“I’ll see you at brunch.” I smiled at Gavin and sauntered my way down the hall.
My vengeful façade, however, began to falter as my hands shook feebly, the tears coming back to my eyes in full force.
Beckham, who’d been patiently waiting by the steps, noticed me and pulled me into his embrace as he placed a small kiss on my forehead. Grabbing my hand, he descended the steps with me and we exited—but not before the sound of something breaking was heard from the bedroom upstairs.
Standing by his car, he opened the passenger door with a sigh. “Flower...”
I could only shake my head as I took a seat inside. “I’m fine,” I whispered.
Beckham closed the door and went around to the driver’s seat. Sitting in the car beside me, he grabbed my hand in his as he held it to his lips.
Shaking my head, I let my tears of vulnerability and rage flow.
“I just... I still can’t believe it. Holding secrets not even your father could figure out with all of his resources. And the idiot had the audacity to say he was sorry? Almost as if this was all just one big misunderstanding.”
Beckham placed a small kiss on my skin as I dabbed away my fallen tears, sniffling.
“And that’s just us touching the surface of what Brent sent this morning. It’s unbelievable how he threatened to ruin my life when all the while his was in shambles.” I let out a sigh of what felt like a mixture relief and shock. “I’ve been married to him for five years... and I feel like I’m only seeing who he truly is now.”
“Things like this happen when you’re blinded by love...” Beckham replied thoughtfully, and I smiled sadly as he pulled me into his embrace. “But you saw through the lies... you saw through him. Despite how long it took, I hope you know how fucking proud I am of you.”
I had to hold back the tears of joy that attempted to push their way to my eyes.
Sighing as I felt him rub my back soothingly, I pouted softly. “Is it too late to call the hit-man?” I mumbled into his chest.
“Remind me to never get on your bad side, hmm?” Beckham muttered.
I giggled as he pulled away and started the ignition.
“Where do we go from here...” I whispered, my emotions no longer running as high as there were.
“Well, I do believe we have a family gathering to attend. And I don’t know about you, but I am dying to see you tear a new one into your in-laws. If it’ll be as sexy as watching you tear one into your husband, I want a fucking front-row seat.”
I hit his shoulder, annoyed as I tried to hide my growing smile.
Of course, that would be included in his takeaways from this mildly traumatizing but still liberating experience.
“Behave, Mr. Garcia,” I advised.
In response, he only placed his hand possessively over my thigh as he backed out of the driveway and drove off, as I once again began anticipating what would happen at the dreaded family get-together.
Chapter forty-nine
Rosenna
PullingupoutsideofGavin’s family home, my heart raced in my chest as I stared blankly ahead. Cars were parked in the driveway, and I was sure ourhappyfamilies were mingling inside, waiting for their children to arrive.
My skin crawled at the thought of facing everyone head-on. I was growing more nervous by the second.
Stepping outside of the car, I held Beckham’s hand as he assisted me. I squeezed it gently as he looked down at me, waiting patiently for me to get my thoughts in order. After a moment, I sighed as I looked over my shoulder.
“I should probably go in first, see how things are and ease you inside without seeming too suspicious.”
Beckham placed a small kiss on my forehead. “Trying to push our relationship under the rug, Flower?” he teased.
I shook my head. “No... it’s not like that. I-I already told my dad Gavin and I were having problems. I just don’t want him to assume the worst if my client walks in with his arm around my waist as a first impression.”
“So you want me to come in after a few minutes... give or take if your ex-husband hasn’t already sent the video of us committing adultery?”
