Page 60 of Grumpy Boss in Love

My breathing had gotten a little heavier while trying to contain the torrent of emotions bombarding me. This was why I suppressed those pesky feelings. They were too fucking painful. The mention of my mother had my eyes snapping back to Jane's face. I never thought she’d offer condolences for theother woman.

“I have a confession to make,” she said. “You’ve held on to the idea that your mother just abandoned you on our doorstep. She struggled to take care of you, Elliot. That’s why she contacted your father. She only thought it fair that your billionaire father helped to take care of you, and she was right.” Fury darkened her delicate features. “I married an asshole who had an outside child and wasn’t taking care of him.”

I stared at Jane, slack-jawed. Of course, when I found my mother a few years ago, she didn’t tell me any of this because she couldn’t. She’d suffered multiple strokes and couldn’t even speak.

“Your mother loved you. She just didn’t want you to go hungry when you didn’t have to. In my jealousy and anger, I gave her an ultimatum.”

My heart thudded unsteadily at Jane’s revelation, but she wasn’t finished yet…

“If she kept making trouble for my family, I’d ensure she never got a penny. Or she could let me take you in and disappear for good, then I’d ensure you never wanted for anything again.” Jane bowed her head. “She took the money I offered and agreed to go away.” Her lips quivered. “I was so worried about fixing the Westwoods’ image in the public eye that I deprived you of your mother.”

My jaw clenched and unclenched.

“You should know that it was a hard decision for her. She didn’t want to disappear from your life.”

Was that supposed to make me feel better? I learned that my mother chose a check over me!

“Why are you telling me this?” My voice was thick with the hurt I felt.

Jane’s tear-filled eyes settled back on me. They were beseeching. “Because I owe you the truth, and I want to make things right with you. I’ve lost my son and my husband… I get so lonely. And honestly, Elliot, I miss you. I wish you wouldn’t stay away like you do.”

My emotions raged. Hurt, bitterness, rage, and confusion. They all battled for dominance, and I wanted to lash out at Jane. But did she really deserve that? Like I said, I’d always understood her anger and pain.

“I…” I swallowed. “I need to go.” I got up so fast that my chair scraped against the hardwood and almost toppled over. Breaking down in front of anyone just wouldn’t work for me. I had to get out of that house.

“Elliot, wait.” Jane jumped up and took off after me as I stormed out of the dining room. “I’m sorry. Can we talk?”

I whipped around to glower at her. “I need some time.”

She pulled in a deep breath and nodded.

Turning back around, I made my escape, desperate to be far away from my childhood home.

23

RUBY

Islouched on my couch with a blanket cocooning me. It was the comfort that I desperately needed. What I would have liked was to be wrapped in Elliot’s arms instead. That’s what I had envisioned when we connected on another level during our fake wedding trip.

Not that I had any delusions about us becoming a serious couple… Elliot didn’t date. That made it glaringly obvious that he wasn’t interested in commitment. I wasn’t either. At least, the idea hadn’t been on my list of priorities before. Now, I wondered what it would be like to have that special someone in my life who would love and support me no matter what.

Someone who would kiss me and wrap me in an embrace after a rough day like the one I’d had today. Sighing, I stared at the TV. I’d never felt this lonely. A few days with Elliot and suddenly, I craved company and an intimate connection—things I’d never worried about before.

The sounds from the Telenovela I was watching filtered back in. I’d zoned out of the drama when thoughts of Elliot seeped in. That happened a lot today. Spacing out so often had done me no favors with Caroline, but I couldn’t help it. After I’d walked out of Elliot’s office, my mind had been in an emotional haze.

One of my favorite characters appeared on screen and for a moment, I stopped thinking about what happened with Elliot earlier. I watched and listened to the storyline I’d been invested in for a few weeks.

The character, Sofia, and I had a lot in common. She was in love with an emotionally unavailable man too. “Oh, just give it up, Sofia,” I scoffed, waving angrily at the TV. “He’ll never love you. He probably doesn’t even trust you.”

Just like Elliot didn’t trust me. Another NDA.Seriously? After what we’d shared?

I glowered at the TV. “Sofia, don’t be such a fool.” Don’t be like me, falling for my contract-husband.Idiot!

Shaking my head, I reached for my bag of chips as I became embroiled in the show. Rapid-fire Spanish filled my apartment. I knew enough of the language to follow even without the caption. At least the fictional drama distracted me from my hurt. I grabbed a handful of chips and shoved it into my mouth.

“Great. I’m stress eating again,” I mumbled.

A knock on my door made me jump. I frowned because I wasn’t expecting anyone. Maybe it was Megan dropping by to say hi. Unfortunately, I couldn’t vent to her or anyone because of the stupid NDA. I had to suffer in silence.

---