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Chapter 27

Author: S Lewis
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-04 01:15:44

Jocelyn

I tapped his chest and motioned for him to sit up. Once he did, I straddled him, my hands gently framing his face as I stared down into his deep blue eyes that were filled with a deep-seated pain. I wished I could take it all away. I wished I had the words to make it all better, but I knew nothing would ever erase the wounds he suffered in his youth from his parents. It was something he would have to face head on and overcome.

And this was the first step in doing that.

"I'm sorry you went through that, Riley," I said sincerely, not knowing what else to really say. "It wasn't your fault that your parents separated. It wasn't your fault your mother gave you up to a father who was abusive and drunk. Your mother and father could have done better, and should have done better, by you and your sisters. Even though your father laid a lot of blame at your feet, and said you were the problem, the reality of the situation is that your father's own brokenness and shame is what he couldn't
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  • The Widow's Harem   Chapter 29

    JocelynI was a bit nervous to meet Riley's side of the family. Especially since his mother was going to be there.I prayed I would be able to keep my composure and not allow my emotions for her to come out in my expressions. I knew sometimes they did.Riley reached across the center console and took my hand. "Thank you for coming with me today.""You're welcome," I replied genuinely. This was what I was here for. To be a partner. To be a support system."You nervous?" He asked in the silence that stretched between us. Music played softly in the background."A little," I relented."Why?""It's the first time I'm meeting your family," I stated."And? You're coming as a friend."Yeah, I was, I agreed with him. But, I knew differently. We were way more than that. Call it friends with benefits, but by now we were on a far deeper level with each other emotionally. It might be hard to hide that fact. "How about you? Are you nervous?"He didn't answer right away. "I am.""Why?""While I have

  • The Widow's Harem   Chapter 28

    JocelynLater, after Riley and I were cleaned up and laying down in bed, my phone vibrated with a text message.Riley and I were lying in the middle of the bed, with me being the big spoon tonight. He was already fast asleep. I was sure he hadn't gotten much of it this week since his mind had been so preoccupied by everything.Carefully, so as not to wake Riley, I reached over and grabbed my phone.Tristan had messaged me. "Is Riley over there with you?""Yes." I texted back."Good. Did he say anything about what's been bothering him this week?""He did.""And?"Did I say anything to Tristan? Would Riley be upset if I did? He hadn't told anyone else about what happened and this seemed personal.However, I had this feeling Tristan wouldn't stop harassing me if I didn't give him something. "His father passed away on Monday."Tristan didn't respond back immediately. "I'm glad that scum is finally gone."So Tristan did know some of Riley's background. It shouldn't have surprised me, seein

  • The Widow's Harem   Chapter 27

    JocelynI tapped his chest and motioned for him to sit up. Once he did, I straddled him, my hands gently framing his face as I stared down into his deep blue eyes that were filled with a deep-seated pain. I wished I could take it all away. I wished I had the words to make it all better, but I knew nothing would ever erase the wounds he suffered in his youth from his parents. It was something he would have to face head on and overcome.And this was the first step in doing that."I'm sorry you went through that, Riley," I said sincerely, not knowing what else to really say. "It wasn't your fault that your parents separated. It wasn't your fault your mother gave you up to a father who was abusive and drunk. Your mother and father could have done better, and should have done better, by you and your sisters. Even though your father laid a lot of blame at your feet, and said you were the problem, the reality of the situation is that your father's own brokenness and shame is what he couldn't

  • The Widow's Harem   Chapter 26

    JocelynRiley, thankfully, didn't see the emotional wreck I was becoming. His gaze was distant and focused on some unseen object as he was reliving the past. It gave me time to recompose myself and remind myself that all he needed right now was someone to listen. I didn't have to try to fix any of these problems, or find ways for him to move on. He wasn't asking that of me right now."I was broken in so many ways after that," he admitted. "I was furious and jealous, if I am being honest. Furious that all the women I was interested in were not the loyal type and jealous of those who had a woman back home to write to and rely on." His raw, unfiltered words stung yet again.Loyal type.I fought my mind's urge to rebuke his statement. I fought the need to get defensive and argue that I had been the loyal type. I knew my story and my intentions. I knew my truth.He was telling his.It was okay that it was different than mine.We had already squashed this issue between us.This was how he f

  • The Widow's Harem   Chapter 25

    Jocelyn"Oh?" I was curious what he meant.I knew he was about to lay some really heavy stuff on my shoulders, and so I buckled up mentally for the emotional roller coaster we were about to go on. My right hand immediately went to his hair--which had grown out some--caressing soothingly as I rested my other arm over his chest. I knew physical touch was important to him, and I was trying to convey my support and care through my actions so he knew I was here for him.I waited patiently for him to start. It took a few loaded minutes before he opened up."I don't really want to talk ill of the dead," he began gently."If it's true, then there is no harm or foul made," I responded softly, my fingers stroking through his hair. He closed his eyes, revering in the calming caresses."My parents got divorced when I was fairly young. I don't really reme

  • The Widow's Harem   Chapter 24

    JocelynBy mid-week, Vince was mostly settled in and had moved the last of his belongings into the house.Tristan was starting to bring boxes over as well.I had to admit it was nice having them here. While the other tenants had been awesome, I hadn't formed a personal friendship with them. It probably had something to do with how withdrawn I had been after my husband's death. Regardless, it was nice having others on the property I could talk with and be close to.All three of them joined me on Thursday for dinner. While the conversation flowed, we could all tell Riley was off. Not to mention, Vincent was exhausted from the move and his adorable son, Jack, who was as hyper as ever. Thankfully, the little guy hadn't broken his arm. He had only badly sprained his wrist and had some deep bruising along his arm and elbow. He was in a wrist brace--which he hated and loudly protested. Which was probably one of the reasons Vince looked to be at his wits' end and looking like an exhausted pig

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