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This was one with them holding hands. Her fingers traced over his beloved face, touching the laughing mouth. An ominous frown touched her forehead as she directed her attention to the woman. She was wearing a black cashmere sweater and faded jeans and looking up at him as if he belonged to her.
She had expected the marriage to fall apart, but she had seen them on the talk show. The bitch was not even pedigree, she had been brought up by the system. Her own parents had left her there. Jaylen deserved better, she thought fiercely.
Maybe if he had chosen someone from their circle, someone with some class and money, she would probably bow out and retreat. But she had to save him from the mistake he made.
"Honey?"
Shuffling the photos and stacking them, she hastily put them away.
"Dad?"
"What are you doing? It's dinner time."
"I am not feeling so hot." She summoned up a smile as he came into the room. "I think I will take something here and just go to bed.
William Brody came in and shut the doors behind him. "Are you okay?" he asked her softly. His only child had suffered a psychotic break a few years ago, and he thought he had lost her. Years of intensive sessions with the doctors had brought her back, but he was aware that she was still fragile. His heart broke a little as he looked at her.
"Have you taken your meds?"
"Daddy, you worry too much. And I cannot take pills on an empty stomach." She patted the space next to her, and he came and sat with her. "I am getting better. In fact, I feel better than I have felt in years.
The charity—it helps you know." She pasted on a bright smile to further alleviate his worry. "Seeing children in need reminds me how good I have it. And Leesa and Kelly and the others are inspirations."
He took her hand in his and marveled at how delicate it was. The blue veins were standing out and she was far too thin. But she had inherited her mother's build. His dearly departed wife had been such a beauty if a little not there sometimes. He still loved her and even after her death, had not the heart or inclination for anyone else.
"I am happy you have found some sort of purpose." He smiled at her. "How is that young man? I have not seen him around in weeks."
"We broke up." She shook her head at his look of concern. "Brian is a dear, but the relationship was not going anywhere." Using her free hand, she patted the one he placed over hers. "I am concentrating on charity work now. And I am fine. Nothing to worry about."
"You are so beautiful." He stared at her wistfully. "I just want to see you settled and happy. You should find someone who is going to love you despite everything."
"You mean despite the fact that I am a little out there?" She smiled at him.
"Don't say that!" He admonished sharply. "You are a fine young woman and like you said, you are getting much better." He patted her hand. "It would be nice if you would join me on the terrace."
"It's cold!" she protested.
"And there is a fire going on. The view is breathtaking."
She shook her head at his imploring look and realized that he wanted to keep an eye on her. Struggling to get rid of the resentment, she smiled. "Give me a few minutes to freshen up and I will be right there."
Looking pleased at his accomplishment, he leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Take your time darling. I will be waiting."
She waited until he had left her room and closed the doors behind him before taking out the photos. With a vicious movement, she tore it in half and shredded the one with Anika. She was getting closer to finding a plan to get rid of the bitch.
*****
"You fear you are being followed." That was the first thing he greeted her with when he came home later that afternoon. "And you have not said anything."
"Damn Corey and his big mouth," she muttered. She was cozily snuggled in the comfortable sofa with a blanket thrown over her legs.
"Why am I the last to know?" He had shed his jacket and boots, the green sweater mirroring his eyes. The man was so delicious looking that each time she saw him, it was an effort not to jump him.
"Actually, you are the second—" She rolled her eyes as his expression became ominous. "I think I am being paranoid and I did not want you to overreact. Like you are doing now."
"I have a right to know that my wife has concerns," he told her tightly. The fact that he took a seat across from her warned her that they were in for an argument.
"I need tea."
