Lahat ng Kabanata ng Bride Of The eccentric CEO: Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

15KATYI pulled up in front of Graham and Laura’s house and turned off the engine. I glanced in the rearview mirror, not surprised to see Heather and Gracieasleep. After getting Gracie a treat of her favorite donut, and a cup of coffee for me, I had driven aimlessly for almost an hour, trying to collect my thoughts and calm down.Richard’s words ran through my head on an endless repeat. His actions frightened me. His impatience with our children. His cutting remarks. The way he sneered my name.I wasn’t lying when I said it was as if the old Richard had been resurrected in front of my eyes. The tone of his voice had been icy and uncaring—the same way he used to speak to me before he changed.Or had he changed? Was he right, and I had refused to see?I rested my head against my hands that clutched the steering wheel.No. Richard was hurting. Scared. He fell back on his old habits and lashed out.However, I wouldn’t allow him to take out his temper on our girls. I could handle it, but

The woman who saved my Katy from the streets and accepted me for me. She had helped me find the man inside me who could love, and she entrusted her most beloved daughter into my care. I had adored her, grieving hard when she died. It was she who brought Katy and me together. I had sworn to her I would make sure Katy was looked after and loved.I had failed her today as well. I knew if she were here, she would shake her head in sorrow and turn away. She would be horrified at my temper and actions. Disgusted by the way I ranted at Katy and my girls.She’d leave me on the floor where I belonged.I shut my eyes so I didn’t have to see her looking down at me. I must have fallen into an exhausted sleep.I startled awake, snapping up my head. The room was dark, the only light coming from those twinkling around the pool in the backyard, their glow flickering on the wide windows in my den. Another noise alerted me to the fact that I wasn’t alone in the house anymore.I remembered Katy had adde

17RICHARDAll my days became the same. Strengthening, stretching, weights. I worked until sweat poured down my back and exhaustion set in. Iwas grateful to be dumped in the pool, the cool liquid surrounding me. I was weightless suspended in the water and, for that brief period, almost felt normal.“Randy is here in an hour. I’ve booked you a massage after that,” Aiden informed me.“Do I really need one?”He nodded. “I’ve been working you hard. You need some deep tissue work and frankly, Richard, I’d rather not do it.”I chuckled. “Me too, Aiden. You already have your hands on me enough.”He snickered, and for a few moments, I floated blissfully. “Holy fuck, it’s working.” Maddox said.“Told you.”I looked between them. “What are you talking about?” “Look down. Your feet are moving.”I ducked my head and peered into the water. It was more of a twitch, but my feet did move.“Holy fuck,” I repeated Maddox’s words. “I’m not consciously doing that.”“They’re waking up.” Aiden met my incr

I lifted Heather out of the tub, dried her off, and got her ready for bed. I sat in the rocking chair, holding her close. She still liked a bottle at night, and although it was water, it was a time I always cherished. Her hazel eyes, so like Richard’s, grew heavy, her long lashes resting on her cheeks as slumber pulled her under. I stroked her soft skin, marveling at her. I stared at her for a few moments, then stood and carefully laid her in bed, tucking a light blanket around her and making sure her favorite bunny was close.I headed to our room and stopped in the doorway, a smile lighting my face. Richard was asleep, his head resting against the headboard, his snore low and steady. Gracie was curled up on his chest, her little arm flung over him, barely reaching midway. She was spread across the bed in her usual starfish position. The book they’d been reading was on the floor. I slipped my phone from my pocket and snapped a picture, wanting to capture the sweet memory to show Richa

20RICHARDGraham arrived, Laura with him, shortly before four. Katy was greeting them as I rolled around the corner. We regarded one anotherin silence as they hugged her and Gracie, and Laura inquired about Heather. I moved the chair forward and extended my hand.“Graham.”He shook my hand, his grip firm. Laura leaned down and brushed my cheek with her lips.“You are looking well.” “I feel well.”Katy laid her hand on my shoulder and squeezed. Reaching up, I grasped it like a lifeline.“I made coffee,” she said.“We bake cookies!” Gracie exclaimed, tugging on Laura’s hand. “Come, Nana L, come hab cookies!”Laura hesitated, and I smiled grimly. “I’d like a moment with Graham alone if that’s okay. Maybe you can visit with the girls for a while and join us?” I sighed. “I have something I’d like to say to you as well, Laura.”She crossed her arms. “So do I.”Graham followed me to the back of the house. He stopped in the family room, looking at the equipment.“Impressive,” he said. He wa