I couldn't utter a word when I felt a sharp sting on my face. I was sure it would leave a mark. Her assistant gasped.
I swallowed and spoke calmly to CC, " I know what you think, but it is not true,"
" You disappoint me, Love. I thought you were better than this. You came back, took my grandson back to get engaged to that scourge, David Kofflin?!"
She was fuming and didn't hear a word I said to her.
" CC, calm down, please," My voice was gentle. I had so much respect for her.
" How could you do this, Love," she sighed deeply, touching her head in pain. I asked a servant to bring her some soothing tea. I took her to a salon. I sat across from her. She took a sip of her tea.
" Ellis regrets what he did. I saw him suffer for years while you were gone. He couldn't do anything but work," she said. I knew that Ellis went through a lot. He even became a drunk before he got clean. After that phase, he solely focused on expanding his company.
" It's unfair that you did this to him. I think he has earned your forgiveness," her voice was gentle.
" CC, I didn't betray Ellis. I went out with David to break up with him but he surprised me by taking me to his house and proposing," I started.
I told CC everything that happened and promised to make things right with Ellis.
" I apologize for slapping you without knowing the full truth, Love. I was hurt when I thought you only wanted to hurt Ellis," she said. I held her hand and gave her a small smile.
" I understand. You love your grandchildren and hate to see them suffer," I said.
" Thank you, dear. I hope you talk to Ellis. He was distraught in the morning," she said.
" Where is he now?" I asked.
" He went to the pack. He needed to blow off," she informed me. I nodded and escorted her to her car. She was about to enter the car when she stopped and looked back at me.
" Love, don't trust Darlington. She is such a drama Queen and an actress. She goes to the country club telling everyone about her failing heart, but we all know it's the attention she wants," CC said. Was Darlington putting on a show for me? To nudge me into accepting her son? CC caressed my jaw gently.
" You have such a kind heart, and I'm sure she used her sickness to push you to accept her penniless son," she muttered, and my eyebrows creased.
" Penniless son?" I asked.
" Didn't Ellis tell you what he found out about David?" she asked, stunned. I shook my head, and she shared a glance with her male assistant. CC was lost for words and smiled nervously. She was never one to be nervous.
" CC, tell me what's going on with David," I said sternly. From what I knew, the Kofflin were affluent.
" Well, dear. It's not my place, but I don't trust that family. They are in a pickle, especially that firstborn son of theirs. Let's just say he has some bad habits," that's all she said, and refused to tell me more. She entered the car, and I watched as they drove away. I was left dumbfounded, her words resonating within me.
If Ellis knew something about David, why didn't he tell me anything? He mentioned once to me that he was having him investigated. Why didn't Ellis tell me the truth about his findings?
' Because he loves you, and he thought it didn't matter.'
I didn't mind that David had no money, but why did he lie? And what did she mean by bad habits? Maybe CC was wrong.
' Has CC ever lied or been wrong about anything?' Vee asked.
I only sighed once I saw Luis come from the house. He touched my cheek and frowned.
" I'm sorry I wasn't there to defend you from CC," he said. I only smiled faintly at him.
" You couldn't even if you tried," I chuckled.
" Oh, honey. I don't fucking joke about you. I would defy anyone for you," he said. I appreciated his friendship so much, and I was thankful to him all the days of my life. He had no idea how much he saved my life.
" She's your future wife's grandmother," I sighed as we went to the car. I saw the beginning of a smile on his face.
"Yeah," I gasped when he agreed with me. I thought he'd keep it modest and fight me on my statement a little.
" You slept at her house, didn't you," I eyed him, and he smiled. A full-blown smile that let his dimples show. I couldn't help but smile, too.
" She's heaven, Love. Sweet heaven and I want her,"
I was happy he was embracing his new feelings for Zeyneb. They were perfect for each other.
" Where to?" he asked as he started the car.
" I need to return a ring," I said. I should have done it last night. I called David's assistant and lied to him, telling him I had a surprise for him. He told me his location. David was at the country club.
" Westwood Country Club,"
" Right in the playground of socialites," Luis smirked. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes.
" Just what I was hoping for. I need to put David in his place," I said as he started to drive.