Love Defied, page 10
I forced my eyes to stare down at the double blue lines. My breath hitched in my throat, and my mind went blank. Why was this happening? Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. I was defeated, my hands tied. How would I tell Gracie about this? We would never have a future together. Not now. The thought left me breathless.
My parents would know by dawn, and no doubt hers already did. And shit would hit the fan. I felt I might explode at any minute. Get a grip, Anderson, I told myself. I grabbed the bottle of scotch and walked away, stomping on the white plastic stick cracking it into pieces. I gave her a stern glare and turned towards my room without another word.
The following day I woke up with a splitting headache. I sat up in my bed and looked around. No doubt I had drunk the entire scotch bottle, hoping to drown out what I had just learned. It didn’t work. I must have passed out because I was still wearing my dress shirt and pants. I ached all over from the stiff position I had passed out in.
After throwing up last night’s contents, I groaned and hopped in the shower. I was in a black hole spiraling out of control. I finally had everything under control, only to have it snatched away. What did I do to deserve this? You’re too loyal, my subconscious reminded me.
I entered the kitchen to find it empty. The pregnancy test still in pieces on the floor. I made myself a cup of strong coffee and sent my morning text to Gracie. I decided not to tell her. At least not yet. I couldn’t bear to see her reaction. I sent a text to Brent next and asked him to meet me tonight at our favorite bar, Lacrows. I seriously needed some guy time and, of course, a little advice.
Thankfully, he didn’t ask me why I suddenly wanted alcohol after months of not drinking. I made my way to the office and sat down at my desk. The morning paper was sitting there, which rarely intrigued me, but today, an ad on the front right-hand corner caught my attention. I picked up the phone and dialed the number.
“Good morning. Matt and Garry’s private investigation services. This is Matt. How can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m interested in retaining your services.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Gracie
Too many days had passed since Anderson had come over unexpectedly. Every time I closed my eyes, I pictured us on my couch making love, only to open them again to reality. Anderson had been acting strangely after that day, only sending me one-sentence texts asking about Isaiah.
I wouldn’t lie; it hurt. I knew Anderson was avoiding me and what had happened. And frankly, I was relieved. That meant not having the tough conversation about how he screwed up and that he’s married. Blah, blah, blah. I rolled my eyes at the thought as I tried to rock Isaiah back to sleep.
It was after ten p.m., and again, this baby would not sleep. I couldn’t tell if it was teething or if Anderson was right and he needed his daddy. I sighed as I looked down at my handsome little man. He was finally asleep!
I slowly rose from the chair and crept to his crib, and gently laid him down. I held my breath as he stirred a little but continued sleeping. I felt my phone vibrate in the back pocket of my jeans. I crept out of the room and pulled it out.
It was a text from an unknown number. My heart sped up as I flashed back to the incident that started all of this.
‘Hey, it’s Anderson. My phone died, so I’m using my backup phone. Anyway, I wanted to invite you to our big annual meet and greet party we host for our new clients. I’m really hoping you can come.’
At first, I was dumbfounded, speechless even. I recovered and sent a reply.
‘Why would you risk me coming to an event your father and brother-in-law will be at?’ With a shaky finger, I pushed send. The three dots appeared underneath, showing he was typing his response.
‘Screw them! They will be distracted, and I want to see you. It’s killing me that I haven’t been able to be there.’
A smile covered my face as I reread the words ‘screw them!’ Oh, how I would love to give them a piece of my mind. I shook those thoughts away and replied.
‘But I don’t have a dress.’
‘I’ll have one sent to your apartment, along with a limo. No one will know. You will just be a client arriving at a party!’
‘That would cost way too much money! I wouldn’t dream of asking you to do all that!’
‘It’s my pleasure! And I won’t take no for an answer! Please say you will come!’
I hesitated. I knew Sasha would watch Isaiah, and I wanted to see Anderson. However, my gut said not to. Ignoring my inner voice, I typed ‘yes’ and hit send before I changed my mind.
‘Great! Meet me in the back near the kitchen doors. I’ll be waiting for you. The limo driver will have the address, and your dress will arrive tomorrow at ten a.m. sharp.’
I didn’t reply. I didn’t know what to say. Was this really happening? What if he didn’t show up? What if we got caught? The possibilities were endless. After that day on my couch, a fire ignited within me. And hope. Hope that one day we would be a family. I sent a quick text to Sasha about babysitting, and she agreed with no further questions. That was unusual for her.
She, too, was acting strangely after she and Brent had run into each other.
The next day, my bodyguard informed me I had a package. It was my dress. I grabbed it and rushed into the bathroom to try it on. It was a gorgeous light pink floral, one-shouldered, long flowing dress. I twirled around and smoothed my hands down my sides.
This could have been my life. But Andersons’s parents and wife had ruined everything. I felt my body temperature rise at the angry thoughts now invading my mind. This was my chance to show Anderson what he was missing. I slipped it off, hung it back on the hanger, and carefully placed it in my closet.
The next day, I told my mom and Sasha my plans. I was almost ready when another text from the same number appeared. I thought it was strange but shrugged it off. It stated the limo would arrive at six p.m. Sasha did my make-up and arranged my hair in a fashionable updo with a few loose curls at my ears. She said I looked like a princess.
“Gracie, you look beautiful!” My mother sighed as she clasped her hands together.
“He will surely leave that wife of his when he takes one look at you!” Sasha was quick to respond.
“Sasha! Don’t say silly things like that!” my mom scolded as she picked up Isaiah.
“Don’t worry, mom! I am a lady despite all that has happened.” I give her a hug and kiss Isaiah on the cheek.
“Be a good boy, Isaiah. Mommy will be back soon!” He cooed and reached for me with outstretched chubby arms. I wanted to melt and never leave his side.
I finished my goodbyes and descended the stairs from my apartment. My guard was waiting and held the door open for me when the limo pulled up. I smiled at him before carefully climbing in. I knew this wasn’t real, but I would enjoy the fairytale tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Anderson
I spent about an hour on the phone with the private investigator, telling him everything that had happened. I gave him as much detail as I had on Amal and Aliyah. I was determined to get to the bottom of this. I could feel it in my bones that something wasn’t right.
A few hours later, Amal came striding into my office as if it were his. I gripped the pen I was holding tighter.
“Are you drunk? This is the second time you’ve sauntered into my office this week.”
He had an eerie smile on his face, which I couldn’t place.
“No, Anderson, I’m here to remind you of the upcoming annual party for our new clients. Your father says it will be the biggest one yet with lots of surprises.”
The way he said ‘lots of surprises’ rubbed me wrong. It comforted me knowing I had the investigator on him now.
“Yes, Amal, I am aware of the party,” I stated, boredom laced my tone. “I’ve been helping plan it all month.”
“Oh, good! I can’t wait to see what’s in store. I hope you bought my sister a dazzling dress?”
“You assume wrong, Amal,” I said and looked down at the pile of work consuming my desk. It was my signal that this conversation was over.
“Really? I half expected you to be groveling at her feet now that she is pregnant. You should be—”
My head shot up, and I glared at him.
“Who told you? We agreed not to tell anyone until she had it confirmed at the doctor!”
“Oh, come, Anderson, she is my sister. She tells me everything. I am her protector. But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. All of them…” He pretended to zip his lips and grinned. I despised him. I would take him down!
“Cut the crap Amal, you are not her protector. Not anymore. I believe that’s the husband’s job.” I used air quotes to emphasize ‘husband’s job.’ Who did he think he was playing?
He let out a hardy laugh. “You? Protect my sister? I didn’t know you were a comedian.”
“Get out of my office! Find something constructive to do. Stop being a weasel.”
He stopped laughing and shrugged. “Whatever you say, Anderson!” And with that, he strode out of my office, slamming the door.
I finally finished signing and reading my paperwork. I wanted to text Gracie, but with Aliyah being pregnant, I couldn’t bring myself to. I could text and ask about my son, but I wanted to know more. I wanted Gracie. All of her.
I tried to ignore the feeling that stirred in my chest. I had buried those feelings for two years. I finally let them out of their cage and look where it led me—trouble. I was thankful Gracie would be safe at home tonight—far away from the vindictive and sometimes cruel social elite.
I was dreading going with Aliyah. I would apply my fake smile and pretend my marriage was perfect—pretend we were in love. The thought alone made me sick.
I stood in front of my long mirror, adjusting my tie and running my fingers through my hair. I wore a typical black and white tuxedo. My hair was gelled, and I left a little stubble along my jawline.
I walked into the living room to meet Aliyah. She wore a sleek red dress with an open V neck. It clung tightly to her torso and hips, then flared out at the bottom. She added a diamond-encrusted necklace and a matching dress jacket over the gown. Her hair was curled, flowing past her shoulders. I would say she looked lovely, but Aliyah always wore heavy makeup. I hated when women used makeup to hide their natural beauty.
We entered the limo in silence. Neither of us speaking or complementing the other. Since Aliyah told me she was pregnant, I couldn’t look at her. She obviously felt the same. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
I noticed the cameras and press as we pulled up. The guests were walking up to the front doors of the grand ballroom. We rented this venue every year. However, this year I was nervous. I remembered Amal alluding to ‘surprises.’ I couldn’t handle any more surprises.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Gracie
As the limo pulled up, my nerves got the best of me. There were people everywhere, including cameras and the press. I didn’t know paparazzi would be here. Anderson wasn’t lying when he said it would be an extraordinary event.
The limo driver got out and opened my door. Well, it’s now or never. I put one foot in front of the other, walking fast as possible toward the main doors. The doorman smiled and pulled the giant brass doors open for me to enter.
The front lobby was grand in all its glory. Two golden staircases on each side led to another set of doors. Red rope blocked off the stairs, showing the party was downstairs. Three separate chandeliers hung down the middle of the high ceiling, leading towards the open doors.
Statues were placed on both sides, surrounded by a lush red carpet. To the left was a coat desk. I didn’t have one, so I made my way past the crowd, keeping my eyes open for any sign of Anderson, his father, or brother-in-law. The thought of seeing them again sent a shiver down my spine.
I pulled my phone out of my purse and reread the text again.
“Excuse me, sir. Can you point me toward the restrooms closest to the kitchen?” I batted my lashes a few times, hoping I didn’t sound like an idiot.
“Yes, ma’am,” the bellhop chirped.
“Right through those doors,” he indicated. “Make a left through another set of doors, then go right, and on the left side past the kitchen are the restrooms.”
“Thank you so much!” I gave him a small smile and pursued his directions. I found the area and rechecked my phone for any new text messages. My heart sank, and I knew Anderson wouldn’t show. This was crazy. What was I thinking? I was pacing the hall, cursing Anderson and myself for being stupid.
Suddenly, someone grabbed me by the waist. Panic rang through me. Before I had time to scream, they placed a cloth over my nose, and I saw black.
A loud banging sound jolted me awake. Blinking, I looked around the big empty room. It was cold, dark, and damp. The banging had stopped, and I was feeling nauseous. Everything came rushing back to me, along with the panic in my chest. I noticed my hands were tied behind my back, and I was sitting in a metal chair.
I still wore my pink dress that was now covered in dirt, as if someone had dragged me through a garbage dump.
“Oh, the princess is awake, I see.”
I jumped and turned my head in the voice's direction. A tall slim figure stood in the shadow for a minute before striding towards me.
“Who are you? What do you want from me?” I asked, trying not to show any emotion. I watched as they came closer toward me. A tall, slim woman with a short black dress and heels appeared in front of me. She had long wavy brown hair to her shoulders and seemed oddly familiar.
“What? You don’t recognize me?” she asked as she laughed. “You tried to ruin my wedding, remember?”
My eyes widened in terror, and my heart raced. “Your Anderson’s wife!”
“Yes, that’s right. I am Anderson’s wife, not you! You filthy, disgusting home-wrecker. What did you think you would accomplish coming back into his life? Did you think he would leave me?”
“No!” I answered swiftly. “He saw me at the grocery store. I tried to run away, but he chased me! Anderson is the one trying to come back to me!”
She spat in my face. I wanted to gag. So much for having class.
“You’re a liar! You want to pay me back for taking your little lover. Well, guess what... you lose. It’s quite pathetic actually because I don’t love him. I never have and never will. But we have one thing in common…”
“We have nothing in common! We never will. I’m not a gold digger like you!”
A loud crack resonated through the empty room as her bony hand connected with my cheek.
My head snapped to the right, as my stinging cheek throbbed.
“Don’t you dare talk to me like that!” she spat.
“Aliyah, what is going on here?” A male voice echoed through the room.
“I am teaching this pathetic slut a lesson,” she responded.
“No need for that, Sister. We have Anderson right where we need him.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Stepping up beside Aliyah was none other than Amal. I should have known!
“Yes. Anderson just threw a tantrum in front of his father. Threatening me about the whereabouts of his precious lover, Gracie.” He smiled and caressed my cheek. I pulled away, cringing.
“His father is just about ready to sign over the company to me. He didn’t know the asshole was seeing her again.” He chuckled. “You should’ve seen the old man’s face. I thought he’d keel over!”
Aliyah laughed.
“How did you know where I lived?” I interrupted their sick conversation. They both turned toward me.
“Come now,” Amal said. “I thought you were smarter than that.” he shook his head with a chuckle. “We had Anderson followed, of course.”
My heart stopped. A flash of us on my couch had my head spinning, and my cheeks burned. I bit down on the inside of my cheek to stop from crying.
“And when he couldn’t stay away... he led us straight to you. I must admit hiring a bodyguard was smart. We had to change plans, but you fell right into it—hook line and sinker. Amazing what love does to the brain.”
“You two are sick! All this for some stupid company? Or are you just jealous that he doesn’t love you?” I sneered and looked at Aliyah. She tried to lunge again, but Amal stopped her.
Before I knew it, Amal was on his knees in front of me. His hands grasped my thighs.
“That pretty mouth is going to get you in trouble. Don’t make me do something I might regret. So be a good girl. As soon as I get his company, I will set you free. It’s all straightforward. But if you run your little mouth, I will punish you myself.”
His hand crept toward my breast. I tried to shake him off, but I couldn’t manage. I felt violated and disgusted. The only thing I could do was cry and keep my mouth shut.
“Do we have an understanding?” he asked.
I nodded. Amal smiled and got up.
“Let’s go, Aliyah. We have a company to take over. Oh, and don’t think of screaming. You're underground. No one can hear you.”
They quickly turned, walked out the metal door, and locked it behind them.
Chapter Thirty
Anderson
The party was a success and a blast for everyone but me. I smiled with fakery, shook hands with our new clients, and reluctantly introduced them to the other, and exchanged minimal words with my father. We were not on speaking terms after my outburst, but I didn’t care. I would give this company up if I knew I could be with Gracie and still be able to survive. I needed to give her and my son the things that they deserved.
I sat at my desk going over paperwork when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, a number I didn’t recognize flashed across the screen. I hesitated before answering it. Maybe it was a new client referred to us.
