Page 96 of When Love Takes Over
Mrs. Goode had been in the doghouse with her family. Gramps still looked at her sideways for her actions, but he’d finally stopped making snide remarks every chance he got. Some may have thought he held the grudge for too long, but when it came toSweet, Savory, and Goode, he played no games.
He felt her actions put his company’s reputation at risk and wasn’t quite ready to move on from it. I couldn’t say I blamed him, but I probably wasn’t the best person to talk to when it came to my mother-in-law.
Mr. Goode loved his wife, but he didn’t hide how disappointed he was in her. The tension between them was thick for a few weeks, but his love for her wouldn’t allow him to be upset for too long.
I found it very interesting when he insisted that she go to therapy to talk to someone about her need to fit in and feeling like she wasn’t enough. He admitted to ignoring her behavior for years, hoping that his love and reassurance would be enough and she’d eventually get tired of the act.
Surprisingly, Mrs. Goode agreed, and I noticed some small changes in her, but it would take more than a few weeks to undo something she’d been dealing with for years. I still kept her at arm’s length, but I was more optimistic about the future of our relationship.
Kenzo and I were great . . . so great that a part of me was waiting for the ball to drop. Ever since we’d verbally expressedour love for each other, we did our best to ensure our actions showed it.
His days were still long as he prepared to fully transition to the CEO role, so I woke up early a few times a week to make breakfast so we could eat together. I didn’t think it was a big deal, but he’d expressed how much he enjoyed and appreciated starting his mornings with me.
I’d randomly mentioned how much I enjoyed being pampered the morning of our wedding. The next day, a full-service mobile spa showed up and gave me the full treatment from the comfort of my home. He later informed me that they’d be coming once a month.
About two weeks ago, I began finding little notes around the house from Kenzo. The notes had encouraging messages and reminders of his love, and I thought it was the sweetest thing. I bought a notebook to put them in, and whenever I questioned my decision to marry him, I read his notes.
Some days, my life seemed too good to be true. It seemed like one minute I was worried about if life was even worth living, and the next, I had everything to live for. When negative thoughts invaded my mind, I did my best to push them out and focus on the positive. Ninety-five percent of the time, it worked.
Today, for some reason, the negative thoughts lingered a little longer than usual, and I knew exactly why. I’d been keeping something from Kenzo, and the guilt was starting to eat me up.
Initially, my actions felt justified, and in some ways, they still did, but because Kenzo believed we were on the same page and working toward the same goal, I felt compelled to come clean.
“Your glam squad will be here shortly. You ready for them?” he asked, approaching me from behind and wrapping me in his arms.
I was standing in front of the bench at the foot of our bed, looking at my suitcase. Our flight to Saint Vincent and theGrenadines for our honeymoon trip left at midnight, and I had to make sure I had everything because we were heading to the airport right after the celebration.
“I told you I didn’t need a glam squad. Rich people spend money so unnecessarily sometimes.”
“Well, you’re rich people now, so are you including yourself?”
“I’m not rich. I just won’t be homeless if this doesn’t work out.”
He kissed my neck, then put his hands on my shoulders to turn me around.
“You haven’t talked like that in a while. What are you thinking about?”
“Are you packed for our flight?” I asked, avoiding his question.
“Yeah, I’m packed, and my luggage is by the door. Answer my question.”
“I’m a little nervous.”
“About what? Tonight?”
“No. About what I’ve been keeping from you.”
He looked surprised. “Oh, umm, that’s not what I was expecting you to say.”
“I know. I just . . . It’s eating me up inside, and I know right now isn’t a good time to tell you, but?—”
“What is it, baby? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but . . .”
I sighed, letting my words trail off. To avert his eyes, I looked down, but he lifted my head with his index finger.
“Lyah, look at me and tell me what’s wrong. Whatever it is, we’ll work through it.”
