Rejection Runs Deep (The Canleigh Series, book 1: A chilling psychological family drama) by Carole Williams (uplifting novels TXT) 📕

“It’s Delia,” Vicky whispered, wringing her hands nervously.  “She’s got off.  What if he brings her here?”

Alex strode around the desk, pulled her up from her chair, and hugged her hard, stroking her hair, letting her perfume fill his senses while she cried.

“Oh, God, Alex.  I feel so bloody low and he’s going to humiliate me and grind me down even further.  I just know he is.”

Alex kissed her brow and smoothed the hair away from her face.  “You don’t have to stay here, Vicky.  Why don’t we book you into a hotel … give you a bit of breathing space … or you can come back to my flat.  You know you’re always welcome there.”

“You’re so kind, Alex,” Vicky sobbed.  “I don’t know what I’d do without you … but I can’t.  I must stay here … for now, at least.”

Alex raised her chin gently so that she had to look at him.  “Okay, if you’re sure but just remember you can always come to me if things get too bad.  Now, get your coat.  You need to get out of here for a while; breathe in some fresh air and clear your head.  It doesn’t look as if you’re achieving anything anyway,” he glanced at the pile of papers on the desk and then outside at the weather.  “The rain has stopped.  We’ll go into the park, have a long walk and then have lunch … and try and get everything into perspective.”

It had helped.  Alex was such good company and he truly cared for her wellbeing.  If she hadn’t been so emotionally drained she would have thoroughly enjoyed their morning.  The park was beautiful now the rain had freshened everything up.  Green shoots were appearing on the trees and shrubbery and early daffodils brightened up the borders and encircled trees.  After the earlier downpour, it was turning into a lovely spring morning and everyone in the park looked bright and happy now that the long, miserable, cold winter was nearly over.  It was a happiness Vicky wished she shared.

They wandered for a couple of hours, hardly speaking, although Alex linked her arm with his, which gave her more comfort than he would ever know.  It warmed her heart to know how much he cared.  What a lovely man he was.  Why, oh why hadn’t she fallen for him instead?

The sun was growing stronger as they left the park and strolled to the shops and businesses in Kensington High Street.

“I have an idea,” said Alex.  “Let’s have lunch on the river.  We can go down to the Thames and have lunch on a cruiser … watch the world go by as we eat.  Come on.  What do you say?”

His enthusiasm was infectious and Vicky actually grinned.  She had no desire to return to the club in a hurry.  “Okay.  Let’s.  It sounds lovely.”

It was lovely.  They took the tube down to Westminster and then a boat to Greenwich and back, a leisurely journey of a couple of hours with lunch included.  Vicky actually managed a bowl of hot cauliflower and broccoli soup and a freshly baked bread roll accompanied by two glasses of wine while they watched famous London landmarks slide past.  The tension began to fade and her spirits rose as Alex pointed out places of interest and made her laugh with his crazy comments.  It was with great reluctance that she left the boat but it was mid-afternoon, they had a business to run and had played truant long enough.

“Oh, heavens.  Barrie’s back,” she said, all her fears returning swiftly when they walked to the rear of the club to their private entrance.  His car was in the car park, streaked and grubby from flying motorway dirt.

“Will you be alright?” asked Alex anxiously, sad to see how Vicky’s tension returned so quickly.  “Would you like me to come up to the flat with you?”

“No,” she sighed.  “I’ve got to face him … them, maybe.”

“Okay.  But ring down if you need me,” Alex urged, watching her anxiously as she put her key in the door and entered the flat.

She nodded.  “Thank you so much for today, Alex.  It’s been a real treat.  I’ve enjoyed it so much.”

She left him.  His dear, kind face, looking so worried.  Why, oh why hadn’t she fallen for him instead of the rotten rat she had so stupidly married?  Her heart beat loudly as she walked up the stairs, abject terror of Barrie and what might be ahead of her, making her clench her hands tightly around her handbag.  She wanted to flee back downstairs but what would that achieve?  No.  She had to face him.  Somehow, she had to find the courage to confirm that she was going to go ahead with a divorce, whatever he might say or threaten.  She had no wish whatsoever to remain married to him any longer.  He had killed any love she had for him and she couldn’t bear to live with him for another minute.  And no, she wasn’t going to kill herself.  Why should she?  Alex had shown her today that life could be worth living … maybe with him at some point.  She was young, not bad looking and had a future and Barrie wasn’t going to rob her of that … and he wasn’t going to get any insurance money from her death.  She was determined on that.  She pulled herself upright, trying to boost her courage, determined not to show Barrie how scared of him she was.

Her courage and determination dissolved as soon as she entered the flat.  Parcels and packages were strewn all over the hall floor indicating that someone had been enjoying a wild spending spree.  Seconds later, Delia appeared at the doorway of the marital bedroom, wearing nothing but a see-through black negligee.

“Oh, Vicky, darling,” she purred, twirling around showing off the skimpy garment and reeking