“Shut up! You are a liar.” My tears that I have been keeping at bay begin to freely fall as I stare at him. He has taken everything from me. I allowed my heart to feel again only to have him step on it. The sickness swarming in my head rushes down to my body, causing my legs to go weak. I start to stumble, when suddenly Callum reaches out to help me. Slapping his hands away, I regain my own strength. Noah suddenly starts crying. Gripping tightly onto Noah I attempt to soothe him, while I am barely able to soothe myself. The world around me spins out of control like it is being flushed down a toilet. Rage now resides where there was once love.
Suddenly Olivia is at our side, trying to calm our overheated situation down, “What is going on here?”
Embracing my anger I turn towards Olivia snapping, “Are you involved in this deceit, also? Here I thought you were my friend, but you were just pimping me out to your ass of a brother.”
“What are you bloody talking about?” Olivia’s voice is thick with disbelief as she steps back in shock.
“Why don’t you ask your brother, the liar, how he can say that he loves me, while at the same time is engaged to Emily?”
Olivia’s expression drops in disbelief. Turning towards Callum she notices his deflated appearance, “What is she talking about? Are you engaged to Emily?” Her eyes plead with him for some kind of explanation.
Callum closes his eyes tightly, trying to fight away some kind of emotion as his shoulders drop in disbelief, “You don’t understand, Olivia. You don’t have the same obligations put on…”
“Stop it Callum! How could you bloody do this to her?” Olivia’s voice cuts through him like a knife slicing into the core. “You love Breanna, not Emily. Why would you do this?”
Ignoring his sister, Callum turns towards me, gently grasping hold of my arm, pleading with his eyes. Callum’s eyes now mirror mine as tears of emotion rip through him, “Breanna, this is between you and me, please can we go somewhere private so I can explain? I really tried to tell you, but…”
A heated jolt of anger surges through my arm where his hand is touching mine. Instantly I jerk my arm away, snapping towards him, “Don’t touch me anymore! I won’t be going anywhere with you.” Tears fill my eyes, making it hard for me to see. Drawing on the same strength I needed to raise myself and to bury my husband with, I gaze up into Callum’s eyes, “I let you in and allowed you to fill a void within me. I trusted you. I loved you, but you have destroyed that. No, I will not let you explain, because I am done.” As I turn to walk away Gavin stands in front of me, stopping me from continuing.
“Breanna, I was completely wrong in what I did to you in the cave. Emily asked me to take you there because Callum is her fiancé. She was afraid that Callum was going to use you. I handled things very po…”
“Stop, Gavin! You are still handling things horribly! Whether you did this by your own choice or under Emily’s command it doesn’t matter, you both have succeeded. You have destroyed me!” Though my voice is tattered I utter my words with conviction. I am an innocent pawn being used and manipulated by Emily and Gavin. His apology is as flat and blank as a piece of white paper.
Gavin looks at me with a slight sneer, “We didn’t destroy you, Callum did. He never loved you. You are just a plaything for him.”
Callum’s defeated posture instantly inflates as his eyes turn to stone. Leaping onto Gavin, he grabs hold of his shirt firmly within his hands. “You bloody lying bastard! You know nothing about me! I love her. And no matter what happens I will always love her. My life is a prison and there is no escape for me, but there is one thing that is true and that is that I love her.” Callum’s voice quivers as he forcefully clarifies his feelings for me to Gavin. Though it is Gavin he is talking to, his words seem to bypass him, landing instead on me. Even though I was not going to let him explain, he is taking this opportunity, forcing me to hear him.
Turning away from them both I walk towards the parking lot. A wave of panic washes through me as I realize that I have no ride back to the manor. Standing here I look at the sea of cars, but not one holds my escape. I can feel my breakdown coming to the surface. My heart contracts as it squeezes out years of pain. I was able to hide my life’s disappointment within Callum’s love, but now that that is gone, my pain has nowhere to hide. Standing here my tears soak my face as I stare down at the only thing that will not disappoint me, Noah. He is my only link I have left to the one man who truly loved me.
Suddenly there is a gentle hand on my arm. Turning quickly to see who it is, I notice Olivia standing right next to me. Her usual bright eyes have been dimmed by the sorrows of the night. Dangling a pair of keys in her hand she tenderly states, “Callum gave me the keys to his car, asking me to drive you home.” My eyes narrow in objection, not wanting Callum to ride next to me. Obviously she reads my expression adding, “Callum said that he will walk home.”
Her hand stretches out towards mine. Looking into her eyes I see the soft understanding I have grown to love. Through all the crap, Olivia has always had my back. Though I blamed her, it was just my anger speaking. I know that she is as disappointed with her brother as I am. This revelation hit us both like a ton of bricks. Tenderly I reach my hand over to hers, placing it within her petite, yet firm grip.
Affectionately she smiles uttering, “Remember, don’t judge a book by its cover. Though the outside may seem impossible, there is more than meets the eye inside.”
I shake my head in disagreement. I know that she is trying to smooth things over, either by the request of her brother or her own desire. No matter which one, it is not going to work. “Olivia, I will go with you on one condition, don’t talk about it anymore.” We head to the car in complete silence.
It seemed like a very long drive back. The silence reverberating within the car washed over me like a slow poison, gradually killing me. The quiet lull of the car put Noah to sleep, while it caused me to replay every detail of tonight. Every memory of Callum’s touch or kiss causes waves of anger and betrayal to rush throughout me. All I want to do is get back to their house as soon as possible so that I can make arrangements to go back to Cambridge.
Pulling up to the entrance I notice a very nice black car parked in front of their house. Olivia’s face drops as she notices the car also. The air within the car suddenly thickens as she parks Callum’s car next to the black Mercedes. She begins nervously fiddling with the car key while she sits anxiously within the driver’s seat. The now dark night pushes down on me, matching my inner soul. Everything within me impatiently is drawn towards the manor, all I want to do is load up my things and leave.
Grabbing hold of the door I begin opening it when suddenly Olivia grabs hold of my arm, stopping me dead in my tracks, “Wait, Breanna.” Turning questioningly towards her, I peer aggravatingly into her eyes. “My parents are here.”
My heart instantly stops. A wave of panic bursts within my stomach, streaming up and searing my throat. This is all I need right now. After my horrific night, Callum’s parents are the last people on earth I want to meet. Gavin’s words echo within my ears, saying that Callum’s parents want him to be engaged to Emily. What kind of hell am I about to walk into? Emily has been left at the manor all day while her fiancé has been traipsing off with another woman. My hand trembles against the handle of the car door, unsure of what I am going to do. I am completely terrified as to what I will find inside. Will Olivia and Callum’s parents be waiting for us, with questions that I am not ready to answer yet? Fear races throughout me as I debate my options. I don’t want to go inside, yet I don’t want to stay here in the car and chance running into Callum when he comes walking up.
Olivia suddenly cuts through the silence uttering, “Emily! That bloody arse! She must have called my parents because they are not supposed to bloody be here.”
Turning sharply towards Olivia I stammer out, “What do you mean? Why would she call them?” My heart beats twice as fast as perspiration now beads up on my forehead.
Olivia’s e
yes soften as she gazes at me with love, “Breanna, before we go in you need to understand something first. My parents are loving people and would do anything for us, but they have been raised in a very different world. We, especially Callum, have obligations that we are forced to uphold.” She stares straight into my eyes, “These obligations are more like a prison sentence being placed on us.”
Instantly my mind recalls the story that Callum told me about his mother and Harry, how she couldn’t be with him. My heart drops as I suddenly realize the pressure that is put on Callum.
Looking up at Olivia I utter firmly, “Then why would you encourage our relationship when you knew that we couldn’t be together?”
She gazes down at her keys as she twirls them tenderly within her fingers, “I wanted my brother to have real love, he deserves it. I honestly had no idea what my parents were pressuring him to do.”
“Pressure or not, he should have been honest with me. It’s not just me he was lying to,” turning around I look at Noah sleeping silently in his seat. “He has destroyed two innocent people.”
Olivia grabs hold of my hand, squeezing it gently she utters, “Let’s go inside now.”
Eavesdropping
Though the main sitting room is bright, the dark, thick feeling oozing out of it vibrates within the large entrance. Olivia and I stand silently in the foyer, fully aware of her parents’ presence. Not wanting to bring any attention to myself, I delicately attempt to sneak past the room. As I quietly pass the large doorway, undetected, Noah suddenly lets out a loud, hungry cry. Closing my eyes tightly I stand frozen in my tracks, afraid to even breathe. A heavy exhale followed by a slight laugh reverberates from behind me. Slowly I turn around; noticing Olivia’s slightly perturbed expression.
Suddenly a low, growling voice echoes from the sitting room, “Olivia, will you please come in here?” There is a slight pause then he continues, “And Breanna, will you please join us also?”
My heart instantly drops, hitting my stomach with a loud thud. It is frightening enough to have to confront their parents, but then to hear them utter my name sends chills up my spine. How can they possibly know my name? I don’t think Olivia – and definitely not Callum – have ever told them about me. I gaze over at Olivia as she gives me a sheepish smile. Hastily she proceeds to walk through the large entryway into the enormous, yet cozy sitting room. A large, pretentious smile spreads across her face as she states cheerfully, “Mum and Dad, I am so glad you are back from your holiday. I missed you.”
A low, booming voice from Olivia’s father immediately chimes in, “Where is Callum?”
“He is not with us,” Olivia’s once gleeful voice is now flat yet filled with obedient respect.
Hearing Olivia mention the word “us” in her statement, I take that obvious cue and slowly enter the room. Positioned properly on the large down-filled couch are Callum and Olivia’s parents. The resemblance between Olivia and her mother is uncanny, though her posture is more refined and there is a lack of mischievous spitfire within her, unlike Olivia. Her petite frame seems even smaller next to her husband’s stocky, large build. Her elegant face is soft and friendly in appearance, while their father’s looks severe. His narrow, beady eyes seem out of place on his round, flat face. His thin lips form a natural frown, causing the deep frown lines on his face to stream down until they join his jowls just below his chin. His stern expression is a sharp contrast to his impeccable style. A perfectly tailored suit is thrown over a stylish dark grey cashmere sweater, softening his bulky build. Their mother’s fashion sense is equally impressive, but hers blends flawlessly with her small and gentle appearance. Her shoulder length blonde hair forms seamlessly around her oval face. Looking into her eyes I suddenly see Callum’s eyes staring back at me. Her eyes are the same liquid caramel color and shape as Callum’s, causing my heart to flutter slightly. Their eyes widen slightly as I gingerly walk into the room carrying Noah in my arms.
A slight groan comes from a wing chair off to the side of me. Looking over I notice Emily sitting with a satisfactory smirk sprawling across her face. Her dark hair and olive skin is such a sharp contrast to the off-white fabric of the chair. Her nearly black eyes flame with hatred as she stares me down while drumming her fingers irritably against her knees. There is no doubt in my mind now how their parents found out my name. Emily obviously has told them everything she can about me. I am sure that she did not paint a pretty picture of me. From the expression on Olivia and Callum’s parents’ faces though, she obviously left out the information about me having a child.
Looking into Emily’s eyes I give her a tender smile, uttering softly, “Hi, Emily.”
She snickers forcefully through her nose, turning towards Mr. and Mrs. Hughes. Turning my gaze in their direction also, I add respectfully, “Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, it is nice to meet you.” Mrs. Hughes’ eyes never leave Noah. The furrow between her eyes deepens as her mind seems to wander off to a hidden corner of her memory. Her rigid posture suddenly relaxes as her eyes rise slightly, looking at my face. Surprise shoots through her gaze as she takes in my youthful appearance and the infant stage of Noah.
Shock takes over, causing her to stammer out, “Is that child yours?”
Gazing back at her questioningly I answer, “Yes, this is my son, Noah.”
A stern mask covers her once soft expression. Looking deep into my eyes she spits out, “And who is this baby’s father?”
“Mother! That is bloody rude,” Olivia snaps in my defense.
Mr. Hughes slams his hand forcefully down on the tea table, causing us all to jump, “Olivia, you will guard your mouth when speaking to your mother.” His eyes now shift towards me. “As far as my wife’s question, I believe it is a perfectly respectable one. What say you Breanna, who is his father?”
“Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I don’t think the paternal nature of my child is a relevant subject right now?” My eyes stay firmly attached to theirs. Though I am young, I am not easily intimidated by people. I have had to stand firm in my choices all of my life, not bending to the constant changes of the adults around me.
“Young lady, you are standing in my house under possible questionable circumstances. I believe I have every right to question the paternity of this child,” Mrs. Hughes’ voice is cold and flat while she states her demands.
The air within the room is thick with suspicion as I stand here in front of them both, and Emily, defending my virtue and the paternal nature of Noah. Bubbling rage filled with insulting abuse surges within me. Turning towards Olivia I notice her eyes are full of compassion while a fuming embarrassment pours over her. Her eyes narrow with an apologetic expression within them. Gazing back at Mrs. Hughes I suddenly see the possible fear within her eyes as she looks inquisitively at Noah. Internal strength rushes through me like my bones have transformed into iron.
Standing here erect I face my accusers. They obviously feel it is more important for Callum to marry someone he doesn’t love but is of a higher class than to be shamed by the possibility of him fathering an American trailer trash’s child – but that he loves.
“I have been insulted in every way possible. You sit here in front of me, questioning my morals and also who the father of my son is. You have no right. My standards should not be judged nor put under scrutiny by someone who doesn’t know me. I am worth as much, if not more, than anyone else in this room. Just because my value cannot be measured by currency doesn’t make me worthless. And as far as my son is concerned, you have no right to ask his paternal nature. Whether he is Callum’s or someone else’s is none of your business.”
The heat rises to my head, causing my face to turn a bright shade of red. Tears start to well up within my eyes. Trying to fight them from spilling over I begin biting down on the inside of my lip.
“Excuse me, but if that child is Callum’s then we have every right to know, especially since he is engaged to Emily. Your virtue is at stake,” her voice is unaffect
ed by my emotional state.
“No mother, you don’t have a bloody right to know!” a firm familiar voice echoes heavily from behind me. “If Noah is my child then that is our business, and if he is not then it is still our business. Her virtue is and will always be in impeccable condition as long as I have something to say about it,” Callum now stands firmly behind me glaring furiously towards his parents. He had silently entered the room behind me. From his obvious facial expression, he has heard most of the accusations, also my subsequent response. Though he looks slightly weary from his long walk back, his voice still reverberates strength.
Callum’s mother jumps to her feet, revealing her true petite stature. “Callum, do not shame this family and the Hughes name.” Though she is a small woman, her strength and fiery nature cause her to appear as if she is six feet tall.
Callum’s tone instantly matches hers as he growls, “Mother, it is hard to shame the Hughes name when I am not a Hughes. I am a Holden and you know it. Sam is not my biological father. No matter how much you have tried to erase my father’s memory from me, I am and will always be a Holden. His face screams from my reflection in the mirror every day,” his voice softens slightly as his eyes meet their twin, liquid caramel battling for understanding.
Her voice cracks slightly, “I have not hid him from you. I have always told you that Sam is not your biological father.” She walks closer to Callum, gazing up into his eyes, questioning. “How do you know what your father looks like? I have never shown you a picture of him.”
“Mother, I am not daft. I don’t look anything like you. So that must mean I look just like my father. There have been times when you cannot even look at me.” Turning towards Sam he utters respectfully, “I know that you have tried to be a good father and I love you for that, but I have felt your jealousy towards my father displaced onto me.” Turning towards me, his eyes wash over my face with a pleading edge of regret. Our eyes lock, causing a throbbing sadness to rise within me. Tears flood over the protective dam, rolling down my face. Facing his parents again he continues, stating with a trembling voice, “Breanna is innocent. This is my entire fault. Don’t drag her or her son’s name through society’s rubbish.”
Never Forever Page 15