The Other Side of Maybe: A forbidden-lovers, small-town romance (Red Willow Crest Book 1) by Cassidy Nixon

Author:Cassidy Nixon [Nixon, Cassidy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-13T16:00:00+00:00

20

Kenzie

I stand in the living room of the cottage as Laurel fusses with the fabric samples for my dress. Her assistant Emma kneels by my feet, taking my measurements and jotting them down on a clipboard.

The sun filters through the curtains while I'm watching my reflection in the full-length mirror. Laurel's like a little sparrow, hopping from topic to topic with overbearing enthusiasm, her energy a total opposite to my indifference. Currently, she prattles on about the latest trends in evening gowns.

I tune her out. I don't want a lavish birthday party or an expensive dress, I realize. But I've learned it's easier to go along with Chris's whims than fight him.

Helen is here today and she's in the kitchen, sweeping and mopping with her usual frown. I can tell she disapproves. When I catch her gaze in the mirror, I offer a weak smile. She huffs and continues with her cleaning duties.

"Kenzie, dear, you have such a lovely figure," Laurel says, her hands expertly measuring my waist. "Even though you're no longer modeling. This dress is going to look stunning on you." She glances up at me, her eyes seem warm and genuine but I know that's what Chris's money bought me along with the garment.

"Thank you. Honestly, I'm not much into parties these days," I confess, my voice unenthusiastic. I don't have it in me to be acting in front of her.

"Ah, well, sometimes we just need a little push to get out there and enjoy life again," she replies. "Besides, Chris mentioned that you could use some cheering up."

"Ah, that sound like my husband," I say absently.

"You're a lucky woman to be married to such a caring man. Hold on to him."

Lucky, huh?

Finally, Laurel steps back with a satisfied grin. "Perfect. This dress will be stunning on you."

I force a smile, though dread coils in my stomach at the thought of being paraded in front of Chris's friends and business partners like a prized possession. And chances are Maverick will see me like that, like a piece of meat on another man's arm. "Thank you, Laurel. I appreciate you coming all this way."

"Of course, darling. Anything for the Caddells." Laurel air kisses my cheek and sweeps out of the cottage, trailed by Emma lugging her supplies.

The moment the door closes, Helen creeps over from the kitchen.

"I know it's not my business," she says, voice dropping to a low hum. "But you need to stop leading him on, Mrs. Caddell."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say, feigning confusion, though my pulse kicks into a gallop.

"You know exactly what I mean, Mrs. Caddell." She stresses my last name. I think for a reason. To remind me who my husband is.

"Dear," she says, advancing a bit. "I've been around long enough to see when two people are sneaking around. And you and Maverick... well, it's not subtle."

My heart races, and I can feel my face flush with guilt and embarrassment.

"Don't do this to him," she whispers, pulling something from the pocket of her apron and handing it to me.

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