Chapter 35

Henry’s POV

Henry’s heart shattered at the sight of Erin and Gavin kissing in the middle of the parking lot at the restaurant. He knew how Erin felt for Gavin and he knew there was still something going on between them. But seeing it was different than suspecting it.

Now he knew for certain that Erin hasn’t been truthful with him when she says that it was only one time and that it didn’t mean anything.

Her body was wrapped in his broad and tight embrace. She looked comfortable; like they have done this a thousand times before.

His heart ached.

There was a part of him that wanted to clear his throat loudly and make himself known to them. They had yet to notice him, so seeing their faces when he makes himself known, might be humorous in a dark and twisted kind of way.

But there was another part of him that was telling him to just leave.

That was part of him he listened to. He said nothing as he turned away from them and went back into his car.

He didn’t leave right away though; he watched them for a moment longer. His car was still a distance away and they won’t notice it right away.

He pulled up his phone and brought up a specific name.

“This is Susanna,” Susanna said on the other end; a little too cheerfully too. Not at all like someone who had just lost a close friend a few days prior.

“Hello, Miss Susanna. How are you this evening? This is Henry.”

“Oh, Mr. Henry? Hello. I wasn’t expecting a call from you. Is everything okay?” She asked, seemingly confused on the other end.

“I’m afraid it’s not,” he said, still staring at the scene unfolding before him. “Do you have a few minutes to talk in person? Would you be able to meet me at the coffee shop?”

She was quiet for another moment before responding.

“You are worrying me,” she said with a nervous chuckle. “But yes, I’ll head there right now.”

“Much appreciated, Miss Susanna.”

He hangs up the phone without another word. Before he leaves the parking lot, he makes sure to capture this moment with his camera.

…

Henry waited at the coffee shop for a long while before Susanna made an appearance. Per usual, Susanna was stunning. Henry always found her incredibly attractive, but he found pursuing a relationship with her to be inappropriate considering her father is one of his best clients.

She gave him a soft smile that didn’t seem to reach her cold eyes.

“Would you like a coffee?” He offered.

“Tea would be good,” she said in return.

He nodded to her before going to the front counter and ordering her a cup of tea. He returned to her, placing the cup in front of her.

“What is it you would like to speak about?” She asked, eyeing him carefully and batting her long lashes in his direction.

“Miss Susanna, it’s come to my attention that we both have something in common,” Henry began. “And I wanted to share with you a discovery I just made.”

“What is it we have in common?” She asked, raising her brows. “Besides our successful careers and our charming looks,” she added with a chuckle.

He smiled at her small joke before he continued; he knew this was only going to break her heart and he wanted to tread lightly.

“We are both in love with someone who is in love with others,” Henry said, lowering his tone for only her ears.

Her face went white as she stared around his serious features. She straightened her stance and cleared her throat before making any comments.

“I’m not sure what you are talking about,” she said to him, taking another sip of her tea. “Gavin has been by my side for days. He loves me dearly.”

“You might want to believe that, but I know deep down you don’t. Or else you wouldn’t be so suspicious of that waitress… Erin.”

Her eyes widened in shock. This was the first time Henry has brought up Erin to her and she wasn’t sure how Henry even knew about her.

“What do you know of that waitress?”

“A lot more than you think,” Henry answered.

“I don’t understand…”

“Erin is my wife,” Henry explained; she made a small gasp as she leaned back in her seat.

“Your what?” She asked, unsure if she heard him correctly.

“She is my wife,” he repeated. “My wife is in love with your fiancé. I’m not sure how long it’s been going on, but they’ve been having an affair.”

“No,” Susanna said shaking her head. “That’s not true. Gavin loves me very much. I also don’t believe that she is your wife. That makes no sense. You’re so rich and she’s so… poor.” She paused for a moment. “Not to mention she’s a waitress.”

“My wife is very independent, I’m afraid,” Henry said, shaking his head with dismay. “She won’t allow me to take care of her. I imagine she won’t let Gavin care for her either. But regardless of if you believe we are married or not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that Gavin and Erin are seeing each other behind both of our backs.”

“I refuse to believe that,” Susanna said, pressing her lips firmly together. “I’m sorry, Mr. Henry. I don’t know what kind of cruel game you are playing, but I won’t have any part in it. I know Gavin loves me. He needs me and my family to help him better his pack. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to jeopardize that.”

“Miss Susanna…”

“I won’t hear any more of this…” she said; she grabbed her handbag and started to scoot out of the booth. “If you’ll excuse me… I should be going.”

Henry reached toward her, grabbing onto her wrist, making her jerk around to face him.

“Release me before I call my bodyguards inside,” she hissed to him.

“Just give me one more moment. I have proof, Miss Susanna.”

Her eyes widened.

“Proof?” She asked, her voice grower softer.

This was going to hurt her, and Henry admittedly dreaded this, but he needed her to know how serious the situation was.

He released her arm once he knew for sure she wasn’t going to take off. As soon as he released her, she lowered herself back down to her seat, keeping her eyes locked on his.

He pulled out his phone and pulled up his recent pictures. It was a clear shot of Gavin and Erin together in the parking lot of the restaurant, kissing.

He showed her the photo and she gasped. She stared at it with wide eyes. She reached toward the phone, taking it in her hands so she can get a better look.

“It’s really Gavin…” she whispered.

“With my wife,” Henry muttered.

“I can’t believe this…” she whispered. “How could he do this to me?”

“I’m sorry I must be the one to break this news to you, Miss Susanna. It was never my intention to hurt you.”

“Then why did you tell me this?” She asked, peering at Henry from across the table, sliding the phone back to him.

“Because you are smart, and I know you would figure it out eventually. This is no way to live,” he told her, trying to be as compassionate as possible. “I’m sorry this hurts you. It hurts me too. I love her very much but it’s clear she doesn’t love me…”

“What are we going to do…?” She asked, getting lost in her own thoughts.

She glanced down at her hands, looking momentarily defeated. Henry reached across the table, taking her hands into his and making her meet his eyes.

“I have an idea, but it might sound ridiculous at first. I need you to hear me out,” Henry said, lowering his tone.

“What is your plan?” She asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

“We need to separate them for good. We need him to stay with you and for her to stay away from him. Miss Susanna, let me ask you… when was the last time you slept with Gavin?”

She rose her brows at the question.

“Maybe a little over a month ago,” she recalled.

A smile decorated his wide lips.

“That’s perfect,” he said, hopefulness in his eyes. She still looked at him confused. “I’m thinking of a scandal…”

“What kind of scandal?” Now she was sounding intrigued as she leaned closer to him.

His smile widened.

“Congratulations, Miss Susanna. You are going to announce your pregnancy.”