The Chauffeur [Complete]

Chapter 49

I'd spent all of last night feeling like I'd failed my daughter. All I've ever tried to do is be the best mother I can for her.

I put my own feelings aside, even after hearing Sam spew such hurtful words about me. I let him do and say whatever he wanted. He cheated on me. Had other family behind my back, and still, I didn't punish him as much as I wanted to. As much as he deserved.

He knows this, too. So why is he still trying to punish me? Why is still trying to hurt me? I was a good wife. I loved and cared for him. I did everything a wife should for their husband. So why am I the one being punished? If anything, I should be the one punishing him. I should be the one making his life a living hell.

After last night, I had no tears left to cry. Rade held me. Whispered soothing words in my ear. If it wasn't for him, I honestly don't think my sanity would still be intact.

"Are you going to be okay without me for a couple of hours?" He asked while gently caressing my cheek.

Rade had a few meetings to attend. The restaurant chain is expanding and will soon be available to people all over the world.

I nodded, though I wasn't totally sure. He's the only one keeping me from smashing my ex's car and burning all of his clothes.

"Celeste, use your words. I need to hear you say it."

"I'll be okay. Promise."

His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "I don't believe you. You have that crazy look in your eyes."

"Remember when you told me that if I wanted him dead, all I needed to do was say the word?"

"Celeste-"

"I want him dead."

I was half-joking half-serious. I knew that killing my husband wasn't an option. And no matter how bad I was leaning towards that option, I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life. I wasn't a monster. I was hurt. And a woman who is hurt is a deadly fucking combination.

"Listen to me, baby. He's not taking Everly from you. I won't let that happen."

His eyes, they held conviction. Assurance. He believed what he was saying. And because of that, I believed him. I leaned into his touch, wondering what I'd done to deserve such a man like him. "I am so unbelievably in love with you."

I'd realized what I'd so casually confessed when he stilled, his expression hardening. It was way too soon for me to feel the way I feel. But I couldn't help it. It's how I felt.

His lips pull up into a small smile. "You love me?"

His voice was so soft and unlike him. It brought a smile to my own face as I nodded. "I do. I love you."

"That was really fucking cute, you know that? Like my heart is actually fucking melting within my chest."

I shoved him gently, my face flush. "Stop. You're making me nervous."

"I'm sorry. I'm not trying to." He returned to his spot between my legs.

I shifted further to the edge of the kitchen counter and wrapped myself around him. Then I laid my head against his chest, listening to how fast his heart drummed within the confines of his ribcage. "Your heart's beating so fast," I murmured.

"That's usually what happens when I'm around you."

My insides fluttered. "You make me happy." I lifted my head, looking up at him. He kissed my nose, causing me to giggle.

"Can I hear you say it again. Please?"

My brows dipped in confusion. "What? That you make me happy?"

He shook his head. "The other thing."