“Our parents don’t support Addie’s career, and for that reason, I will no longer be supporting them,” Shaun said. “I love my wife, and I will do everything in my power to show her how much I love her, and if that means I’ve got to fight my parents, I will.”
Several more questions were fired at them, and then the audience was given the chance to ask them questions.
“There was no sign of you when you the news was leaked. Where were you both?”
Addison smiled. “I was on my honeymoon. We were in England, and were going to Italy before we had to come back for work.”
“I’m so sorry you had to deal with this.”
“It’s all work, right?” Shaun said. “We can all handle work.”
The interview lasted another few minutes, and when they were close to calling it a wrap, Addison rested her head on her husband’s arm. She really did love him.
****
Shaun had left Addie at her apartment, and had some security placed around her building to keep her safe. He’d arranged for both of their parents to be present at Addie’s parents’ house. This was going to end once and for all, and he was going to make sure they never interfered with their life again.
Parking his car outside of the main house, he didn’t even bother locking his door, nor did he bother knocking. Going straight toward the main sitting room, he saw all four people who had tried to make his and Addie’s life miserable.
“That was an interesting interview, Shaun.”
He reached into his jacket, and pulled out the documents that Bruce had sent over to him. They were from his lawyer who had gone through the binding business contract.
“I know it was you who made sure the world knew the truth about my relationship with Addie,” he said. “It was a big mistake.”
“Son,” his father said.
“No. I’m done, and so are you four.” He handed the document to Addie’s father, who opened it up, and started reading the highlighted document. Shaun had made sure that his lawyer highlighted what he needed.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
“When we were talking about a joint corporation, I had my lawyer make sure that you or my father could not try to take it away from me. I am the main boss, I own the entire corporation, and I also handle your lifestyle. You are earning nothing, and haven’t been for a long time.” Shaun laughed. “You know, when we started talking about our two families coming together, and having a dominant business, I thought it was a ridiculous idea. It wasn’t, but I also made sure that no matter what, you two couldn’t take it away from me, or from Addie.” He turned toward his mother. “What you did, it broke multiple terms of our agreement, and congratulations, the money they paid you for your story, will now be your retirement fund. Addie and I, we’re going to be happy without you, and you’re not going to ever get the chance to hurt us again.”
“You little shit. Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?” his mother said.
“I’m talking to four strangers. You’re all strangers. Parents are supposed to love their children, but you guys don’t love me or Addie. We’ve found love with each other, and that is the way it is going to stay.”
“You’re going to ruin us?” his father asked.
“You ruined yourselves when greed got the better of you.”
“I will make sure the whole world knows what you’ve done.”
“Go ahead. Tell all what an evil mother you were, how you refused to have more children because of your figure. Why don’t you tell my father how every time his back was turned, you told me I was a waste of space, and I ruined your life? Tell the whole world what an unfeeling bitch you are. While you’re doing that, I’ll be with my wife, surrounded by the love none of you could give me.” Shaun burst out laughing. “I won. I really did win the moment Addie agreed to be mine.”
Once he started laughing, he couldn’t stop. Walking toward the door, he was still laughing when he arrived back at her home. He waved to the press, and made his way inside to find Addie in the kitchen, baking.
Folding his arms across his chest, he raised a brow. She had baked over twenty-four muffins, a batch of cookies, and he saw one pan of brownies.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Baking helps to relax me, and when I’m stressed, this is what I do.” She looked toward him, and he saw some flour on her cheek and forehead. Her blonde hair was pulled away from her face, and she just looked so damn beautiful.
“I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“Tell me what happened,” she said.
“Our family is no longer going to hurt us. They won’t have the power to do it.” He told her what he’d done, and Addie bit her lip.