The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 59

The Stand In Wife’s Revenge

Chapter 59

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My door was gently knocked on waking me up. The sound was so faint that at first I thought I might have imagined it but then it came again this time more gently as if someone was attempting to be courteous without waking me up too soon.

With the last of my sleep still clinging to me I rubbed my eyes. Long shadows were cast throughout the room by the softly filtered light from the window which was still early. In an attempt to get rid of the residual weight from the previous night I tossed the blanket aside and stretched.

My body already craved the comfort of food and some company even though it felt like I had just closed my eyes. Even though my hair was probably a mess and I was still in my pajamas when I walked over to the door there was something about the knock that gave me a strange sense of calm and warmth as though the outside world was still accessible and safe.

Alex was standing there with a tray in his hands when I opened it. His hair was still slightly disheveled from sleep and he was dressed in jeans and a basic shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

Upon seeing me a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth softening his eyes. Good morning he said in a smooth voice that was a bit too smooth for

someone who was probably as exhausted as I was. With a smile of my own I felt a sudden surge of warmth.

Even though he was just bringing me breakfast it felt like everything I needed at that precise moment. Even though the world seemed to be spinning out of

control Alex managed to bring the ship back to equilibrium if only briefly.

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Breakfast?” he inquired entering when I motioned him to do so.

“Thank you” I uttered experiencing an unexpected wave of appreciation.

It was only when I saw the food that I realized how hungry I was. He put the tray on the bed and sat next to me looking at my face for a moment before

my examining me. I couldnt quite place why but I could feel the weight of his stare tightening

chest.

Perhaps it was the way he was staring at me as if he was looking for an answer compassionate as he asked “How are you? And the baby?”

I

able to provide. His voice had become softer and more

I gave a small somewhat forced laugh. “We’re both fine” I answered.“I

he is attempting to adjust to everything.”

My stomach felt a little constricted not from hun expression was thoughtful as he nodded.

but rather from

everything else as I gazed down at the food tray. It was all still so overwhelming. His

“This must be a lot I’m sure. In the

that you require personal space or time.”

M

“No” 1 shook my head and interrupted. “Time is unnecessary for me. I have to work things out.”

I sensed the air between us getting thicker during the lengthy pause. His gaze swept across mine as he turned to face me more intently. I could see the hesitancy and a hint of doubt there. He seemed to want to say something significant but was unsure of where to begin.

“L… “he started his voice trailing off. “I wish to express my regret. For the previous evening. I do not wish to give you the impression that I am exploiting. you.”

I had a slight ache in my chest and before I knew it my fingers were on his lips lightly pressing them to get him to stop talking. I understood what he intended to say. In all honesty I kind of expected him to say it. However I was not interested in hearing the apology at that time. Not from him.

I put my fingers closer to his lips and shook my head. I said in a steady low voice “I know what youre going to say. You dont have to apologize to me either.”

9:29 am

M M

Chapter 59

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His gaze swept across mine and he furrowed his brow slightly in perplexity. I could see the genuineness and apparent guilt in his face. I wanted to reassure him and tell him not to worry because of it. But I had no idea how. All that had transpired and everything I was still processing had left my mind too jumbled.

I gently put my hand on his arm and squeezed it saying “I dont feel like you’re taking advantage of me. What took place between us wasnt. I never felt forced or pressured to do anything. It was right. I am not sure. Perhaps we were both in need of it.”

Alex gave me a long look as though he was reading my face to figure out what I was saying. Even though I could tell it wasnt the response he was hoping for there was a look of relief in his eyes that gave me hope that perhaps I hadnt said the wrong thing after all.

His hand was on his knee as he nodded slowly but his eyes remained fixed on mine. “I just. I do not wish for you to believe that I am here merely because of the accident or because you are at risk. I’m not here for that reason.”

My throat constricted as I uttered the words “I know.. I understand….”

Then we both settled into a relaxed silence the kind of silence that was brimming with unspoken comprehension. I felt as though I didnt need to justify myself because of something reassuring about it. We both had pasts and scars of our own but we didnt need to explore them just yet.

For a brief instant everything seemed a bit easier. There was only the two of us sitting there quietly connecting for a moment. The silence between us was then broken by the ring of his phone.

After glancing at the screen Alex gave a prompt response. “Hello?” he said his

straightening and his tone businesslike.

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