Chasing the Shrew

Battle of Nerves

Chris leaped into action as soon as he heard Amelia scream. He rushed in and stood between Amelia and Dustin. Dustin’s outstretched hand was nudged away by Chris’ bulky body.

“Chris, move out of the way.”

Chris shook his head, “No can do. I heard Amelia scream so I can’t leave her alone with you. You need to leave, now.”

Dustin looked down at Amelia who was noticeably trembling. He clicked his tongue in frustration, “This is not over. Next time I come, it will be with a lawyer.”

He walked out of the kitchen and the front door. Amelia hurried after him mumbling, “I can’t let my children out of my sight!!”

She ran to the front and scanned the front yard for her children. They were still playing and Dustin was nowhere in sight. She ran to them and hugged them close. Her babies… her precious children.

Dustin looked from his car. Amelia was on the floor squeezing the children to her breast, the distress was evident in her face. His heart clenched but he reasoned it away. He imagined them as a family of four together on a picnic and he smiled. Would he truly keep Amelia as a mistress? Possibly for a few months just to tame her fiery spirit but afterward, he intended to marry her again. He was cold, yes, but he was not cruel. For the sake of the children, he will take her back. He turned back to face the road, his path forward was clear.

***

Chris watched Amelia from inside the house. He rubbed the back of his head in frustration. The woman he was pursuing was his ex-cousin-in-law. Somehow that seemed wrong on many levels. Dustin was possessive and cold; if he wanted something he would get it and had the resources to do so. Fighting against him would be a pain in the ass.

Chris sighed deeply and hung his head. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Hello, darling! You miss your dear mom?”, a pleasant voice rang clear.

“Mom, do you remember Amelia from the orphanage?”

“Oh, yes! The single mother of those two angels? What about her?”

Chris lowered his voice and looked around, “Mom, I want to pursue her… but her situation is… difficult to deal with but I still want to be with her. What should I do?”

There was a long pause, “Son, do you love her or is this just a passing fancy? Amelia is a good girl. When I volunteered with her I learned of her past, though she did not go into detail, I know she suffered. If you truly love her and want to marry her, mom will help you; but if you are fooling around then stop right now before I disown you.”

Chris chuckled, his mother was from a wealthy family but she grew up with a sense of justice and lived a humble life. His father fell in love with this eccentric woman and they had been happily married for decades. She was the one who forced Chris to volunteer at least once a year. Even though he was busy with the family business he relented to make his mother happy.

Chris wanted to be in a relationship like his parents and he could imagine that future with Amelia and her children. He hid his identity to get to know her true self. Over time he realized she was not the shallow type of woman and liked her even more. But now he is afraid to reveal his identity… not only was he a billionaire but also Dustin’s cousin.

“Mom, do you know who Amelia’s ex-husband is?”

“No, some schmuck…”

“It’s Dustin.”

“Dustin? Dustin Roger?! Oh, son… this complicates things.”

Chris ruffled his hair in frustration, “I know, Mom! What should I do?”

His mom paused for a long time, “Just go for it. Dustin is far removed anyway. His mother and I are just cousins. If we don’t want to see them we will avoid my maternal home events. I don’t like Gloria after Helen died. It’s like they flipped personalities…”

Chris sighed, “This is going to be an ugly fight. You know how those Rogers are. Will you and Dad support me?”

“Honey, I am behind you. Leave your dad to me.”

Chris said goodbye and hung up. He walked out into the sun. It’s time to come clean and reveal his identity. Amelia would need powerful allies if she were to fight Dustin for custody.

***

Dustin drove to the office his mind racing. Based on Amelia’s reactions he was 100% sure those were his children.

Plural!! He had children of his own!

He was ecstatic but wasn’t sure why. While he tried to sort out his feelings his phone rang. His car panel flashed “Mother”; he sighed.

“Hello Mother,” he answered briskly.

“Dustin darling! Do you have time tonight? We have some dinner guests and I want you to be there.”

“Mother, if this is another attempt to set me up with a woman, I will cut you off right here. I am not interested. I will marry someone of my choosing.”

Gloria huffed on the line, “You silly boy, after that fiasco six years ago you still trust your judgment? Trust me! You will love this one. She is everything you would ever want in a woman. Just come home and take a look. If she strikes your fancy then proceed, if not, I won’t push.”

Dustin sighed, he got his stubborn nature from his mother so he knew when to give up, “I will be home for dinner.”

Gloria chuckled, “Wonderful! See you at six, my dear!”

She hung up the phone and dialed another number.

“Gregory, darling! The dinner is on. Yes bring Fiona and tell her to dress up. Dustin is sure to fall in love at first sight!”

Gloria hung up the phone with a soft smile gracing her face. Everything was falling into place. She walked out of the bedroom and went to the salon to prepare herself for the evening.

***

Chris walked up to Amelia clearing his throat. Amelia looked up with teary eyes and it broke his heart. He held back the urge to hug her.

“Amelia, I am sorry but I overheard your conversation with Dustin. Can I… talk to you about it later? I think I can help,” he trailed off after noticing the children were listening.

Amelia sniffed and hugged her children, “Yes, let’s go for coffee instead of dinner. I will drop the kids off at home, DS or Mary can look after them for a couple of hours.”

Chris offered to drive them home as Amelia was distressed. He helped load the kids in their car seats before he took the driver’s seat. The kids were sensible and noticed something was wrong with their mother so they sat quietly observing her. Amelia tried her best to act normal but her strained smile and red eyes gave her away immediately. No one said anything about it.

The drive home was quick and quiet. When Amelia got off to take the kids in the house, Chris stayed in the car stating he needed to do something quick for work. He texted his assistant to send someone over to drive his car back to his apartment and texted his mom.

I am going to come clean… wish me luck, Mom…

A couple of seconds later he received a reply: Finally… good luck son! (Kisskiss)

Chris took a deep breath and waited patiently in the car. If all goes well, his dream life is about to begin if not he is about to set hell loose on himself.

He looked at the front door; his fingers tapping the steering wheel at a nerve-racking tempo.