Chapter Twenty-Five
I was in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water, when River walked in with a crestfallen face. A mammoth indicator that all didn’t go well.
“What happened?” I immediately asked, rushing toward him.
He seemed troubled, still in shock. At the same time, he looked confused.
What did Hailey do? I mean, what could she do to affect him in such a way? Did she hit him with something?
My thoughts ran amuck as I impatiently waited for him to describe his brief visit to her house.
River shrugged before resting his forehead against mine, holding me like I was the only thing that held him together.
“She didn’t take it well,” he slowly began. “I expected that. Of course I did.”
“But?”
“She made threats. She was hysterical, but I’m not sure if she’ll follow through with it.”
What kind of woman would do such a heinous thing, threatening a man who clearly didn’t want to be with her? Was this how spoiled, little, rich girls acted?
“What kind of threats? She needed to toughen the fuck up. It’s only a breakup, not a divorce. What the hell!”
“Work-related stuff.” He shook his head in pure disbelief. “You do know her father’s quite powerful and influential, right? It’ll be really fucked-up if she becomes spiteful and asks him to meddle in my business affairs.”
What a savage cunt. A spiteful savage cunt at that.
Putting my opinions aside, I focused on River. It was his livelihood she was about to mess with, which was beyond preposterous.
Channeling a cool demeanor, I tried to smile to lighten him up. “Hailey’s hurt. We of all people know that when we’re in pain, we say things we don’t really mean. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” I stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips before cradling his face. “If she really cares about you, she won’t hurt you like that.”
Vindictive people were mercurial. But if she cared for River, she wouldn’t try to hurt his career. What kind of monster would do such a thing?
“Let’s hope so.” He sounded so depleted. It tore me to see him like this. “Cara?”
“Hmmm?”
He breathed out before lovingly gazing into my eyes. “I know it’s been crazy and all, but … I just wanna say that you have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
Jesus.
“I love you, too.”
It was overwhelming. Of course it was, but my mind lingered on Hailey and what harm she intended to do.
“Are you really sure?”
His question made me smack his shoulder, laughing. “I’m very sure. I’ve known for quite some time, but I was in denial.”
He matched my grin. “Thank God you’ve come back to me. It’s all I’ve ever prayed for.” He softly kissed my cheek before holding me close.
We basked in each other’s presence and our newfound bliss.
Our conversation was interrupted by Ari, his asshat of an agent. One I didn’t get on with, but quite good at his darn job. River wouldn’t be where he was today if it weren’t for his help.
The call was short and, basing from River’s face, it seemed the spiteful witch really had gone through with her damn threat. The saga he had just signed for, the multi-million-dollar contract, was now cancelled. Six movies all gone down the drain.
“I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.” It was, and it was Hailey’s, too. I would give her an earful the next time I saw her. How dare she toy around people’s livelihood like it was some sick game she could pass her time by? This was beyond nonsensical.