The Sweet Encounter (Completed)

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Apologetic

           

Trey's explanation wasn't fast enough for Brie. She turned herself away and went directly into the restroom. She turned on the shower to drown out his plea at the door.

"Brie, are you going to let me explain or are you going to assume the worst of me?" He knocked on the door several times, but she was intentionally silent. "Come on, Brie."

She opened the door and gave a stark look. "Explain."

He admitted Allison had been texting him but it was only in regards to asking his opinion about her bathing suits for the boutique at the Outer Banks. It was only platonic and a friend's request for an opinion.

Brie couldn't believe he was falling for Allison's tricks. "You honestly think she posed half naked in her seducing poses to get your opinion? Her tactic has made you obviously transparent and you can't see it."

"Brie, stop this."

"No! I won't! You need to stop this. You get upset at me standing next to Tad or Jerry. How is that any different?"

"Well that's because they want to sleep with my wife."

"And Allison wants to sleep with you! Oh my goodness, you haven't slept with her have you?" The thought made her nauseated. He would have thought he had every right to do so since he didn't feel their marriage was valid.

He couldn't believe her. "Of course not! What kind of question is that?"

She felt better hearing him say it. A sense of relief escaped her.

"Brie, I may have not remembered my vows I spoke to you, but I take our marriage very seriously. I will always stay true to my words and promises."

She didn't know how he had trusted her words against his in regards to their marriage. She never really asked. "So why did you take my words for it. I mean about our marriage? I could have lied about the whole thing to come after your money."

She waited for his answer, but he seemed hesitant to respond.

"I called Mack. If there's anyone I can trust it's the lawyer, if you can imagine. He told me I did marry you and apparently I was so smitten by you that I failed to get a prenup in order."

Brie blinked several times, realizing what Trey really meant by his statement.

"Wait. So you are purposely remaining married to me because you know there is a possibility that I could take half your fortune. Oh my God. It all makes sense now. All this time I thought it was because you truly wanted to rekindle us, but you were protecting your assets."

Brie was trying not to hyperventilate. This entire process and not once did she even think of that as an option, but here he was confessing protecting not their marriage but his money.

"Brie, I know it sounds worse than it is, but . . . "

"But what? I told you before that I would gladly sign the prenup but you were insistent on not having one. And now you're only remaining with me to protect you." She was shaking her head, "Don't tell me you believe I would cause the airplane accident in hopes that I would inherit your wealth."

She wanted to throw up. Her head was still spinning from the hangover and now this. She closed the door, but he placed his foot between the door and hinge.

"Ouch! Shit!" They both looked down at his barefoot. Feeling guilty, she opened the door and got on her knees to study his foot. It looked perfectly fine.

"I'm sorry. I should have slammed the door harder." She pushed him back and then slammed the door. She finally got in the shower and soaked her sorrows against the hot water slamming against her body. Everything seemed so complicated now.