Chapter 80 The Illusion
The heavy oak door behind him slammed shut with a thud that matched the anger in Carsons chest as he rushed into his study.
He stood in the dark late-afternoon darkness the rooms shadows encircling him without turning on the lights. He couldn't get Annabel in Troy's arms out of his head.
The sight of them together had sparked a chilly all-consuming rage that he hadnt experienced in years. It knocked softly and the door slowly opened. It was Bridget.
She no longer had the victorious grin on her face. Now a mask of fake concern covered her face. She said “Carson darling? Are you alright?” in a gentle and kind tone.
He didn't respond. He simply turned away from her and gazed out the window. Closing the door behind her she walked silently across the thick Persian rug to him.
“I knew this would happen” she muttered.
Carson turned his eyes cold and dark. “What is it Bridget? Your ridiculous attempt to create drama where none existed? Your lies?”
Fake surprise filled Bridget's eyes.
“Carson I told the truth. I personally saw them. I could see how he was holding her. She is merely a cheap toy.”
The remarks struck him squarely in the pride. Despite knowing that Annabel was unique he still fell in love with her. In his gilded cage he had thought he could keep her safe and secure.
However he appeared to be unable to conceal his own secrets from her at this time
“What do you know about her Bridget?”He said in a low menacing voice. “Since you haven't been around for years what do you know? You went without saying anything and now you return and demand that nothing has changed?”
When Bridget's façade broke down real anger flashed in her eyes.
“Carson I returned to get you. I returned so we could spend time together. I returned to take back what was rightfully mine.” She moved in closer and touched his arm. “We were destined to be together. We have always been. Its true you know that. We're just here. We are a wonderful fit.”
There was a sharp crack in the quiet room as he slapped her hand away. With a low growl he said “Don't touch me. Bridget I don't love you. I haven't ever. Additionally I never will. “
Bridget's face whitened. Her lips were parted in surprise as she gazed at him. She trembled as she whispered “What did you say?”
“I said I don't love you” he repeated in a flat icy tone. “I thought that I had once. I was naive and young. I came to see that my feelings for you were merely a stupid infatuation. It wasn't love. Love was never there.”
As he watched her he felt a mixture of frustration and sympathy. He recalled the times when she used to look at him and how her laughter filled the entire room.
Although it was a lovely memory it remained just that—a memory. After she left he spent years attempting to reassemble his life but now she was back and attempting to destroy it all once more.
Bridget accused “You're just jealous of Annabel” her voice rising in desperation. “You're upset about how different she is. that she is not accepted. Sure Carson. I fit in. We can return to the original state of affairs. Your mum would like it. We will make the ideal pair.”
“My mother's approval doesn't matter to me” Carson stated firmly. “I don't give a damn about your familys opinion. I am now independent. I am in charge of my own choices.”
His eyes slightly softened as he gazed at her. “You must understand Bridget. Our last possession was a long time ago. We were little. Both of us have changed.”
Mascara streaked down Bridgets pale cheeks as her tears started to fall freely. She sobbed “No we haven't. Carson I still love you. Never once did I stop. I left you which was a mistake. I felt afraid. However I returned again. I returned to get you.”
She moved in his direction while holding her hands together in front of her. “Just give me a chance. Let me show you that I am capable of becoming the woman you desire.”
The girl in front of Carson was a stranger but his heart ached for the one he had once loved. She was ruthless and deceptive. She didn't respect him his house or Annabel.
Reclaiming a past that no longer existed was all that she was interested in. He was aware that he had to leave. He was not going to.
With Annabel he had discovered something authentic pure and real. Although he knew deep down that he needed to make amends he had made a mess of it.
“I'm sorry Bridget” he said quietly. “I am not able to. I just… I am unable to.”
A look of anger twisted Bridgets face. In a poisonous voice she spat “It's her, isn't it?. That young maid. I'll make you regret this Carson she's ruined everything. She will regret this I promise. You'll see”
Carson growled low in his voice “Don't you dare” he said. “Under no circumstances should you ever threaten Annabel again. Are you understanding me?”
Bridget recoiled at the unadulterated rage in his voice. He was the most protective of anyone she had ever seen. She felt afraid because of the fierce conviction-filled look in his eyes.
She felt as though she had been physically struck by the situations reality. He was no longer with her. She was permanently without him.
Bridget’s eyes filled with tears. She shook her head “You’re lying. You're just upset which is why you're saying that. That is the reason you are upset. That girl. I can help you forget about her though. I can restore everything to its previous state.”
With her hand extended she stepped in his direction. Just give me a chance.
“No” he said commandingly. He moved away from them by taking a step back. “I'd rather not return to the previous state of affairs. I have changed from the person I was before. And you're not the woman I believed you to be.”
He walked to the door and opened it the sudden light of the corridor cutting through the darkness.
“Please Bridget” he said with a tired finality in his voice. “Just let me be.”