Page 58 of Kandi's Crush: A BWWM Sweet Billionaire Romance

My mother put her fork down, her eyebrow arched to the heavens.

“So, he’s making you work? Hmph. All of his money and your little measly salary. What are you paying for? The groceries? The power bill?”

To the others at the table, it may have appeared that she had lost her mind, but I immediately recognized this tactic. She was searching for cracks in our story, maybe even our marriage. Once she found the divide, she would exploit it for her own use.

“I will support her in any way she needs,” Chadwick spoke up, but the answer didn’t satisfy Mama. She shot out questions in rapid succession.

“What about school? What about your friends? What about enjoying your youth? I thought you wanted to see the world?”

“Being married doesn’t change any of that. I’ll graduate in December. I didn’t make plans for graduate school. My friends are happy for me. I would rather travel with Chadwick than do it alone.”

“What about children? How would you see the world with a baby in your arms? Or maybe Chadwick would prefer to hire nannies to raise your children?”

That was a low blow. During Chadwick’s teen years, Martin and Genevieve took long vacations, and the household attendants stepped in to check on Chadwick. My mother was always judgmental that he was home alone.

All eyes looked our way. We hadn’t discussed children, but I knew I wasn’t ready. I doubted?I’d want children until I was in my thirties. Chadwick cleared his throat cautiously.

“When it’s time to have children, my wife and I will determine how to best to raise them.”

Gauging my reaction, my mother realized?she’d found the divide.

“Did you two not discuss this before you flew away to Las Vegas? If you didn’t discuss children, I know you didn’t discuss working, financial matters, lifestyle, and all the important topics you should discuss before marriage.” She smiled and took a dramatic bite of the breadstick.

“The inquisition is over. I’m done talking about this,” I said firmly. “We do not owe anyone an explanation about our lives or our marriage. For the first time, I have someone important in my life.” His hand found mine under the table. The simple move gave me the strength to stand up to my overbearing mother. “I know you mean well, but this is too much. You have no choice but to accept my marriage.”

“Genevieve called me yesterday,” she announced, as though I hadn’t spoken. “Seems she’s planning a reception for you two. Ain’t that a bitch? Your father and I may have wanted to throw a reception. The bride’s family usually takes care of the wedding expenses. But I guess you’re a St. Clair now.”

I didn’t miss the implication. This was about more than just my marriage. She was afraid the allure of wealth would trap me in its clutches. She thought I would forget about the Alexanders. I would never turn my back on my family. I opened my mouth to say that, when she spoke again, turning her head to the side.

“I get it. The dick must be incredible.”

A frustrated Marie-Therese threw down her napkin, pushed back her chair, and stood up.

“Celeste, you’re behaving like a child.” She turned to me with anger flashing her eyes. “I refuse to let her sit at your dinner table and insult you. We’re leaving.”

“Marie, you know this is bullshit. You guys are sitting around this table like it’s all normal. We all know that in a few months, he’ll get bored, and then they’ll get an annulment. I can’t believe I’m the only person who cares about Kandi’s well-being.” She turned toward my father. “And you invited him out to dinner? Wow.”

Auntie Marie faced Chadwick and said, “You have the patience of Job. Don’t let this interfere with loving my niece. She deserves all the happiness in this world.” She then turned to me, and her bottom lip trembled, “Chère, focus on your marriage and your new husband. I’m proud of you, and I want the best for you two.”

Goody and Pop-Pop gave both of us big hugs and smiles. Goody winked conspiratorially.

“I was your age when I married. You will be an excellent wife and mother. Stand up to her.”

My mother stomped away, grabbing her purse from the entry table and pressing the button on the elevator. She didn’t bother to wait for the others, glowering at us as the elevator doors closed.

“I’ll talk to her,” my father promised. That response elicited a small chuckle from me. Right. He’ll make it all better.

Shell-shocked from the dinner party from hell, Chadwick slumped on the sectional. I sat between his legs, and his fingers caressed my arms. He was my place of solace.

“I’ve never seen her that angry.” I leaned back against his solid chest. He bent down and kissed the top of my head.

“Neither have I.”

Chadwick

“Sweets, are you ready?” I called out from the living room. It was five thirty, and if we didn’t hurry, we’d be late to our own wedding reception.

My wife had not seen or heard from her mother in five weeks. Her mood had slowly sunk into deeper levels of depression. I’d been trying to stay out of their family conflict. However, if my wife didn’t cheer up soon, I would have no choice but to step in and put an end to this shit.

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