Chapter 31

Chapter 31

pw’s the time to kresk becauor we’re almost there.” My tome is still laced with irritation.

” about the ”

My gaze and tone instanth soften as 1 look at her. “Go on

she explains to me every detail about what happened to her mother and the presence of the same kind of bear, my heart actually breaks a

I can tell it’s not easy for her to talk about this as her voice begins to tremble lightly, I even want to reach for her hand but I stop myself. I’m thinking that would be too much on my end.

Teven think back to how I assumed she cried because she couldn’t have me on our wedding night, but it was actually because she missed her mother and her dream was too heart wrenching. I was so fucking wrong.

“So yeah, that’s about the bear,” she says, trying to mask her emotions behind a firm tone. “I thought someone might bring up what happened in that aisle and I wanted us to be on the same page.”

It takes me a while to speak as I put myself in Vanessa’s shoes. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a parent because I still have both, but I can’t imagine losing them while so young.

Clearing my throat, I say, “Great, I’m glad you’ve told me now. I’m certain my parents will definitely bring it up.”

When we arrive at my parents‘ house, the front doors open for us and we walk hand in hand.

“Act like you love me.” I whisper to her with a fake smile.

She places her other hand on my chest with a fake smile. “I know that by now. I always do it when it counts.”

“Good”

After walking past the staff, who all welcome us, we finally make it to the l

living room and my parents and Sophie are there.

Though I’m right here, they seem more focused on Vanessa as they mention her first and only mention me afterwards. I can’t help but roll my eyes. I guess I should really get used to this, even if I’m already getting tired of it.

my arm and rushes to Sophie first with excitement, who shows the same kind of enthusiasm.

She instantly lets go of m

e two of them then share a heartwarming hug and giggle.

The

“I have so much to talk to you about!” Sophie says to her.

“Me too! I’m glad you came,” Vanessa says, breaking the hug, then looks over at my parents and gracefully approaches them

“Welcome, my

dear” My father embraces her first.

y mother gently pats her on the back as they share a heartwarming hug as well.

“I couldn’t wait for you to get here. You look lovely.” My “Where’s this boy?”

My mother looks around after breaking the hug and it makes me wonder if she’s referring to me. I’m right here. Can’t she see me? But soon, it

all makes sense.

Chapter 31

Π

“I’m right here,” Jake says, coming from the other room while fixing his shades. I’m actually surprised to see my younger brother here.

“Jake? I thought you weren’t coming. I’m so surprised to see him that I raise my eyebrows.

“I changed my mind, big brother and I’m glad I came early. Have you seen the weather outside? There might be an oncoming storm. Anyway I wanted to see the new couple in town.” He then focuses on Vanessa. “There she is. Come on, bring it in.”

He opens his arms wide for her and she smiles at him. When she goes in for a hug, he wraps his arms around the narrowest part of her waist and I can see his wide smile. He holds her a little bit longer than he should and I actually want to say something because it’s bothering me, but I stop myself.

Even after they break the hug, he holds her hand firmly and lowers his shades to feast his eyes on her. “You look beautiful, as always.”

“Thank you.” “She smiles at him. “I really didn’t expect to see you here.

“Like I said, I wanted to see my sister–in–law.”

“I thought you said

d you wanted to see the new couple in town,” I chime in, certain of what I heard him say.

“Isn’t that the same thing? Jake shrugs at me.

“No,

, it’s not.” I’m actually bothered by his change in statements and how his interest in Vanessa seems too obvious.

“Would you like to see the car collection I’m currently working on?” Jake takes out his phone as he stands close to her.

“Of course.”

“No, big brother, I said I wanted to talk to her first,” Sophie chimes in.

I can only roll my eyes as the three of them go off together and leave the living room. I know they love her and treasure her, but they better enjoy it while it lasts. They won’t be so close once I divorce her and that’s in a few months.

As soon as that crosses my mind, I approach my parents. This is the perfect time to speak to them since they haven’t yet mentioned anything about yesterday.

“Did you see the news?” I sit close to both of them, shutting down my phone in case Carmella calls

“Of course we did.” My father nods. “Son, everyday, you give me reasons to be proud.”

I nod to myself. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.

“About my wife’s leg discomfort at the hospital, I didn’t know she would end up-

“it doesn’t matter. I know how much she cares and it’s like you said, she hid her pain from you so she could see everyone at the hospital. I’m glad you took good care of her”

“I wasn’t going to let her exert any more pressure on her calf.”

“I know, son.”

“But I guess you preferred carrying her over using the wheelchair!” My mother chuckles. “That’s just how it is with newlyweds.”

My father nods, then adds on, “Each day, you’re becoming more of the man I want you to be.”

Such talk only makes me think about how in no time, he’ll be giving me my dream company and then I can do whatever I want.

19:73 Thu, 4 Jul

Chapter 31

After dinner is served and my parents and I move to the dining room, Vanessa returns while holding hands with Sophie.

Jake’s a few steps behind and he’s taken off his shades. He keeps glancing at Vanessa’s figure. I know my brother, but there’s nothing I can

say right now.

Though I’m already in my seat, I instantly get up and pull out a chair for Vanessa.

“Thank you.” She smiles while facing forward.

I can’t help but glance at her ass as she places it down in her seat. I need to stop doing this to myself.

As we all have dinner together, there are so many mini conversations around the table until finally, my mother’s voice is loud enough to catchi everyone’s attention while she speaks to me and Vanessa.

“Now that you’ve seen Penelope and all the other children, don’t you think you should finally go on a proper honeymoon?”

“If my wife wants it, we’ll do it.” I turn to face Vanessa. “Do you want us to go?”

I’m hoping she doesn’t say yes.

“Only if you want to go.” She smiles at me lovingly.

“Then I guess we’ll discuss it more when we get home.”

“Excellent,” my father chimes in. “You two need to enjoy your marriage and now that I think about it, when you decide to go, make sure you’ll

have no rat problem this time. I know how awful it was, especially for Vanessa.”

Vanessa chuckles. She’s definitely enjoying this. I can tell.

“Well, I have some great news, everyone.” Sophie grabs everyone’s attention from across the table. “I’ll be launching my first diamond necklace collection and I’d like Vanessa to try on a few pieces.”

“Me?” Vanessa points at herself.

fit. I do

“Of course! You’ll be the perfect fit. I don’t have a specific target audience, but I really want to see the pieces on you before they launch. So what do you say?”

“Of course I’ll do it.” She’s highly enthusiastic about it.

Just then, Jake clears his throat while sitting next to me. “So, brother, you and my lovely sister–in–law have been all over the news. It actually boosted sales in some of our subsidiaries.”

“That’s all great news,” my father responds before I can. “While I’m glad you two are doing all this for a good cause, it’s also perfect practice for when you’ll be raising my grandchildren.”

I instantly choke on my drin