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The silence was suffocating but I couldn’t back down. This was the moment I had been craving and dreading. I needed to clear my mind of all doubt and fully understand the situation. Richard’s eyes widened due to my tone and to be honest I was slightly annoyed that he didn’t know I had this side to me. I had always been known from my friends to tell things straight. I didn’t believe in the fluffy exterior that some girls showed. If I wanted answers, I was going to get them, one way or another.
“K-Katherine.” He stuttered. And to think I used to consider this man professional and respectable! He flicked his attention from mine finally and glanced at the others again. “Perhaps, we could step outside for a moment. Once I am dressed, of course.” Of course he would have to be comfortable during our conversation, heaven forbid Richard Cummins be out of his element! He had always be in charge of any decision made in our relationship, before I believed that was because he knew me well enough without asking. I held my tongue and simply nodded. He disappeared up his winding stairs without another word. Mads patted me gently on the back and I finally realised I was holding my breath. I exhaled heavily and turned to her and Matthew.
“I’ll take that drink now, Matthew please.” I said.
“Of course, Miss Katherine, a glass of white…” Matthew paused and he smiled a little at me. “Or should I bring out your special Baileys?”
“Still remember my drink of choice for certain situations? You are a gem, Matthew. Sorry about my abruptness before…” I mumbled my apology.
“Nothing to apologise for, I was in the process of welcoming you in before you interrupted.”
The older man left the room with our orders so Mads and I slumped down into the couches. If I knew Richard, he wasn’t going to be quick about getting ready. Adjusting his appearance seemed to help with his flawless mask of confidence.
“Did Matty just join your team?” Mads asked.
“I think so.” I gave a small smile. Matthew walked back in with our drinks on a tray. I could tell they were freshly made and ice cold from the ripples of condensation on the outside of the glass.
“Miss Madison,” He passed Mads her exotic coke with all the details perfect. “Miss Katherine, I used only the best.” He passed mine and nodded.
“Thank you Matthew.”
“Cheers Matty-Moo!” Matthew glared slightly at Mads before standing near the doorway, the tray tucked under his arm, waiting for further instruction. “What is it with rich people and butlers? I want one!” Mads complained beside me.
“They are employees and friends, Mads. You can’t go and pick one up at the pet store.” I rolled my eyes.
“Isn’t that how your mum met Jeremy?” She pointed out. Of course she was correct. My mother had somehow wondered into a large pet store while shopping and the kind and polite sales assistant had apparently shown great potential. I did wonder how our new butler, Bruce fit into the equation.
After another twenty minutes, sounds emerged from upstairs. Richard waltzed down the stairs demonstrating his control and power advantage. We were in his turf but we were playing by my rules. He had changed into business pants and a pale blue shirt, his sleeves rolled up at the elbows. My mouth dried slightly and I internally cursed. I was still attracted to him even after everything he had put me through, he was still drawing me in. I had to remain calm and in control of my senses. I refused to go goo-goo eyes at him.
“Shall we, Katherine?” He said simply like we were about to enter a business meeting. Mads shifted in her seat and I could tell she was considering whether to follow or not. I gave her a nod and a weak smile. I had to do this alone. Richard led me out onto his back porch which had stairs that led directly to the beach. He paused by the pool but I kept going. I removed my shoes on the porch before stepping down into the sand. I didn’t look back, knowing he would follow me. If he wanted to act like we were having a business meeting, I was going to ensure it was the most uncomfortable meeting he ever had. My feet sunk into the grains of sand and I almost allowed a sigh of contentment to escape my lips. The beach and the ocean both now reminded me of only one person, one honest fireman that I had treated like dirt. Flicking thoughts of him out of my mind I turned to face Richard. “Darling-”
“-Don’t, just tell me why. What happened to us, to you, Richard?” I began. It was one of the hardest sentences I had ever mustered but it had to be said. “Did I not make you happy?”
“You were fine, Katherine, perfectly fine. At one moment I truly believed you did make me happy and that I wanted to spend my life with you. You would have been the perfect wife, organised, respectful and stable.” He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
“You make me sound like a business partner. I agreed to be your wife!”
“You knew from the beginning what I wanted from our relationship. I apologise if that was not clear to you but that is all I am sorry for.”
“That’s all? What about leaving me at the altar? Why tag me along for the ride when you didn’t even care about me?”
“You don’t understand the pressure I was under. I had finally found someone my family approved of and that in itself was a huge effort. I realised coming into the days of our wedding that I would lose myself and my freedom.” He said.
“Your freedom? Marriage isn’t meant to be a prison.” I replied.
“I was almost content with living with the one woman but when I met Lucy-Bree out one night. I had been having a bad day and decided to grab a drink. Your sister was out and I…” The shock ricochet off my skin in waves and made me want to fall into pieces. This was the final blow to shatter my heart.
“You slept with my sister!” I screamed. How could he do this to me? With Lucy-Bree nonetheless, that little bitch. She was trying to destroy my life one piece at a time. The blame could not all be rested on her, she was also influenced by my saint-like fiancé.
“I thought I had found love. We woke up the next morning and I revealed who I was. She yelled at me for putting her in such a situation and stormed out. She told me that if I truly loved you, I should tell you what happened.”
My heart froze before turning boiling hot. Richard had seduced my sister but worse than that, he hadn’t even owned up to it. Lucy-Bree hadn’t known who he was at the time. I thought they had only met at my engagement party.
“When?” I asked. Richard cocked his head to the side in confusion. I gritted my teeth together and spoke again. “When did you seduce my sister?”
“It doesn’t matter…” He saw my expression and dropped his shoulders. “It was the night before our engagement party. It wasn’t my finest hour, ok?” Lucy-Bree may not have been the best sister in the world but she had felt guilty about the one night stand.
“Did you threaten her?” I knew through dating Richard for the past two years that he wouldn’t like to feel at a disadvantage.
“I couldn’t very well let her tell you everything before I was ready to.” He explained. “Look, I know this doesn’t make me look like the most desirable man in the world but it happened. I can’t very well go back in time.”
“Did you ever love me?” I whispered. Even though I was so angry I couldn’t make my voice any louder. My throat had become dry and it was difficult to speak.
“I honestly thought I did.” He walked towards me then and before I knew it, he had curled me into his arms. He was holding me close and I could feel the steady rhythm of his heart beat beneath my cheek. This was what it was meant to be like if we had married that day. “Don’t hate yourself, Katherine. I’m sure we’ll both find someone else.” I finally noticed the tears which had been silently rolling down my face. I was letting my emotions take over but there was nothing I could do to stop them. “Katherine.” He whispered my name so gently that I looked up to stare into his eyes. He did have beautiful eyes.
“Richard.” I sighed as he leaned down.
YOU ARE READING
Wedding Day Revenge
Humor"I thought I had my life all set. I was getting married and going to live happily ever after. That was until my future husband disappeared without a word..." Kay thought she had it all; a great job, a loving best friend and a stable fiance. But when...
