Chapter 6
When Veronica woke up the next day, she was surprised to find that the other side of her bed was empty. When she spread her fingers over that side of the sheet, it was cold. She thought she had sensed Frank sleeping beside her at night, but now she wondered if she was mistaken. He might have just tucked her into bed and then gone to sleep in his own room…but why would he do that?
Veronica sat up in bed and stretched her arms, enjoying the warmth of the sun pouring in through the windows. For a few minutes she forgot that she had things to worry about. But soon enough, she remembered the previous night all too clearly. Calvin had proposed to her, she came rushing back to the Davenport mansion and then slept with Frank.
Veronica pressed her temples with her thumbs, trying to stop the dull ache that was arising. How had she let that happen? How had she allowed herself to fall into Frank’s arms so soon after Calvin proposed? She had made up her mind to spend the night by herself, thinking over things. All her resolve had melted away the moment she set eyes on Frank.
She shook her head, trying to get the raging thoughts in her head to settle. She could still hear Calvin’s voice ringing in her ears. He had told her that her place was in his house, on his bed and that he wanted to wake up every morning with her by his side. She gulped as she thought about that. They had spent so many years together. They had a strong history, their lives were wound up together…he certainly had a point when he said that her place was in his home.
Then she also remembered that he had pointed out how that was what her parents would want. He was right about that too, wasn’t he? More than anything else, that was what her parents were most happy with about her. That she had a handsome successful boyfriend, and they had high hopes that one day they would get married and live in a big comfortable house and start a family.
She didn’t even want to imagine what her parents would say if they found out about Frank. They definitely wouldn’t be thrilled. The prospect of being with an older man, who already has two children would not be something that they wanted for their daughter. Especially her father. No matter how successful or rich Frank was, they would always assume that Frank was with her only for her body and her young age.
Besides, Veronica didn’t even know for certain if he wanted to marry again. What if Frank was done with marriage and never asked her for her hand? She wasn’t sure if she wanted to spend the rest of her life just as somebody’s girlfriend. Despite how much she loved the girls, Ashley and Kaitlyn, she also still wanted her own children. What if Frank didn’t want any more kids?
Veronica slid her legs off the bed and stood up, swaying a little on her feet. She could still feel the sensitive spot between her thighs throbbing, where Frank had driven into her with much force the previous night. At least, that wasn’t a dream, she thought and smiled.
Then the guilt came flooding in, all over again. Calvin had truly changed his ways. He had taken all her complaints and tried to make a positive change in his life and a positive change in their relationship. And how had she rewarded him? By cheating on him, and avoiding seeing him as much as possible.
Veronica stepped into the bathroom and splashed some hot water on her face and began brushing her teeth. Despite all the thoughts in her head, she still had a day to get on with. She realized that she had overslept, so she wouldn’t have the time to go for a run this morning. She still had a breakfast to prepare nonetheless, and get the girls up and ready for school.
She stared at herself in the mirror for some moments longer than necessary. She still hadn’t come to a final decision about what she was going to do, but she knew, deep in her heart that she was leaning towards Calvin. Towards giving him another chance, towards saying yes. Frank had said that he would respect whatever decision she made…but every time she thought of Frank, about ending it with him, she felt her heart break a little. What would her life look like without him in it? For the past four weeks, her life had revolved entirely around him, his home and his children. She was happy here, she wanted for nothing.
She knew she was falling in love with Frank too, it had transcended sex. It wasn’t just lust any more, it was more than that. Like he said, they connected on an emotional level. The sex the previous night for instance, blew her mind…but saying yes to Calvin was the right thing to do. The right way forward.
Marrying Calvin would give her the stability in life she needed, and also keep her parents happy. It was the right decision for the future of her life. Perhaps in the long run, she would be happier if she spent her life with Calvin…and perhaps Frank could not give her more than what he was already giving her.
Veronica took a quick shower, changed into a pair of tight slim jeans that accentuated all her curves, and a floral blouse; before stepping out of her room to go downstairs and prepare breakfast. The grandfather clock on the landing told her that it was time for Frank to come back from his run. Which meant that it might give them an opportunity to talk in private before the girls woke up.