The Austin Arrangement novel Chapter 33

Given that I'm the wife of Jeremy Austin,I was immediately seen to at the hospital.Now a couple of hours later I was sat in my private room with The Austin Men,and there was tension in the air.My head was messed up after the fall-a couple of stitches at the hairline but I'll live!

Yesterday after the Ballet I felt as though life was coming together for me,but it didn't take long before i felt like things were falling apart. NOW MY LIFE IS A MESS!! But at least it can't get any worse than this.

"What the hell happened?"Tom fumed, and looked across at his son for an answer. It was obvious that Jeremy was already on the defence. He always is with his Father.

"She tripped on the stairs and fell,I've already told you this."Jeremy sighed, turning his back to us all and looked out the window.

"You're drunk,Son."Tom said,harshly.

"I can smell the Scotch on you and it was only after noon when you called me. Is this about what happened at the party last night?"

Jeremy turned around,his arms folded over the grey v-neck t-shirt that he was wearing. He obviously dressed in a hurry,considering I've never seen him in casual attire besides when he works out at the home Gym."I didn't push her if that's what you're implying. Of course you would think the worst of me."

"Last Night!!"Tom glared at him.

"That's enough!"I chimed in,hoping to shut both of them up."I tripped on the stairs and fell,that's all that happened. Now if you both wouldn't mind,I would really like some quite time. My head is pounding."

"Okay,Darling."Tom took my hand in his and smiled lightly."We'll see you in the morning when you're ready to be discharged."Tom looked up at his son, his expression not as hard as it was before."I'll wait for you down by the entrance."

"I'll take a car service.I need to talk to my wife alone."Jeremy looked over at me.

"Very well then. We can have this chat another time."He smiled at me again, before leaving the room alone.

Jeremy stood in the same arms crossed position. It was like he was thinking of his words before he spoke-or perhaps waiting for me to make the first move.

Jeremy looked over at me from where he stood."Are you okay?"

Does he care-I mean does he really care or is he just asking for the sake of it?"I'm fine-I just really want to be alone."

"Things got a little heated back at the house and they shouldn't have."He walked closer to my bed,standing by the edge and looking down on me."If I didn't follow you to the stairs this never would have happened."

"I'm fine,it was an accident. Like you said-it's not as if you pushed me or anything."He got me to the hospital safe and sound and didn't leave my side throughout, yet I couldn't help the rage that I was feeling towards him.

I turned my head in his direction."This all started with you hitting my friend, Was that because you were Jealous?"

"Yes!"He admitted,seeming surprised by his own answer."It made me wonder if Jeremy Austin has ever felt Jealously before now."Being with Alissa today,was my way of acting out against you. I was trying to hurt you."

He's succeeded!!

I rested my head back on the soft pillow with a sigh-and looked in the direction of the door. My head was sore and I had enough talking for one day."I need to rest,Jeremy. Can you leave- please."

"Right,Fine!"He sighed,before walking around the bed and towards the door. He opened it up and paused,not looking in my direction."I don't get scared,Vanessa-Not about anything. But today I was scared for you."

Wine at 11 in the morning! She's starting early-Even for an Austin!Given that Ava knows everything about the Arrangement now,that had me a little anxious.

I took a seat on the two seater couch that was across from hers,not too far away but not too close that she would notice how nervous I was about the topic that we were about to discuss. I knew the conversation was coming-but she didn't know that I knew.

"Does Jeremy know where you are?" She glanced up at me,as she popped the Cork on the expensive bottle of swirly red lettering and gold wrapper.

"I-Um-Well No.I didn't have my phone and I couldn't remember his number to call him. I'm fine,Jeremy won't be worrying about me."I reached across the space between us and took the wine glass from her hand,not intending to drink a sip.

Way too early for me!!

"Why would you say that?"She asked, as she rested back on the couch with one leg crossed over the other. I had shrugged my shoulders lightly in return,not knowing exactly how to answer that question."Is it because the marriage you have to my son is fake?"

Straight to the point-I knew it!

My heart was pounding in my chest and all I could think was.."Oh Shit,How am I going to get through this conversation alive?"In my mind I was so worried that Ava would have certain opinions about me because of all the secrets and lies.

I married her son for Money-She must hate me.

"I um-Well um.."Jesus Vanessa,Just say something. Like anything!

"It's fine,Darling. I know everything. I know that my husband made you an offer you couldn't refuse and he forced my son into this to better the business." Ava sighed,as she threaded her fingers through her hair of Grey and Blonde."Of all the years that I've spent with Thomas, he's never gone behind my back like this. I've kicked him out for a few days to teach him a lesson."