The Husband Beside Me(59)

“It never crossed my mind you would,” I admitted honestly. He turned and gauged me for a moment.

“It didn’t?” he said suspiciously.

“No, it didn’t. I would sooner think I would be the one leaving because of your shitty asshole ways,” I faintly smiled.

“That sounds more likely,” he laughed, his anger seemingly disappearing.

“I just wanted to ask, if what you said—”

“It’s how I see you, Addie. It’s how I’ve always seen you,” Daimon said calmly. His face softening as he watched me.

The sound of his potent words was the very beginning of my unraveling. The slippery slope I was avoiding was becoming harder. All I needed was a gentle nudge and I would be all his, through and through. I stood before him knowing that if my heart were to break because of him, it was my fault for blurring the lines we had created. It was I who easily gave in to him each and every time, and I gladly did it; even though I fought not to.

Daimon smiled; it was faint but it was there. He leaned back onto the large column behind him and watched me, his intense stare making my body grow warm from the inside out.

“LET GO OF ME!”

Daimon’s eyes left my body and veered to the sound of a woman yelling. I looked through the crowd, and there, by Daimon’s father, was his mother. She was dressed in a sophisticated suit, her high heels adding to her sophistication. Her hair was perfectly styled and her makeup elegant and chic.

“I SAID, LET GO OF ME!” she continued to cry out as two large security men grabbed her on either side. Daimon threw his drink and rushed through everyone. I followed quickly behind.

“DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!” Daimon barked at the two men.

A quiet hush came over the gala as everyone stopped what they were doing and watched us.

“Daimon, please,” his father hissed at him in a hushed voice. “It’s enough she came here and has already embarrassed me. I don’t need you to make another scene.”

“I have shares in this company. I can be here if I so choose,” Daimon’s mother said defiantly. Daimon’s father ignored her and waved his hand to the two security men.

“Take her away, now,” he said dismissively.

“Don’t you dare touch me,” she said to the two security men. “I asked, no I begged to see you, but you still refuse. I was your wife!” she slurred loudly. I watched as she held back her tears and tried to stand up for herself. It was difficult to watch both Daimon and her hurting. Both sought out love, she her former husband, Daimon his mother’s.

“You’re nothing but a drunk. Now, get out of my sight,” Daimon’s father spat at her with disgust. His viciousness broke my heart. It was clear she still loved him and wanted him in her life, yet he treated her with such hate and disdain.

“Guilin, you loved me. Don’t you remember?” she pleaded, trying hard not to fall down. She looked pitiful, as if she was nothing but a shell of who she was.

“I said get her the hell out of here!” He looked over her and ordered the men that stood behind her.

“You touch her and I will rip your fucking hands off,” Daimon threatened and stepped behind her, taking her by both arms.

“NO! I WANT TO TALK TO HIM!” she snapped at Daimon.

“ENOUGH,” Daimon yelled at her.

She stood frozen; her eyes wide as she looked up at Daimon, who seemed beyond hurt, his eyes red with anger yet brimming with unshed tears. He then pulled her through the crowd. I simply followed behind, looking at both their backs. I never truly realized how much Daimon suffered because of his mother, yet despite everything, he always fought for what he believed was his to have. Daimon, unlike me, never let his pain rule his life; instead, he buried it deep inside him, where no one, not even he could see it.

Ted pulled up with the car and Daimon helped his inebriated mother in the back seat.

“I’ll sit in the back with her,” I offered, but Daimon pushed me aside and slid inside, closing the door behind him. Ted opened up the front passenger door and waited. I looked on, watching Daimon never taking his eyes off his mother.

We drove in silence; unspoken words hung heavily in the air. I looked back and saw she had fallen asleep. Her head lay on Daimon’s shoulder as he held her hand. I turned away, not wanting to interfere in their moment. I was surprised when Ted stopped at our penthouse first. He got out of the car and opened my door.

“Daimon?” I whispered.

“Go,” he said simply, not bothering to look in my direction. I let out a heavy sigh, upset that he would push me away again.

I stepped inside the dark and quiet penthouse. Drako came to my feet sleepily. He then sat, waiting to be petted. I bent down and petted him as I replayed the events of the evening. I had no idea if Daimon would come back home, or if he would disappear for the night, losing himself in his pain.