Page 250 of Champagne Nights

“It was one time,” she spoke in a shaky voice.

Normally when a man found out their fiancée cheated on them, he would be pissed off and full of rage. In my case, I’d never been so grateful for anything in my life.

“Kirsten, how could you?” my mother asked.

“It was one time, and I was drunk.” She stared at me. “You were so distant, and you made me feel like you didn’t want me anymore.”

I sighed as I rubbed my face.

“So that baby isn’t our grandchild?” my father asked with anger in his voice.

“No, Daddy. It’s not,” Addison said with a delightful tone and a wide grin on her face.

“Who’s baby is it?” I demanded to know.

“I don’t know his name. We met in a bar in Chicago when I went on that business trip. He bought me a drink, paid attention to me, and it just happened. I swear it’ll never happen again. I love you so much.” She pleaded as she grabbed my hand.

Jerking my hand away from her, I threw my napkin on the table and stood up.

“We are one hundred percent over.” I pointed at her. “I never want to see or talk to you again.”

She sat at the table and sobbed as both my parents stared at her with anger.

“You’re obviously not the woman we thought you were,” my mother spoke. “I think it’s best you leave. You are not welcome in our home anymore.”

Kirsten got up from her seat and looked at Addison.

“I hate you!” She pointed at her.

“Feelings mutual, bitch.” Addison smirked.

Kirsten ran out of the house as I stood there with my hands tucked tightly in my pants pockets.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” My father directed his anger to Addison.

“Just a little sister looking out for her older brother and his future.”

“The real question here is, who do you two think you are?” I pointed to my parents.

“Excuse me?” my mother said.

“What the hell are you talking about, son?”

“I’m talking about Ellie. I know what you did and what you told her,” I spoke through gritted teeth. “Do you have any idea how much you’ve hurt her and me?”

“You did that yourself by lying to her,” my mother said as she shifted in her seat. “I’ll do anything to protect this family and its reputation.

“And I’ll do anything to protect what’s mine,” I shouted as I walked out of the dining room and out of the house.

“Henry, wait,” Addison shouted as she ran after me.

Opening the door to the limo, I told her to get inside. Sliding next to her, I shut the door and took a deep breath.

“Thank you.” I grabbed her hand with a smile on my face.

“Don’t mention it. You’ve always had my back since the day I was born and now it’s my turn to have yours.”

“How did you find out?”

---