“Do you still love her?”
Elias stood up with a groan and stared out the window. The streets were thick with traffic, congested, just like his thoughts. Love was a funny word. He never used it lightly, or sometimes not at all, when it came to describing his feelings for the people in his life. He loved his parents and Daisy, but when it came to Ava, he couldn’t think of the right word to define how he felt about her. Their relationship was built on a crumbling foundation of lust and desire. Nothing more. There was a time when he thought he loved her, but it was only a mask, a form of escapism from his boring life. The excitement, danger, and passion he felt during their liaison was short-lived, but Ava’s unusual teachings had created a businessman with drive and ambition. Elias knew what he wanted in life and Daisy was at the top of the list. “Let’s talk about our future. We still have a wedding to plan.”
She joined him by the window, wrapping her arm around his middle. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Do you remember the night you appeared on my parents’ doorstep? We were on our break and you were drunk as a sailor?”
Elias dipped his head in shame. “How could I forget? I think your father almost shot me when I pushed him out of the way to get your bedroom.”
“Could you blame him? Our wedding—which my parents paid for—was on the verge of being called off. You were the last person they wanted to see.” She drew invisible circles on the window pane. “But I remember our lovemaking that night was so crazy hot.” Daisy opened the bedside drawer and pulled something out. “I was going to tell you earlier but I wanted to choose the right time.” She dropped a pregnancy test into his open hand.
Elias barely heard Daisy’s soft voice in his ear. His heart beat like a drum as he turned the positive white stick over in his hands. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he must’ve known this would happen. He didn’t remember much of the night he slept with Daisy, but he knew the sex was clumsy, drunken, and without reason. They didn’t use protection. But why should it matter? They were getting married. It wasn’t as if they were forbidden lovers caught in a tryst . . .
When he heard a sharp intake of breath, Elias snapped from his reverie and brought Daisy into an embrace. “I’m very happy, baby. How far along are you?”
She hesitated, biting her bottom lip. “Um . . . I don’t have a scan or anything, but the doctor said I’m three weeks. It’s still early days.”
He kissed the top of her scalp, pushing the haunting image of Ava’s face from his mind. Why did she appear at the thought of Daisy’s baby? It wasn’t like he was cheating on her. They were over. Done. He had so much to look forward to in his future. “A wedding and a baby all in the same year. We’re going to have an interesting twelve months. We can celebrate the baby with your parents at lunch tomorrow. Do they know yet?”
She nodded. “I’m sorry, I told my mum first. I hope that’s okay. There are some moments in life when a woman must confide in her mother.”
“I understand. At least I won’t ruin the surprise.”
“Speaking of that, I have one request.” Daisy cleared her throat and tossed a lock of blonde hair over her shoulder. “Please don’t mention Ava or her baby over lunch, okay? I don’t want anything to ruin our day. My parents are so excited for their first grandchild. They don’t need a reminder of your indiscretion.”
Elias blew sharply from his nose, unable to ignore the pang of hurt Daisy’s words inflicted. “I’d never broadcast what happened with Ava if that’s what you mean. I don’t want to repeat myself, Daisy. It’s over between her and me. Her name won’t be mentioned over lunch.”
A strange, sly smile crossed Daisy’s face and she planted a big kiss on his lips. “Good.” She turned on her heels and sauntered for the door. “What are you wanting for dinner? I have a craving for Thai food.”
~ ~ ~
“Remember, Daisy, you’re pregnant so stay clear from the cheese and wine,” Olivia Henderson instructed as she handed her daughter the café menu.
“I know, Mum. But I love cheese and wine.” A look of irritation crossed Daisy’s face and she drained her soft drink, her sky-blue gaze locked on Elias. He saw it as a silent plea for back up. Lunch with Olivia and Donald Henderson was like eating with two bloodthirsty jackals. There was no chance of survival. Since his affair became public knowledge, Elias expected to fight for his place in the Henderson family. Their loyalty to him had waned. They saw him as a cheater, not good enough for their only child. But he was. He just hoped the baby would soften their hard exteriors.
“There are dishes on the menu you can have,” he said, leaning over to point out the chicken breast and barramundi. “I’m looking at the T-bone myself. You don’t have to restrict your diet completely. Just be weary of what you eat.”
“Your fiancé is right, honey,” Olivia mused. “I missed eating cheese and deli meats when I was pregnant with you. But you’re a mother now. You make sacrifices for your children.”
“Don’t let your mother scare you.” Donald’s gruff voice cut across the table, attracting everyone’s attention. “Just enjoy the experience.”
A waiter materialised by the table and took their orders. As Elias watched the waiter disappear into the kitchen, he noticed a few curious glances thrown his way by other patrons. It didn’t surprise him that he would have interest dining with Daisy and her parents. His face had been plastered across Australian newspapers, frolicking with another woman. Of course people were curious.
His gaze flickered upwards to Donald who glared back with a stern expression. He must’ve seen the curiosity as well. More lines of disapproval had etched into the man’s forehead. It would take more than a grandbaby to heal this wound.
“Have you found your suit, Donald?” Elias asked, wishing the glass of water the waiter put in front of him was alcoholic.
Donald grunted. “Yes, it’s just a simple black and white suit. Nothing fancy, son.”
“I told Dad that he must incorporate our colour theme,” Daisy interjected proudly. “His tie will match yours. Teal, I think. His boutonnière will be a simple red rose.”
Olivia clapped her hands together. “It’s going to be such a beautiful wedding. When’s your final dress fitting, honey? They’ll have to accommodate for your new bump.”
“The dressmaker told me it’s harder to let out a gown, but she said we still have time to make adjustments. I see her next week for another fitting.” She reached over and squeezed Elias’s hand. “I hope you won’t mind me looking like a whale on our wedding day.”
Elias subtly avoided the kiss Daisy aimed for his lips. He was unsure why he felt awkward discussing the baby in front of her parents. Maybe it was the guilt still bottled inside him, or perhaps it was Ava’s face that haunted him. He swallowed the lump in his throat and said, “I don’t care what you look like. I’ll love you no matter what.”
While Olivia cooed with sheer delight, Donald was harder to impress, grunting into his soda. Their food arrived on time and everyone silently dug into their fish and chips, salads, and T-bone steaks. The mood was lightened when the waiter delivered a bottle of wine to the table.
Elias practically dived for it, eagerly opening the bottle and pouring three wineglasses. He drained the liquid in half a second. He was about to get another glass when Olivia asked the table to put down their knives and forks.
“This won’t take long,” she promised, looking at Daisy with a tear in her eye. “Your father and I would like to give your wedding gift early.” She lifted an envelope from her purse and placed it on the table. “We understand that planning a wedding and an upcoming arrival is expensive. It doesn’t help to build a new life together when you have so much debt. Your father and I would like to help in some way.” She handed the envelope to Daisy. “I hope this will help you find your
dream home.”
Daisy ripped the envelope open and let out a deafening scream. “Oh, Mum! You shouldn’t have. We can’t accept this.”
Elias took the gift from her fingers and gasped at the amount written on the cheque. It was for thirty thousand dollars. “Olivia and Donald, you’re very generous. But Daisy is right. We cannot accept this. That’s a huge amount of money.”
Olivia fluttered her hand in the air. “Elias, please. We’ve been saving up for this moment since Daisy was a little girl. She’s our only child so we wanted to spoil her when she got married. Besides, you can’t live in your little two-bedroom unit with a baby. You’ll have no room.”
“We’ll have to sell it,” Daisy interjected. “We can use the money to find a nice place outside of the city. I was thinking of the North Shore.”
Elias slipped the cheque back into the envelope, an unease settling in his gut. His entire future had already been set out for him. Everything was happening so fast. Buying a house and having a family was further down his priority list. Still, he preferred to be on Donald’s good side. He shot out his hand towards him. “It’s incredibly generous of you and Olivia to offer the money. It’ll definitely help us put down a house deposit.”
They shook hands.
“It’s my pleasure, Elias. My daughter is very important to me. As her parents, we only want the best for her, including who she spends the rest of her life with.”
Elias took advantage of the silence around the table to order another beer. He didn’t bother to ask if anyone else wanted anything.
Olivia reached across the table and squeezed her daughter’s hand. “There’s a new shoe shop that’s opened across the road. Do you want to check out their collection? You’ll need something to wear on your honeymoon.”
“I have old ballet flats at the moment. I can always do with more shoes.” Daisy turned to Elias. “I’m sure you and Dad can keep yourself occupied for twenty minutes. I won’t be long.” She planted a kiss on his cheek and took off with her mother across the road.
Elias smiled weakly at Donald. “Can I offer you another beer?”
The older man shook his head. “No. In fact, I’m glad the women have left. I want to speak with you privately.”
Panic levels spiked inside Elias. “Oh, about what?”
“It’s about the cheque we gave you,” he said. “I want you to understand something: Olivia and I gifted you and Daisy the money in good faith that you will make my daughter happy. It’s very important to me that you do.”
“Of course, sir. I love your daughter. I always have her best interests at heart.”
“Really? Look, I try to ignore the drivel that’s printed in the papers these days. But I couldn’t ignore the gossip written about you.” He put his hands up. “I’m not going to ask you if the rumours are true about that other sheila, but Daisy is a passionate, young woman who loves you unconditionally. If she has forgiven you, then her mother and I have too.” His steely gaze returned, piercing Elias to the core. “However, if I hear you’ve broken her heart again, I will put you down. You got that, son?”
Elias nodded numbly, trying his hardest to wipe the stricken expression off his face. “Yes, sir,” he replied at last, struggling for a mental toehold. “You have my word. I will never hurt Daisy again.”
“Good boy.”
Chapter 25
Months Later
Elias averted his eyes from the computer screen and rubbed them with the heel of his palm. Outside, the vast cloudless sky was changing from pink to magenta, the sun dipping behind the city skyline. The office was empty and quiet as the last group of employees scattered to enjoy Friday evening. Elias was invited to join them for a beer, but he wasn’t in the mood. He still had a pile of articles to write and advertisers to chase for money. In truth, he wasn’t ready to go home.
He pressed the home button on his phone and an image of Daisy and her pregnant bump lit up the dim office. It took him some time to adjust to Daisy’s pregnancy. Her weird food cravings, mood swings, and weight gain materialised all at once, smashing into him like a tidal wave. Work was the only respite he had from the craziness at home. The wedding was fourteen days away, adding more pressure to his overburdened shoulders. There was so much he could take before his resolve snapped. He tried his best to console Daisy during her hormonal tantrums when she blamed the pregnancy for her vile tempers. He’d accepted this was his life now, but he couldn’t ignore the inner discomfort, an emptiness that nibbled at his conscience. He carried it around day and night, unable to determine what was making him feel ill. In the end, he reasoned it was the secret texts with Ava that contributed to his jitters. They had swapped text messages over the last few months, keeping each other updated on their lives. Elias wasn’t prepared to rid her from his life just because Daisy told him to. They shared a connection that ran deeper than the child inside her.
His phone buzzed when a text came through. It was from Daisy.
Daisy: When will you be home? It’s seven o’clock
Elias: I’m leaving now
Daisy: Can you please pick up the cake for the baby shower tomorrow? I won’t have time
Elias: Yes, Daisy.
Daisy: Thanks. Kisses
Elias pocketed his mobile, turned off his computer and left the office. He walked through his unit door half an hour later cradling a cakebox in one arm and folders and paperwork in the other. The unit was infused with the aroma of stir fry, making his stomach grumble. He heard Daisy singing a pop song in the kitchen. He took a moment to savour this moment as he kicked off his shoes, knowing it would be short-lived. This was the Daisy he grew up with, loved, the Daisy he wanted to settle down with. He would be the first to admit that his affair with Ava had ultimately stripped away Daisy’s innocence and placidity. She wasn’t the same woman anymore.
He entered the kitchen and came up behind her at the stove, wrapping his arms around her swollen middle. She flinched at his touch and backed away, almost dropping the ladle in her hands.
“Elias, you startled me.”
“I thought you heard me coming home,” he argued, bending into the fridge to retrieve a beer. “You never let me touch you anymore.”
Daisy rubbed her hands down her apron and welcomed him with a peck on his cheek. “I don’t intentionally reject your affection, Elias. Sometimes I don’t like to be touched. I just feel weird with this pregnancy. Do you know what I mean?”
“I do, but we haven’t been intimate in two months. How do you think that makes me feel?”
She turned her back on him, returning to the stir fry. “I don’t want to fight.”
“We’re not fighting.” Elias spun her back around, planting two hands on her shoulders. “We’re having a discussion. If you and I going to be married and raise a family together, we need to communicate. The baby isn’t the only reason why you haven’t let me touch you.”
She blew out a breath and wandered into the living room. Elias followed her, perching on the edge of the couch, waiting for what she had to say.
“I’m happy the media interest surrounding you has died down,” she said. “I don’t think I could’ve dealt with the nagging paparazzi or flashing cameras. Particularly since I’m in a delicate position.”
“I’m yesterday’s news now, so I doubt you’ll see my face in the paper again.”
Her fair skin turned a shade darker. “I suspect you will when Ava gives birth. Her pregnancy made national headlines. I gather the birth will too. She’s about due now, isn’t she?”
“Yes, due the same week as our wedding.”
“Oh, how unfortunate you’ll be too busy getting married to attend the birth.”
Gotcha. Daisy never hid her insecurities well, imprinted on her like a tattoo. “I wasn’t going to anyway.” Elias leaned towards her. “Is this w
hy you’re angry at me? Do you think I’m going to leave our wedding day to be with Ava?”
“A girl can only assume, can’t she? Look at your history, Elias. I was always second best in the battle with Ava. My father is half expecting you to run out the door before I even walk down the aisle.”
“Not going to happen.”
“You promise?”
“I’m marrying you, aren’t I? Daisy, you must move past this. Ava and I were a fling—a regrettable fling—and my guilt for hurting you still cuts deep. I’m with you. No one else.”
She smiled. “I know you are but see it from my perspective. You’re unpredictable, babe. I never know what’s going through that head of yours.”
Feeling as though they were spiralling into darker territory, Elias changed the subject by picking up the RSVPs to Daisy’s baby shower. “How many women are you expecting to attend the shower?”
“About thirty or so. I don’t want a large group. I’ve invited people whom I can trust because I don’t want this event leaking to the press. I don’t want more unwanted attention.”
“Do you need me to do anything?”
“No, Mum and I have everything sorted out. She’ll run the last few errands I have so I can attend my next scan mid-week.”
Elias’s eyebrows snapped together. “Hang on. Shouldn’t I be attending the appointment with you?”
“I booked it on Wednesday because it was the only time they had left. It didn’t occur to me that you might be at work.”
“What time is it? I can take the hour off,” Elias insisted. “I would like to go and see our baby.”
An odd expression overcame Daisy’s face and she shook her head, dismissing his suggestion. “I want to go by myself, if that’s okay. I’ll bring home the scan picture if they give me one.”
Depths of Deceit Page 19