The Runaway MC Princess

Chapter 03

ANDY

The front lobby area appeared normal. An older officer manned the front desk, not Brea Kelly.

Curious.

Beyond the lobby, however, the station was completely transformed into something that belonged in a banquet hall.

The place was filled with flowers. Soft music played as you walked deeper into the precinct. Some desks still handled criminal complaints and processed people, but only a few staff were working. It didn’t seem like enough.

The woman led me further into the precinct. We seemed to be following the sound of laughter.

No one gave me a second glance. Just like in my marriage, I felt invisible. Officers I’d met before seemed to have forgotten me.

The strange woman, who I quickly learned was Brea Kelly’s mother, led me back to the detective offices.

"I'm so glad you came. Gideon had all the other detectives organize this incredible birthday surprise for my daughter."

I looked at her. "Oh really?" I wanted to scoff. Gideon forgot my birthday last year, and I doubt he even remembered it was coming up.

"Oh, he has been a blessing to us all." She sounded genuinely grateful. "He insists on keeping these things private, but we couldn't let the day pass without acknowledging everything he's done."

A cold feeling settled in my stomach. "Can I ask what he’s done for your family?"

She seemed surprised. "You don't know?"

I shook my head, my throat tightening as I waited for an answer I already knew I wouldn’t like.

She lowered her voice as though sharing something intimate. "When we relocated from the States to Canada, he purchased us property so we could ease into life here more easily."

“Oh?” was all I could manage.

"Yes, a lovely home big enough for my husband and me—and maybe some grandchildren once these two crazy lovebirds marry."

My throat closed further. "Marry?"

"Yes. Gideon hasn’t been shy about his love for our daughter. We imagine it’s only a matter of time before he pops the question." She smiled like it was the sweetest thing in the world. "He's also covered all of Brea's education fees and all expenses with her transfer to this precinct. She'll be able to keep working without financial pressure. He even helped her find an adorable condo not too far from here, to ease her commute to and from work. Even co-signed for the mortgage loan."

I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Gideon had done all of this for Brea.

I looked down at my Apple Watch to make sure it was still recording. I clicked on the app when I saw the decorations. Something told me I wanted to record this conversation, and I was glad that I did.

"SO, how long have Gideon McCormick and Brea Kelly been dating?" It was a strange way to say it, but I wanted to clarify exactly who we were talking about regarding the infidelity.

"Oh, it probably only took them a few weeks after her transfer here before they started seeing each other." She paused, thinking. “We were very surprised how quickly they got together, but he makes my Brea so happy.”

That explained the changes in him and why he’d been absent.

I forced myself to smile. "That's incredible to hear. Gideon always seems to be so busy with work; where does he find the time?"

"Busy? When he’s not working his shifts, he’s out with her, or at our place for family dinners." Her expression softened. "Brea is incredibly lucky. We couldn't be happier to have such a remarkable future son-in-law."

I looked across the room and spotted the banner with Brea’s name, wishing her a happy birthday.

Then Gideon’s office door opened, and the two of them stepped out, looking every bit guilty. Gideon fixed his belt while Brea Kelly wiped the corners of her mouth and smoothed her hair.

I stood there frozen as my husband smirked at the other officers as they walked by, his arm resting casually over Brea’s shoulders.

This was the man I’d shared a home with for three years, and now I watched him reach for Brea’s hand.

He looked at her with tenderness. His eyes softened, and he smiled at her in a way I’d never seen him smile at me.

I felt something break inside me.

The cheers grew, and I remained at the back. I pulled out my phone and hit record.

The police cheif raised his hands to calm the room before he spoke, and everyone smiled.

Brea's eyes shone with pure happiness and tears, while Gideon never looked away from her.

The police chief shared a few stories about the happy couple, and the room erupted in soft laughter.

Within seconds, the whole room was cheering while I stood there, heartbroken, watching my world quietly fall apart.

The celebration continued, and it was starting to become more of a couple's celebration for Gideon and Brea.

The group started chanting for them to ‘Kiss!’

Brea blushed as Gideon finally stepped toward her.

I watched him lean down.

Finally, something inside me went still. There was nothing left to see. I had just watched him choose her in front of everyone.

Why? That was the real question.

Why would they ask me to come here just to see this? It didn’t make sense, but either way, I’d seen enough.