The Husband Beside Me(58)

“What is this?” I asked, looking at the box.

“Open it,” he said, but I hesitated. “Come on, Addie, it’s a present. They taught us that much in high school,” he mocked. I rolled my eyes and opened my gift. Inside was a pair of breathtaking chandelier earrings.

“Are these real diamonds?” I asked nervously.

“Yes,” he replied, his voice confident. Taking the box from me, he plucked out one of the earrings.

“Daimon…I'm not sure if—” I stammered nervously.

“Shut up and fucking wear what I give you,” he barked, annoyed.

“I keep forgetting what a gentleman you are,” I fired back.

“Your problem, beloved, not mine,” he said with a smirk.

Daimon stepped away from me, waiting until I was finished putting on my earrings. He’d hardly spoken about the other day nor his mother. I didn't push it, considering how he wasn't pushing me either. Every day that passed, I felt like I was coming to terms with losing her. Did my pain go away? No, not exactly, but the heaviness I’d been carrying in my heart lifted, and for the first time, I felt like I could breathe. I looked over to Daimon and I smiled happily; his looked elegant in is perfectly tailored tuxedo.

“Liking what you see?” a crooked grin slowly appeared on his face.

“Not really.” I shrugged and walked past him, acting indifferent.

“Ouch.” He grabbed onto his chest and feigned pain. I didn’t want to admit it, mostly to myself but especially to him, but Daimon was firmly cemented under my skin. My heart ruled every time I was with him, which terrified me.

At least once a month, Daimon had galas he was required to attend to and not once was I allowed to stay home. The parties made me feel uncomfortable. The people there were fake and made sure I understood my place. It felt like an adult version of high school.

That night’s gala itself was an elaborate affair with spring colors of green and white. Bright yellow and white flowers were placed around the tables and near the bars. The soft orange lighting enhanced the spring atmosphere. I walked around cautiously, avoiding contact with the guests that was until Clara appeared in front of me.

“Well, I guess Daimon’s money can make a difference,” she said spitefully.

“Hello, Clara,” I said, gritting through my teeth, faking my smile.

“Do you actually have a purpose here? Or are you just living it up?” she jabbed.

“You know me, Clara, I just love living it up with all you snooty people,” I said with disdain, managing to keep my smile fixed on my face.

“You would, you stupid charity case,” she said viciously. Ah, how I missed my nickname in high school.

“Don’t be too rude to my daughter-in-law.” I heard from behind me. My body shivered at the sound of his voice. If this night couldn’t suck any worse. “You look much like Deidra when I first starting bringing her out to society. I hear you have met her. Now you can see why Clara is a much better choice for my son,” he stated coldly.

I chose to ignore his words. I was already afraid of the slippery slope I was on with Daimon. If I just let myself, I could fall and fall hard for him. I knew in the back of my mind, I was no good to him and I needed to stop what was barreling through me.

“But don’t you worry, I know Daimon, he will throw you away and do what’s right for him in the long run.” His father smiled and took a sip of his martini.

“Get away from my Addie. She only has room for one asshole in her life and that asshole is me,” Daimon said arrogantly as he finally emerged and snaked his arm around my waist.

“Daimon, seriously, when the hell are you going to just cut her loose already? I can’t wait forever,” Clara snapped.

“In due time, Clara,” his father reassured her. Daimon laughed, but there was no humor, only anger.

“Do you think I’m like you? That I would throw away my wife? I would never do that to my Addie.” He words were curt and fierce. “Unlike you, I protect my family and Addie is mine to do that with,” he said directly to his father.

“Daimon, your ridiculous fascination with her is unhealthy,” Clara said bitterly.

“So? I admit it, I'm fascinated by her. She’s strong and determined. Willed and vivacious, and she’s all mine,” Daimon snapped, glaring at her. “Let’s go, Addie, no point in bothering with those who are not worthy of our time.” I followed him, wondering if what he had said was true. Was that how he saw me?

“Daimon—” I started.

“I’m not going to do to you what my father did to my mother, so don’t worry about that,” he said affronted as he took the first drink he saw off a tray that made its way around us.