Not Us: Cash & Devin

Chapter 20

Devin POV

It's been a month since I had to be a witness for whatever the fuck that trainwreck was. The judge decided that she had yet to prove herself an unfit mother, as the baby wasn't even here. As such, she would have a chance to prove herself and the court would reconvene one month postpartum. Amber said that was only due to the claims of her mental state and the text messages Caleb was able to provide showing she'd threatened to self-harm. Hopefully, they wouldn't need me again. Amber also talked with the judge while I was apparently passed out in the hallway before someone burst into the courtroom and announced to everyone I'd fainted. She was trying to secure an assurance that my testimony today would be all that was needed. The judge assured her due to my health that I wouldn't be needed again.

Everyone rushed out to check on the lady who fainted after testifying and saw Cash holding me. Including my ex, who I guess, thought it was his moment to shine as he looked like he could be the knight in shining armor. Until Cash picked me up and gently placed me on the gurney like a fragile gift he didn't want to be broken. Caleb looked away from the scene unfolding before him, and I looked at Cash, smiling at him gently. He was fussing over me as the EMTs did their jobs.

This man...he just made me feel so secure. So safe.

Loved.

Something I hadn't felt in months. I knew I could trust him. Something deep within me just knew I could. I felt that he'd never hurt me. I felt that he'd protect me from whatever life would throw my way, but he'd also hold my hand and treat me l like a true partner. He treated me like I was something priceless to him the whole time we were in the hospital and once I was out. He even offered to hire movers to move me into my new apartment.

That happened to be right next to his apartment, and freshly, professionally cleaned and it even smelt like fresh paint. And you could hear everything through the walls. Whenever his mentee, Calen, was over, I could hear practically the whole conversation, every conversation. And when the kid's mom came to pick him up, she always had some baked goods with the offer of a real meal or the offer to help tidy up a bachelor's home. God, she was trying so hard.

Every time, I heard him tell her "No thank you, I'm seeing someone. I don't think she'd appreciate it." And he'd close the door on her. He always made sure to rebuff her advances. Making it known he was off the market. It was...an odd feeling, to be stood up for. Especially since we'd agreed we were only 'seeing each other'. I wanted to make it official. I wanted to be his girlfriend. His woman.

Amber and I had also had two meetings. Both times I had more evidence for her so I could get a restraining order against both Caleb and the crazy mistress and their drama. I didn't care that I had moved and they'd have to work a little bit harder to find me. I wanted the orders so I could maintain some sort of peace of mind, knowing they can't just come up to me and start shit with me. No matter where I am. This would help to cover my ass. Because if any romance novel has taught us anything, you cannot trust the OW. They're all fake and try to be the victim, 11 out of 10 times.

Caleb POV

I was a total dumb ass to be so insistent to have Devin testify on my behalf. I was always so confident that she would be on my side. I should have realized, that was before. Before I was a total dumbass. Before I fucked it all to hell. 

Now, I had to deal with this crazy bitch until the baby was born, and even after if I couldn't prove how crazy she is. I had cameras installed in the house, placed hidden cameras that worked without WIFI, and just saved the video to a SIM card that needed replacing once a week. Why the fuck did I ever get messed up with her? How did I think she was better, even for a night than my beautiful Devin? How was I so blind? Why did I take her for granted and think she'd never find out? She didn't deserve this.

I'm a fucking moron. And this is karma coming back around and kicking my ass. This was about as fun as falling asleep in a bed of fire ants.

I had a ring doorbell installed at my new apartment. I also notified management that I was to be the only one with a key. Psycho baby momma was not allowed anywhere near my apartment. I had started setting up a neutral nursery because she wouldn't allow me at her appointments. She also said that she didn't want me at the birth, so I'd have to see what my lawyer could do.

Thankfully I'd made enough friends in the industry that I could easily get another job. However, I was being watched by HR constantly, and none of the females would talk to me. Word had spread like wildfire about me sleeping with Becky. Hell, even my new boss said when he offered me the job that if I pull a stunt like that at this company, he'll ruin my reputation in the industry and I'll never be able to work again. I'd have to get a job flipping burgers.

I was just trying to keep my head above water at this point. I paid my bills, went to work, and came back to my apartment to look for more baby shit online that people were getting rid of. I didn't want anything to do with Becky, but my baby would know I loved it.

Her.

Sara, my old secretary, followed Becky on IG and saw that she did a gender reveal and had a baby shower with everything pink. I had hoped to be able to be a part of the naming process, but that was going to be something my lawyer would have to work with. I liked the name Kaleen. But who knows what she'll get with her crazy mother?

Therapy is going well also. It's slow, and I know that a big part of the slow progress is me. I didn't want to accept reality. That I'd lost her. And it was my fault. That I'd been stupid and ignoring Devin's warnings about Becky. I hadn't respected her or her boundaries. And, getting down to the heart of why I didn't, was because I thought I'd be able to say no to Becky. I was cocky that I wouldn't have any kind of attraction to her, which was dumb, because she was attractive. I was also cocky in my belief that my wife would always be there. We'd promised forever. But I broke our vows first.

Therapy has been going quicker this last month, though. Rushing out of the courtroom, hearing she'd collapsed. My heart was in my throat for her. It felt like my stomach fell out of my ass. But, when I saw the way she looked at that man holding her, the way he fussed over her. I knew. It was clear he loved her and she cared for him.

I'd lost her. I'd lost her a long time ago.

Like a fucking dumbass.