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Chapter Eleven
Dean
I'm parked in the seat of the car, my hands gripping the leather steering wheel with every ounce of strength I possess. Last night's talk with Miriana and Kyle was a real eye-opener, the final piece of the puzzle in the web of deceit that Greta had spun around us. She'd been lying to me from the get-go, and now, it's high time I faced the music.
Greta led a double life, and I was the gullible fool who'd sacrificed myself to keep her happy. What an idiot. Once again, Kyle and Miriana had done their best to shield me, but this time, Greta won't be escaping unscathed. She won't receive a single cent from me. I'd rather donate everything to charity than let her get her greedy hands on my inheritance.
Miriana treaded lightly, attempting to sugar-coat the situation, revealing only just enough to spare me from reopening old wounds. But once they'd turned in for the night, I sneaked into her office and grabbed the folder containing the investigator's detailed report I saw her put away. She'd left it on the desk, knowing full well I'd never dare to step foot in there. Not that it was off-limits, but I know I'd broken an unspoken rule. I owe her one.
Page after page, I couldn't help but feel a profound rage and loathing for the woman who was supposed to love me and stand by my side till the end of time.
I had to blow off steam, to release the pent-up anger that was eating me alive from the inside. Even though it was dead of night, I downed my glass of whiskey and headed for the pool, diving in to release a primal scream from the depths of my soul and lungs, allowing the water to absorb it all. I resurfaced just long enough to catch my breath, then plunged back in, repeating the cycle for God knows how long. As I tried to clear my mind, I felt two arms yank me out of the water. I looked up to see Miriana's terrified face staring back at me. That's when I realized how much this woman means to me.
I placed my hand over her mouth to silence her when she began hollering for Kyle's assistance.
I let go of the steering wheel and lean my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes as in my mind I replay our midnight conversation.
“Shhh, it's okay,” I murmur soothingly, taking my hand from her mouth.
“Have you lost your mind or what? What the fuck were you trying to do?” She pummels my chest with her fists, tears welling up in her eyes.
I seize her wrists, pulling her closer to force her gaze into mine. “Miri, look at me.” My stern voice halts her. “I'm okay.”
“You...” Her strained words fade, replaced by ragged breaths as she shuts her eyes, attempting to hold back the tears streaking her face.
“You don't need to worry about me,” I assure her, helping her out of the pool.
Miriana launches into a hurried soliloquy, her fears and worries for me spilling out in a torrent of words. She starts shaking, crying, and I'm taken aback. Did she genuinely think I would consider suicide here? In their house? My life is too valuable to throw away like that. I gently stroke her face, smiling, moved by her words and her tears.
“You promised you'd stick with me through thick and thin,” I echo her own words, my gaze locked on hers.
“Of course, Kyle and I are here for you,” she responds, seemingly taken aback by my reaction. “Don't you ever even think about...” Her voice trails off as tears are caught on my fingertips.
I press my forehead against hers, losing myself in her exhausted but caring eyes. “I didn't mean to worry you, Miri. I'm sorry,” I admit, trying to soothe her. Fuck, I hadn't considered the fallout. And she's crying...for me. I just needed a release without disturbing anyone.
“I always will...” Miriana starts to add more, but a sudden sneeze interrupts her. “Sorry.”
I draw her into my embrace and scan the area for a towel that's nowhere in sight. “Let's head inside, I don't want you catching a cold,” I suggest, noticing how her pajamas have become transparent from being drenched.
The door swings open, snapping me back to the present. Miriana hops into the car and clicks her seatbelt into place. “This journey is going to be a game-changer,” she says, her voice muffled as she pinches her nose, letting out an adorable squeak as she sneezes.
I nod, smiling at the prospect of finally lifting this massive weight off my shoulders. Cancer has to be defeated, and that's precisely what I'm doing. Greta has been a parasite, draining the life out of all of us. Now, it's time for healing and moving forward, devoid of the lies and deceit that have tainted our past.
“Let it go, Miri, or you'll end up with a headache you won't shake off,” I lightly chide her.
She shakes her head and grins at me, “Isn't it fortuitous to have a doctor in—” She pinches her nose again, and I gently pull her hand away.Damn, this is my fault.
“That's right, and the doctor's orders are for you to get some rest as soon as we get back home,” I reluctantly let go of her hand; its smallness in mine making it a joy to hold.
“If said doctor would avoid moonlit swims, he'd be doing me a solid.” She rolls her eyes before blowing her nose.
“I’m sorry, little one.” I bite my tongue, pretending not to notice her smile at the pet name.What the fuck is wrong with me? She's my brother's wife, for heaven's sake!
I start the engine and exit the gate, with the two court-appointed security guards tailing closely behind. In silence, Miri places her hand on mine, as if in some way, she is responding to my nervousness with a sweetness that instills calm in me. In gratitude, I offer a kiss. This unassuming act conveys everything that needs to be communicated at this moment.
I pull into the driveway of what used to be my home. As we step out, the two security guards take up positions at the front door, awaiting our arrival.
I'm about to insert my keys into the lock when the door swings open, and Greta's scent hits me like a sucker punch to the gut. Annabella, our housekeeper, welcomes us with a timid smile. Still, I can't help but feel a wave of revulsion as I step into the house, a hollow shell filled with nightmarish memories and disappointments.
