The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 51

Jamie, however, showed no such surprise. He simply hurried to her side, his voice laced with concern.

"What’s wrong? Was it the food? You never listen, always eating whatever you want when you’re out."

To Suzie, Jamie’s feigned worry was as flawless and convincing as ever. Taking advantage of his tall frame blocking Richard’s view, she shot him a venomous glare. In return, he gave her a smile dripping with sarcasm and mockery.

The look on his face made something in Suzie sink all over again. She was so tired. If it weren’t for Richard, why would she be putting on this act? If it weren’t for Richard, why would she tolerate such humiliation from him?

Wasn’t there another way to manage Richard’s feelings? Was this all she was to him now—something he could use against her whenever he wanted?

Despite her spiraling thoughts, Suzie suppressed her revulsion and softened her voice. "I’m fine, Jamie."

With that, she moved naturally toward Richard. "Richard, the last time I was here, it was because of my stomach. I went on a special diet for a long time afterward, and it really helped. Today, it’s my own fault for being greedy, and I ate something that didn’t agree with me, which is why I feel nauseous again. I’ll be good from now on and watch what I eat."

Richard’s lips were still curled into an ambiguous smile that made Suzie’s heart race. If her pregnancy was exposed, she couldn't imagine what would happen to her. She couldn’t let Jamie know, and she especially couldn’t let Richard know. One would surely demand she get rid of the babies, while the other would force her to keep them—and to stay with him. That would start another brutal fight, one that could trap her in a life she didn’t want for the sake of the babies. She couldn’t go back to a life where she stayed home and pretended not to see his cheating.

"As long as you’re all right. You young people, you skip meals and eat whatever sounds good. You need to be more careful. Otherwise, how will your body handle it when you get pregnant?"

As Richard spoke, his eyes drifted pointedly toward Suzie’s stomach. Suzie caught his gaze and quickly changed the subject. "Richard, you get some rest. I’m going to go buy you some pastries. I’ll be back in about an hour, okay?"

Richard nodded eagerly. Strangely, he didn’t order Jamie to go, nor did he ask Jamie to send someone else.

Suzie rose with a flicker of suspicion, hesitated for a few seconds, and then left the room.

The moment she was gone, Richard told Jamie to check if she had gone far.

Jamie gave a subtle nod to Aaron, who was standing outside. Aaron gestured back that Suzie was gone.

At the question, the tension in Jamie’s brow eased slightly, but he continued to hide his true thoughts. "She enrolled in a photography workshop. She’s just been busy studying. See? Today’s her day off, and she rushed right over to see you. She even offered to go buy you pastries. What could possibly be wrong with us?" he answered smoothly.

Seeing that Jamie wouldn't crack, Richard sighed and shook his head. "Fine, I’ll believe you for now. But don’t let me find out you’ve been mistreating her. When she saved my life, she didn't just…"

Richard trailed off, his gaze on Jamie turning complex. After a long moment, he spoke again. "Jamie, listen to me. Be good to Suzie. She’s a wonderful girl. You have to trust my judgment."

Jamie's lips twitched. He hesitated, then said gravely, "Grandpa… what if Suzie isn’t as good as you think? What if her heart doesn't belong to me?"

"Nonsense!" Richard cut him off sharply. "If her heart doesn’t belong to you, who else could it belong to? Have you used up all your brain cells on business? Just think for a moment about how Suzie treats you."

Jamie lowered his head, becoming as silent as a stone.

Seeing him like that, Richard’s anger flared. "Tell me," he demanded, his voice laced with reprimand, "after she married you, didn’t you say you didn't want her working, and didn't she immediately put down her camera? And tell me this! Didn't you say you would only agree to a secret marriage, and did she protest even once? Think about it. What woman doesn’t want a real wedding—something open, joyful, something she doesn’t have to hide? And what, exactly, have you given her?"