152 Denise’s Past Mistake

“Where did Fred know Denise from?

“Were they best friends or lovers in the past?

“Did Fred sleep with... Oh no! Oh, God! This can’t be happening today of all days.

“Am I about to be slapped with a scary revelation?

Tom almost lost his nerves at his brother’s last statement. His eyes darkened and anger sipped through his vein as so many questions bombarded his head for answers.

“Nice to meet you too,” Denise said curtly and turned her attention to others. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all! Kindly excuse us.”

Denise could feel Tom’s anger and this troubled her. So she decided to leave Tom’s brothers in other to chat with him in private. Although she appeared cheerful and excited on the outside, she was a complete mess on the inside.

“Shit! This is going to be ugly for Tom, if I don’t quickly disclose the history between Fred and me, now.”

Denise’s heartbeat was thumping erratically as Tom led her away from his inquisitive brothers towards a private location at the mansion

.....

When they were far away from Tom’s eagle eyes brothers and any other eavesdroppers, Tom stopped Denise and made her face him.

It broke Denise’s heart to see the hurt and defeat in Tom’s eyes.

“Sweetheart, don’t let Fred ruin our moments together.” Denise gazed lovingly into his eyes. “I don’t want you looking like this when we meet your dad.”

“Did you sleep with Fred?” Tom voiced out the one question that had been tormenting him for the past few seconds.

When Denise broke eye contact with him and looked down, Tom felt his whole world trembling vigorously. He didn’t need her to say anything further. The guilt was written all over her face.

“Remember, I told you about my awkward night adventure when my ex broke my heart.” Denise’s eyes shimmered with imminent tears.

“Yes!” Tom lifted her chin up and almost had a heart attack when he saw her watery eyes. “Babe, if it hurts that much, you don’t have to say it.”

“Yes, I have to,” Denise sniffed while speaking with a broken voice. “Your brother was the man I had a one-night stand with.” She sniffed more and dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.

“Oh, sweetheart!” Tom wanted to hug her but she instinctively stopped him.

“I will understand if you don’t want me around your family.” Denise stared into his hurt eyes. “I guess I don’t deserve your love or anyone’s love for that matter.” Denise started crying.

“Oh, baby! Come here!” Tom forced her into his arms and soothed her until she was calm. He lifted her face and kisses her until they were both breathless.

“I love so much you, Denise Walter.” Tom gazed into her eyes tenderly. “I love you, whether good or bad. I love you more than the very air I breathe. The thought of you keeps me warm at night and makes my day full of hope and beauty. I can never imagine a world without you in it.”

He placed her right hand on his chest and said; “can you feel this? This is my heart beating for you. Only you can make it continue beating or stop. I love you.”

historical

Tom gently wiped the tears escaping her eyes with his thumb and kissed her forehead.

“I love you more, Tom.” Denise wrapped her hands around his neck and hugged him tightly as if her life depended on it. “Thanks for loving me back, even with my mistakes. You mean the whole world to me too.”

Tom showered her head with kisses and spoke with a determined expression. “This is the last time I would allow Fred’s words or actions to affect me. I am grateful that I have the one thing that he can never have, which is you.”

“Huh! How do you mean?” Denise’s curious antenna started beeping. She pulled herself free from Tom’s embrace and stared quizzically at him.

“My curious baby is back,” Tom chuckled. “Well, I think you are the lady that stole my brother’s heart away.”

“Me?! How?” Denise’s eyes shone in bewilderment.

“Hahaha!” Tom laughed harder due to Denise’s cute and animated posture. “Babe, you are cracking up my ribs.” Tom wiped the happy tears from his eyes with the back of his hand.

“Come on Tom, be serious!” Denise pouted. “I really want to know.”

“Okay, love, I’ll be serious.” He gently led Denise back to the entrance of the mansion.

“Fred talked about a heartbroken one-night stand he slept with and surprisingly fell in love with. Unfortunately for him, she was gone by the next morning. He only knew your first name and nothing more. He searched relentlessly for you until he finally gave up and assume you never existed.”

“Hmm...” Denise nodded her head thoughtfully and mischievously “This is a nice piece of information. Get ready for excessive love and attention from me. Fred is going to pass out from jealousy when I’m done with you.”

“Nice!” Tom clasped his hand and rubbed his palm together.

“Tom, hold on!” Denise quickly cleaned the little lipstick stain on Tom’s lips before they both strolled into the mansion.

Inside the mansion, they were greeted by more friends and relatives. Tom happily and proudly introduced Denise as his girlfriend to the admiration of everyone present.

“Where is Dad?” Tom asked after a few minutes of chatting and laughing.

“I am right behind you son!” Greg’s deep voice startled Denise.

“Dad, quit playing those games!” Tom chuckled and walked over to his dad. He hugged him and beckoned on Denise to come closer.

“Wow! My son has finally brought home an angel” Greg smiled.

“Yes! You can say that again.” Tom took Denise’s right hand and kissed it. “Dad, I want you to meet my priceless girlfriend, Denise Walter.”

“What a beautiful name for a beautiful angel!” Greg smiled genuinely and hugged her like a father. “You are welcome to my home.”

“Thank you, sir,” Denise said in her cutest voice.

“You can drop the formality,” Greg said curtly. ” Just call me dad.”

“Okay, dad,” Denise beamed.

“Tom,” Greg gently tapped him on the shoulder. “You brought home the right one. So, with your permission, Denise will be seated beside me all through the dinner.

“Thanks, Dad!” Tom grinned. “You can have her, as long as you return her after dinner.”

“Denise, why don’t you bond with other family members while I have a brief chat with Tom,” Greg said in a polite but authoritative tone.

“Okay, Dad,” Denise replied and left Tom’s presence.

As Denise was about to enter the sitting room, Fred blocked her path.