else, but he quickly masked it with his usual polite smile,

“Wow, congratulations, Danielle, Austin King, huh, Haven’t seen him in ages, I wish you both the best, you deserve it,” he said smoothly,

“Thank you,” I replied, relieved to start winding down the conversation, “I'd better get going, I have to go home and prepare dinner,”

“Of course, Danielle, Take care,” he said, stepping back and letting me leave,

I climbed into my car, my mind already shifting to thoughts of Austin, the meal I would prepare for him, and the calm of my home, I remained completely unaware of Terrance’s dangerous intentions,

After watching Danielle drive away, Terrance’s smile faded, He pulled his phone from his pocket and made a call,

“Yeah, it’s me,” he said lowly, “I need you to get me everything you can on Austin King, background, business ties, the people he works with, everything, Send it to me directly,”

He ended the call and stood in silence, cold and calculating, still in the same spot where Danielle had left him,

Author Notes:

Hey guys I know its been forever since I updated but its been a difficult journey these last of couple of months. i have been seeing the the love you guys have been showing me and I'm really glad you guys like the story. i will be updating this story more and go ahead and finish it for you guys.

On another note what do you all think of Terrance? I wonder what his motive is for all of this and what plans does he have for Austin? Stay tuned to find out.

Again thank you guys for the love and support.