Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
I’ve needed this hug for so long.
The words whisper in my head, but my heart doesn’t want to receive them. Hurt, angry, bitter, all of those describe the woman I’ve become, but I’m also the woman who has longed for his comfort so desperately—before I became all those things. I know he can’t fix it. Yet, I open the door just a crack in hopes that he knows how to stop this pain.
Tell him. Tell him now.
I ignore the voice within because I don’t know how or where to begin. For now, I just allow him to hold me. I take the strength he’s offering me. I need it more than he will ever know.
“One day at a time,” he says gently. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”
Chapter 11
Hidden Secrets
Addison
I sigh when Gregor’s phone goes to voice mail again. If he boarded the plane when I texted him last, he should be here by now. I don’t think he understands I need him here.
Gregor thinks I want to control him. At first, I thought that was what I wanted too. I had all the cards and intended to play them. I had every intention of revealing my hand to all the right players.
I did my research. I know everything there is to know about Gregor, even many of the things he believes he hides well. I know his weaknesses.
I know what challenges him. I knew just how I planned to manipulate him, but that time has passed.
I had to give up the grand plan I had. I blame it on karma. She served me a dish and flavored it in shit. I’ve done many things I can’t say I’m proud of, but I never thought I deserved this.
A judgment that has rung so loud it will ripple through the earth long after I’m gone. Two months ago, the final blow was dealt. My hopes and dreams of a turnaround have laughed and abandoned me.
I don’t have the energy to be a woman scorned or a vindictive bitch, nor do I have the time. I have to concede to my loss. There was a time when I wanted nothing more than to be Mrs. Clooney Gregor Hennessy Jr.
I thought I was on my way to that prize once. Gregor and I worked side by side for months, years. I was there whenever he needed. I was whatever he needed.
One night, after a gala, I could see he needed to scratch an itch and I was there for it. Gregor had been in one of his moods and we’d both had a lot to drink. I thought I could help him with his brooding disposition.
One thing led to another, and I’d gotten comfortable in his bed. Gregor warned me that he wasn’t looking for more. As time went on, it was I who had ignored his warnings. I’d been sure I could get him to want more, but it took too long for me to see he would never want anything more than a warm bed.
When I’d made a play to establish our relationship in public, he was furious and made that fact known. I’d been embarrassed and felt so stupid when he sent me off to Dubai not too long after. It was as clear a blow off as any.
I’d resolve myself to lick my wounds in silence, which I would have. After all, I didn’t have much of a choice. I still had my job and benefits when he had every right to throw me out on my ass.
Unfortunately, I had already made my final move with very poor timing—not knowing all the things that were stacked against me. I didn’t understand I would tip my hand in the wrong direction so badly.
There was no way I could just fade into the background. Fate had a cruel joke she wanted to play on me. There would be no sulking and moving on.
The Universe had other plans for me. While I was plotting against Gregor, the stars snickered as they plotted against me. Somewhere along the line, I’d lost Gregor’s trust, just as I should have.
I played the game poorly and continued to do so. I’ve kept things from him that he should’ve known. Now, it’s all coming back for me. I’ve run out of time.
I can hear in his voice his patience is running thin with me. He believes I want to trap him here. That ship has sailed.
I need him. This isn’t about wanting the perfect husband and a lavish life. I need Gregor here in Dubai.
Once, I thought it best to try to get him to at least agree to transfer me to the States. Now, that’s not even an option. This has nothing to do with me.
Life is so precious. We all make mistakes, but we should never take life for granted. I did once.