Randomly dedicated to janvipatel285 & shikhashar

Let me just say that I never imagined that I would be writing a chapter Twenty for this book.
I never expected things to take off like this. Thank you a million for reading!
- Niya

***

Cecil: Why haven't you been answering my calls Jeremy?
Jeremy: I've already told you. We're done. I made a big mistake with you.
Cecil: What? Wifey find out about our little secret? Are you seriously willing to bail on what we have?
Jeremy: Yes. We slept together a few times that's it. I wasn't thinking straight back then.
Cecil: Must I remind you of all the fun we had together? I did the things your wife wouldn't...
Jeremy: Grace did everything she had to -
Cecil: Oh please! You're only saying that because you got caught. So what if she knows? Nothing's wrong with a little you time.
Jeremy: No. I mean it. Whatever we had is over. Don't call me. Don't text me. I'm sorry I messed with your feelings, but I'm not continuing this game we've been playing.
Cecil: Babe? Come on. Don't do this. I don't want to lose you.
Jeremy: Cecil I mean it. Every word. I want absolutely nothing to do with you. The past stays were it is. Move on. It's that simple.
Cecil: We'll see about that. Men like you always come running back. I'll be waiting.
Jeremy: You'll be waiting for a long time then.

One week later...

Grace's P.O.V

"It seems to me that you feel quite powerful when you intimidate your wife Jeremey. How do you think that makes her feel?"

I glanced across at my husband waiting for him to answer Mrs. Paul's question.

"Horrible and I'm sorry for that," he answered and met my eyes.

"Grace what would you like to see change about your husband?"

Holding Jeremy's gaze, I cleared my throat and spoke,

"I'd like him to stop blaming his actions on his father and what happen when he was younger. He's still responsible for his actions. I want him to actually start listening before he jumps into a rage. I just want the abuse to stop. The physical, emotional and verbal attacks need to end -"

"I'm trying Grace. Tell me that you see that," Jeremy cut in.

"I do see it and I appreciate that,"

Mrs. Paul turned to Jeremy.

"What do you hope to gain in these sessions Jeremey?"

"Her trust. I need her to know that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to have her back in my life. It took me awhile to get it right, but I love her and I'll never stop,"

Mrs. Paul scribbled something down in her book. Then she turned to me again.

"Are you willing to work things out Grace? I can't imagine what you've been through, but I have seen worse than this. Jeremy is willing to change, but can you see past your pain to try again?

"I don't know. I'm torn between leaving and staying. I love my husband, but I hate what he's allowed to happen to us,"

"I'm sure he regrets it too, but you'll have to learn to forgive him if things are to work. His effort will be in vain if you never let go of the pain he's caused you," Mrs. Paul said to me.

I didn't respond. I wasn't really ready to let things go. This lady had no idea what she was asking of me.

"Alright you two. I'll see you both next week at 4pm. Thanks for coming,"

Jeremy stood and I followed suit. Giving Mrs. Paul a small smile, I followed my husband outside.

"Thanks for coming," he said stopping to watch me.

"I'm glad you decided to start seeing a counselor. I know it must have been hard opening up about certain things,"

"It's been painful. There are things I would rather not speak about, but avoiding my wounds have done nothing, but create new ones,"

I nodded in response as I thought about some of the things he'd confined in me over the years. I know he's been through a lot. We've both been through a lot.

"Would you like to grab something to eat with me?" he asked suddenly, dark eyes heavy upon me.

We were standing outside the office by now, the wind trying to snatch the clothes off our bodies. I was a bit hesitant to answer Jeremy. I didn't really want to spend too much time with him. I needed to figure things out alone without too much of his influence.

"It's okay if you don't want to Grace. I understand," he answered quickly.

I gave him a small smile and nodded.

"I'm actually not that hungry at the moment. Maybe some other time..."

Jeremy's mouth formed a small pout, but he nodded his understanding.

"I shouldn't have asked. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable,"

I nodded and shifted the weight of my bag unto my other shoulder.

It felt weird talking to him again. I even had to remind myself that I knew this man. He was my husband after all.

"You alright Nibbles?" he asked and I instantly smiled.

"You haven't called me that in a while," I said quietly.

"I know. I've haven't been giving you the attention you deserved for some time now. Come grab a bite with me. I want to start making things up to you,"

Jeremy took a step towards me and slowly reached for my hand. I let him hold it as he lead me across the street to a diner.

What's the worst that could happen?