Stilettos in the City

Chapter Twenty Three

I slowly walked back to the car meanwhile thinking about how much I dreaded talking to Caden. It breaks my heart, honestly it does. What was I going to say? "Oh, hey Caden, guess what? My ex kissed me at our wedding. Care for some muffins?", this certainly won't go well.. On the the drive back to the hotel Caden was the only thing on my mind.

'He's going to hate me...' I thought as I pulled into the parking lot.

"If I could make it through having Jay, then I can handle talking to Caden." I said to myself as if any words could make this better.

As soon as I walked up to the hotel door, my stomach flipped. I inhaled and exhaled attempting to calm myself before opening the doors. I smiled at the staff and guests that I passed on my way to Caden.

I peaked into the room to see steam coming from the bathroom.

"Caden?" I called out, "I'm back."

"I'm in the bathroom! I'll be out in a moment!" He called back out to me.

I took a seat down on the bed, tapping my foot against the smooth carpet. Soon enough, Caden walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.

I gasped. "Caden! Put on some clothes!"

He laughed. "But I'm drying off."

I laughed.

"Come on, babe. I never get to do this at home because Jay is around."

"Fine, but don't get used to it. Once we're back home, you're putting on some clothes. I don't want a shirtless man running around the house."

"Why not?"

"Because it's distracting."

"Alright, you're such a prude."

I rolled my eyes. "Get dressed, I have to talk to you."

He wore a worried expression on his face as he went back into the bathroom to start getting dressed.  Once he left the room I bit my lower lip, thinking of what to say.  Should I wing it or prepare a quick speech? Maybe I should write a book explaining what happened. Oh, who am I kidding? Caden loves me and I love Caden, we'll get through this...I hope.

The side of the bed next to me dipped as if it were telling me that Caden was sitting there, which he was. I looked over at him and gave him an unsure smile before turning to look back at the ground again.  "What did you want to talk about?" He asked not breaking his gaze from me.

I took in a deep breath and faced Caden. "Well, something happened on our wedding day.."

He raised an eyebrow. "Go on.."

I closed my eyes for a few seconds before I opened them again. "You know how I had to meet Toby in the parking lot so he could take Jay home?"

He nodded his head, a strand of hair fell over his eyes. He brushed it away quickly.

"I don't want you to get angry, promise me you won't?" I begged.

He stayed silent as he thought about whether or not to agree with me.

I sighed. "Toby kissed me before I brought Jay out to him."

"He did what?"

"He kissed me."

"I'm going to go get some fresh air." He said before getting up and walking out of the room.

'Oh, God.. What have I done?' I thought as I fell back on the bed.

"What is wrong with you, Elizabeth?!" I yelled as I put my hands on my head in frustration.

'I didn't even push him off. I had a chance to stop it before it happened and I didn't....' I thought as I began to cry. I had just stated this marriage and I've already failed.

I eventually cried myself to sleep. I woke up expecting to see Caden laying next to me, but no. I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

'He's still not back?' I asked myself.

I got up from the bed that I desperately wanted to stay in and walked into the bathroom to brush my hair and wash my face.  After I finished I dialed Caden's number, hoping for an answer. I bit my lip as I waited for him to pick up.

"Hello?" He asked, he sounded as if he was tired, followed by a yawn.

"Hey, it's me.."

"Oh."

The simple two letter word stabbed me in the heart. "I'm sorry, Caden.."

He stayed silent.

"You don't have to say anything. I just needed you to know, that I AM sorry and that I DO love you. I know that you love me too, there's no need to tell me.."

He sighed. "You're right, I love you with all my heart. There's no denying that."

I smiled. "You still love me? Even after this?"

"Elizabeth, darling, nothing could EVER make me stop loving you."

I smiled wider.

"I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at Toby." He growled out Toby's name with hatred in his voice.

"How are you so perfect?" I asked him as I laughed slightly.

He laughed.

His laugh was the greatest thing. It always lifted my spirits.

"I'll be back soon, babe."

"Ok. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye."

"Goodbye."

I ended the call and put my phone back in my pocket.

Shortly after our call Caden came back. Once I heard the door open I jumped up from the bed and ran up to him. I pulled him down to my height and covered him in kisses. He laughed at me, but I didn't care. I pulled away and looked him straight in the eyes.

"I love you so much." I said.

"I love you too. Let's get some sleep." He smiled.

We laid in bed together for a while before we finally fell asleep. I was so happy that Caden forgave me.  I knew that he would deep down, I just..I don't know.  Once I got into bed and cuddled up to Caden, all of my worries seemed to float away as a small smile appeared on my face. This was going to be the first peaceful sleep since Jay was born...if the nightmares didn't come back again.

(A/N: Just a quick little reminder to vote on this chapter if you enjoyed. It really helps motivate me to write more! Thanks! 💖)