Page 76 of Blindside Love

As I sit and listen to them, I realize I would do anything for this woman, absolutely anything. I would protect her, fight for her, support her, all of that. But the only thing I won’t do is stunt her growth. I want her to flourish and be the happy, confident version of herself that she’s showing more often.

Am I falling in love with this girl. Fuck. When the hell did this happen?

As soon as I realize this, I want to panic, and freak out, but instead, I feel a sense of calm. This woman has brought me a sense of peace that I haven’t felt in years, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Immediately, I have the urge to find her, see her, touch her, and, more importantly, get him away from her. As I step in, I peer around the kitchen to see Tom staring at the painting above her couch.

“I like this painting. I’m glad to see you stopped hanging up your art and finally put something professional up. Now, this is art,” Tom says, his words dripping with condescension with what he believes to be an insult.

I watch Ellie’s face drop in disbelief, but only a moment later, she’s steeled her face, her eyes shooting daggers, but no other emotion shows as Tom turns towards her, a vicious look in his eyes as he gestures towards the art. “I’ve been telling you what you were doing wasn’t art for years, Eleanor,” he sneers, his nose curling in disgust as he stares for a moment. “This is what I wanted in our home. This is art. This is talent. This isn’t some painting you hang on your fridge or your wall because your toddler did it. You’re a stay-at-home mom who watches Pinterest to learn, for crying out loud, but you refused to listen. Can you reach out to the artist for me? I’d love to see their collection.”

She glares at him, her mouth opening to speak, but I walk in further, cutting her off. I’m way beyond listening to this piece of shit disrespecting her in her own home.

“With that beautiful sentiment, I think it’s time you left,” I all but growl at him, my fists clenched at my sides as I do everything in my power not to throw him through the goddamn wall. Thank fuck I know Addy is here because it’s the reminder I need to make sure she doesn’t experience this fight. I refuse to let it get that far.

“And who the fuck are you? This is my wife I’m speaking with,” Tom snaps, his face turning scarlet with embarrassment or anger, I’m not sure, nor do I give a fuck. It’s time for him to go.

“Are you deaf or dumb? I said it’s time for you to leave.”

His face reddens and his jaw clenched as he just glares back and forth between Ellie and me. She’s standing next to me, watching me with a look of wonder. She’s looking at me like I hung the moon for her.

Little does she know, I’d hang every star in the galaxy just to light up her smile.

“Do you know who I am? Do you realize how big of a mistake you’re making right now, disrespecting me like this? I am her husband.”

“Soon to be ex,” she snaps.

“Shut up, Eleanor. This doesn’t involve you,” Tom sneers.

And I feel something snap in my brain.

I take a step closer to Ellie, loving the way she leans into my side, letting me pull her in close as I plant a quick kiss on the top of her head, grounding myself for a moment before turning to deal with this waste of a human still standing in her home.

“First things first, if Addy wasn’t in this house, I’d throw you through that fucking wall for talking to my girl like that. Speak to her like that again, and I promise it’ll be the biggest regret of your life,” I growl, doing my best to keep my voice down to not let Addy hear. “But Tom, of course, I know who you are. And I’m not the one who should be worried. I’ve made no threats. I’ve just informed you what the consequences of your actions will be in the future. If you decide to ignore my warnings, that sounds like a personal problem. See. You came into my girl’s home, disrespected my girl, and expect it to just be okay? That’s where you’re wrong, you can go on and fuck yourself, sir. Now, get the fuck out.”

He glares at me before turning his stare towards Ellie, but she doesn’t back down. She doesn’t even flinch as she leans in closer to me.

“So, this is the guy you’re fucking? The reason you’re too good for me now? You just wait. I’m going to make your life a living hell. I promise you that.”

“No, Tom. You aren’t,” Ellie says, standing taller than she has in days. “Trevor isn’t the reason that you’re not good enough for me, you’re the reason you’re not good enough for me. You fucked up or Lena did, I’m not sure. Either way, Addy has admitted she spends more time with Lena than you. That’s a strike on you. Between all the text I have saved with you saying you don’t want Addy, that you never have, it should be enough to get the court to see you have no desire to be a father.”

Tom’s eyes widen in fear, his forehead glistening with sweat that I’m sure is caused by a mixture of nerves and anger, and it’s nice that, for the first time, he looks almost defeated.

“Ele—”

“No, Tom. You don’t get to speak right now. I’m not finished talking. I’ve sent them all to my lawyers, and if you still fuck with me, I’ll send them to our parents. My lawyer will not release anything unless you push me on this. All I want is to move on with my life. I want a divorce, and I want my kid. I don’t want anything from you. No money, no child support. Just my kid and my life back. One without you.”

“Fi-fine. This isn’t fucking over, Eleanor.”

“Oh, but it is, Tom. I’m not scared of what you can do to me anymore. I don’t care. Do your worst. Now, go out that door, take a left, and fuck all the way off.”

Tom stares at us for a moment like he can’t quite decide what he wants to do but quickly turns to head to the door, his fists clenched. Unfortunately, though, I’m a petty motherfucker and can’t help but kick him when he’s down. You don’t fucking disrespect my girl without paying the price—in this case, it’s just emotional warfare.

“Hey, Tom, you know that painting you wanted to buy?” I say, earning me a very confused look as he nods. “I fucked your wife on that painting, so, no, it’s not for fucking sale,” I deadpan, doing my best not to smirk while I watch the anger take over his face. “Now get the fuck out of her apartment. I’d like to fuck your wife again before she becomes mine.”

I can’t help the slight smile that falls on my face as his reddens, his anger so thick the air feels heavy. I’m concerned he’s going to yell, get pissed or throw a tantrum, but instead of saying anything, he just spins and walks out the door, slamming it on his way out.

The second the door clicks shut, Ellie starts laughing. Full-on belly laughs that are absolute music to my ears.

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