Page 1 of The Promise
Chapter One
I haveno memory of the drive here. I don’t remember stopping at any red lights or giving way at any roundabouts. My focus was solely on getting away from Blake and his brokenpromise.
I let out a huge breath as I hug my knees to my chest and look at the crashing waves below me. The cold wind howls past me, stinging my wetcheeks.
I truly didn’t see this coming, and I now feel so stupid, allowing myself to get swept away by Blake so quickly I didn’t even question who he reallywas.
He seemed so perfect. Everything just worked between us…but I guess it’s true what they say: if it seems too good to be true, it probablyis.
I twist myself on the bench and the plaque on the backrest catches my eye. I didn’t get the chance to look at it last time I came out here, but when I read the words in front of me, I don’t know why I didn’tguess.
In loving memory of an incredible daughter and mother, KayleighMarsh.
May you enjoy your favourite placeforever.
Tears continue to pour down my face as images of my time with Blake play out in my mind. After everything with Edward, how did I allow him to play me so easily? I like to think I’d have seen the warning signs that something wasn’t right, but everything’s been so perfect. The only thing I can pinpoint as odd were the phone calls he ignored, but I had no reason to think it was another woman. He told me I was the only one sinceKayligh.
For fuck’s sake, how could I be sostupid?
My sobs get louder and the tears fall faster. What am I meant to do now? He owns the building that not only is my new business in, but also my future home. I can’t accept any of that now. Was it all because of his guilt? The thought of my bakery being tainted by his lies does nothing for my fragile state. I thought my life was turning a corner, that I’d found where I was meant to be and what I was meant to be doing. Now, I’m sat here, questioning all that for the second time in only a couple ofmonths.
It’s not long later I hear the crunch of gravel as someone approaches. My heart jumps into my chest. Why did I come here? He’d have known this is where I’d runto.
“Addison.” He soundsbroken.
I don’t look at him. I can’t. Not only will it hurt too much but I know exactly what those dark blue eyes do to me. He’ll be able to convince me it was all in my head. Instead, I look away from him and out to sea. “Go away,” I manage to whisper through mysobs.
“Please,” he begs. “Let meexplain.”
“No, Blake,” I say, a little more forcefully than before. I get up and walk over to the edge, keeping my back to him. “I want you toleave.”
“Addison, please. It’s not what it lookedlike.”
I laugh. Has that line ever actually been used truthfully? It’s just the go to line to try and convince people they’re not scumbags when that’s exactly what theyare.
“Go,please.”
Blake says no more and, after a minute or two, I hear his footsteps as he begins to leave. My entire body urges me to stop him walking away but I don’t. He may have played me for a fool once but he sure as fuck won’t do itagain.
I’ve no idea how long I stay up on that cliff looking out to the horizon, but when I eventually leave the sun is starting to comeup.
I’m numb as I drive Aunt Addy’s car back to her house. I expect it to be in silence at this time of night—or morning—so I’m surprised when I hear voices as I open the front door. Those voices soon stop when I appear in the doorway. Aunt Addy and Mum both turn to look at me, their faces tired andworried.
“Addison,” they both say at the same time as they get up and step towardsme.
“Don’t.” I put my hands up to stop them. I’ve cried all night; I don’t need them being all nice and telling me everything’s going to be okay right now. What I need is a stiff drink and to attempt to get some sleep. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop my mum, who just pushes my arms out of the way and pulls me toher.
“Shit, baby, you’re freezing. Have you been out on that damn cliff all night? Addy, run her a bath,” she instructs. I’m too shocked by her sudden affection to push her away or argue so I allow her to pull me into the kitchen and sit me down at the table. I listen as she starts rummaging around in the cupboards before she places a heavy bottle down on the worktop. Seconds later, a tumbler of golden liquid appears in front ofme.
“Drink,” she instructs, and I do as I’mtold.
The whiskey burns all the way down but I don’t react as I normally would. Instead, I actually enjoy the discomfort; it’s much better than what I’m currently feeling in myheart.
Once it’s ready, I’m ushered into the bathroom and left to my own devices. Candles flicker and steam bellows up from the awaiting water but it all passes me by. The only image in my mind is of Blake with that woman; I can’t get it out of my fuckinghead.
When I get out, I find my pyjamas waiting for me by the bathroom door, and when I get to the living room my bed is made and there’s a hot chocolate waiting forme.
“Hey, baby,” Mum whispers, “We’ll be in Addy’s studio if you need us, but we’ll leave you alone fornow.”
