Maya
We have court tomorrow, and I am freaking out. Yes, I am ready for it because it means getting rid of him, but I hate to admit it, but I am a little fearful to face him. I haven’t seen him in a while. Despite being much stronger than before, the trauma he caused me hasn’t completely healed. I am sure once I am finished with my testimony, I will be fine. I won’t be alone, which should make things a little easier.
Conrad is sound asleep. I did go to bed, slept for an hour and then woke up. My anxiety is preventing me from going back to sleep. I really hope the case doesn’t last too long. As quickly as possible, I want it over and done with. I don’t know if his idiot friends will be in the courtroom to support him. They are as bad as he is. I know his family won’t be there because he doesn’t have any. I believe that was one reason that helped us connect at the start, neither of us had family, but then he started showing his true colours and I got stuck.
I need to get through this and then we can all move on with our lives without worry. I sigh, heading to the kitchen and making some mint tea. It’s unlikely that I’ll get any more sleep tonight. If I woke Conrad up, he would sit up with me, but I want at least one of us to get some sleep. I will sneak back into bed at some point, and he won’t know any difference. He will worry too much if he finds out I am stressed and not sleeping.
I slip a blanket around me and head out to the balcony. It is cool, but not freezing. I hug my mug and take a sip. Everything is ready for tomorrow. Conrad is up before me tomorrow. He is more than ready to stand up in front of Callum and tell everyone the type of person he really is.
Resting my head back, I close my eyes. I am scared I mess it up tomorrow, especially when all eyes are on me, and I know for a fact that Callum will try his best to intimidate me while I speak. I would allow him to. My plan is to look him straight in the eye as I speak. He needs to see he has no hold over me any longer. I won’t share any weakness in front of him.
I try to push it all to the back of my mind and enjoy my tea. It works for all of ten seconds before the thoughts return. They aren’t going to disappear until it is over with. I need to look on the bright side of it all. Once it is finished, then we Callum will be gone, and Conrad and I can focus on our wedding.
“Excuse me, Miss Maya, why are you out here alone and not in bed, sleeping next to me?”
I didn’t even hear him coming out. I look up at him. He has his arms crossed over his chest and his brow raised. I can’t help but giggle at his reaction.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“Then you should have woken me up, angel.”
I shake my head. “One of us should get some sleep.”
“We either both get some or none of us. I will be back in a second.” He smiles.
I have no idea where he is going. I wait for him, and he returns a few minutes later with a mug in his hand. “Stand up.”
I nod, setting my blanket down and do as I am told. He sits down where I just was and pats his lap. I crawl into his lap. I rest my back against his front, and he drapes the blanket back over me and wraps his arm around me.
He nuzzles his face into my neck. “Are you nervous about tomorrow? I assume that is why you can’t sleep?”
“Yes. I am worried I will mess it up.” I answer honestly.
“You will be fine, sweetheart. You won’t be alone. And try not to let him get to you. I know that will be easier said than done, but you will do great.” He encourages, kissing my neck.
“I just want it all to be over with.”
“Me too, and it will be soon enough. We can forget he exists.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“After we drink our tea, we can go back inside. I have a surprise for you. I was going to wait until the case was over, but I think you need it now, my love.”
“A surprise? What kind of surprise?” I ask, tilting my head to look up at him.
He bops my nose. “You will find out once we head back inside.”
I pout, and he chuckles at me. He leans down, kissing me softly. My pout turns into a smile. We part after a moment. I finish my tea quicker than planned. I stand.
“I will take my surprise now.” I snicker.
I have no patience to wait for these things.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Fine, let’s go.”
I help him to his feet and lead us inside. He pointed me in the direction of the bedroom. I climb onto the bed and wait to see what it is. He grabs his cell and messes with it for a moment before he hands it to me.
I see an email and start to read through it. My eyes go wide.
“You have booked us a trip to Italy?” I beam.
He smiles brightly at me. “Yes. Two weeks. I thought we could look at some venues while we are there. But it is something we need too.”
I pounce on him, kissing all over his face. “You are amazing. I love you so much.”
“You are welcome, beautiful. I love you too.” He replies and hugs me tightly to his chest.
I bury my face in his neck. “You are so good to me.”
“You deserve it. I told you; you deserve the world and I plan to give it to you.” He replies and strokes my hair.
“As long as I have you, that is all I need.”
It will be amazing to see Italy. It also gives us a chance to see venues in person, rather than in photos or photos. I am sure we can find the perfect place.
“We just need to get this case over with, my love, and then we have the rest of our lives to focus on.”
“I can’t wait.” I smile.
It is something to look forward to. I can think of that tomorrow while I stand up in front of everyone to talk. It will be a wonderful distraction to keep my mind off all the people in the room staring and listening to me.
“We should try to get some sleep, Maya.”
“Yes, but I don’t know if I can.” I sigh.
“You can stay right here and hopefully it will take over.”
I lift my head to kiss him softly and snuggle back in. I am willing to try, but I won’t get my hopes up.