The Unwanted Bride: Claimed by the Billionaire - Chapter 95: Chapter 95

Cassie’s POV
My eyes became blurry again due to the fresh tears that welled up in them.
“What?” I said in disbelief. Voicing out my thoughts made the tears escape my eyes, and this time around, I didn’t bother wiping them off.
“I feel so honoured that you trust me enough to open up to me. I know how difficult it must have been for you. The situation is a very painful one. I’m not one to caution people on how to express their pain, but it breaks my heart to see you cry.”
Shawn circled both arms around my waist, holding onto me possessively. “I don’t want you to get sick again. Remember that you are still recovering.”
“And I know you heard me well. I have no idea what you were expecting, but I meant every word I said. I want to meet your Mom.” Shawn said.
I shook my head, still not believing my ears. “Why are you doing this?”
“You still don’t know why?” Shawn arched a brow at me.
“What did I do to deserve all of this? Isn’t this the part where you declare that you want nothing to do with me? Aren’t you disgusted after all I’ve said?”
“Why should I be disgusted because of your past? A situation you had no control over.”
“Because you are Shawn Elias.” I sniffled.
Shawn shook his head. “I’m human and most importantly, I’m your husband. I’m not perfect either, but I’ll be the best man I can for you.”
“The day I got married to you, you became mine. And no, I’m not just referring to your body. Your struggles became mine, as well as your past. Never would I be mad at you over something that wasn’t your fault.”
“I do not see you any differently either. You stayed even after you knew my past with my crazy exes. I’m not a saint either.”
“I would have left if you had let me,” I confessed.
For a second, Shawn released an arm from my waist and raised my chin with a finger so that I could look into his eyes. “I don’t know what’s going through your head, but if you are looking for excuses to make me leave you, then I am glad to let you know that you will fail at that.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of being around so many women, so I know a good one when I see her. There’s no way I’m going to lose to you!” Shawn said. Not only could I see the sincerity in his eyes, but his words felt as though he was warning me.
Shawn’s words melted my heart so much that I was almost in tears again. Since my mother died, no one has been this protective of me. This felt so sweet and so weird that I don’t even know how to react.
“I’m not a good woman. You don’t even know me that well.” I sniffled.
“My family and I are very gifted when it comes to reading people. So before letting someone into our lives, even without any background information, we already have an idea of who they are.”
“Weren’t you taken by surprise how my siblings warmed up to you so quickly?”
“True, but I thought they were just being polite.” I answered.
“I don’t care how you see yourself. I know what I want, and I’m not letting you go.”
Shawn reached for my hand, brought it to his lips and kissed the back of my palm. “I admire your bravery and your strength. You’ve been through so much, but here you are, standing tall above every situation and owning up to everything!”
“Please don’t ever think I did you a favour by bringing you into my life and into my home. You are with me at this moment because we are meant to be. Your mom didn’t lie when she said she would keep watching over you, and you will get a good husband. And I need to give her my word that I’m not going to let her down.” Shawn continued to stare at me as he caressed my hand.
“I’m sorry for all the times that I scolded you about not wanting to accept gifts from me or spend money. Now that you explained, I understand better. But please, you don’t have to feel guilty about living your life to the fullest.”
“I’m sure your Mom wants to see you happy. She wants to see you smile again, live your life and become your own woman. What happened in the past wasn’t your fault. And you are right, if I knew you then, I would have assisted.”
“As much as the past hurts, we cannot do anything to change it. Your mom sounds like a really cool person, and I wish I had the opportunity to meet her before she left.”
“But when we visit, I’m going to remember to thank her for birthing an amazing woman.”
“Leave the bastards who hurt you in the past to me. I will make sure they experience pain in ways that they never have.”
“I think the reason your mom wanted you to be obedient to Rhoda and her daughter was because you lived with them, and it was just you against them, but now that you have me, it’s time for them to have a taste of their own medicine.”
“I was thinking I would go alone with you to see your mom, but I’m changing my mind. If you want, we could have a mini celebration like a remembrance for her. My family and I will introduce ourselves, and then we will pay her last respects. Even though she’s no more, she needs to know that she’s a member of our family.”
“Thank you!” I sniffled, trying to push back the tears in my eyes once more.
“You have nothing to thank me for. You deserve the kind of life you have now and all the care you’re getting.”
“I should probably get some sticky notes. I’m going to write words of affirmation on them and have you recite them every morning.”
I arched my brows at Shawn, trying so hard to fight the smile that was trying to escape me. “What for?”
“I’m in for anything that’s going to help boost your confidence.”
“I’m confident.” I challenged.
“I know you are. I just want you to get used to the fact that everything I own is yours too!”
I shook my head immediately. “You’ve done so much for me already. It would be insane to claim what’s yours.”
Shawn frowned. “Is that why you haven’t said anything concerning the properties?”
“That’s too deep, Shawn. A whole fucking property?”
“Not just one.” He corrected me.
I was tempted to ask how many, but I decided to let go for my sanity.
“You scare me,” I mumbled.
“You mean in a good way?” My husband asked.
“You’re weird,” I added, causing a chuckle to escape from him.
“So is that a promise?” Shawn said, bringing me out of my thoughts.
“What promise?”
“We are going to organise a remembrance for Mom when we get back home, and you would be more kind to yourself.”
I had no idea what to say, so I nodded.
Shawn smiled. He leaned close to me and kissed my forehead. “Happy Birthday, Babes.”
I chuckled. “It’s still tomorrow.”
“Who cares?”
“Aren’t you being too excited about it?”
Shawn scoffed. “Wait till we get back and see all what Kay has in store for you.”
“Kay knows? I thought we were here for your meeting.” I asked as my heart rate increased.
Shawn smiled shyly. His smile was like that of a kid who got caught licking icing off the cake.
“Crazy things have been happening lately, and I wanted to take you out of that city where you could breathe and be yourself again. I was still deciding if that was a good idea when I got the notification about your birthday.”
“I was about to ask how you knew that. But again, you love running background checks on people.”
Shawn chuckled. “You are making me sound like a kidnapper.”
“You’ve got so much stuff that you handle and deal with. I didn’t think you would recall something that wasn’t relevant to me. I don’t even know your birthday.”
“Nothing is irrelevant when it comes to you. No one forced me to get married, and now that I’m in it, it’s my duty to do what it takes to keep my wife.”
“So the whole tour stuff while you attend your meetings was a prank?”
“Not really! Because I will be your tour guide anyway.” Shawn said, and a small smile crept to my lips.
“What are you thinking of? Tell me.”
“It feels so surreal,” I whispered, then my eyes dashed to the gift corner. “Is it fine if I check them out tomorrow?”
“I’m good with whatever you decide.”
“Are we the only ones here?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Shawn arched a brow at me.
“You said there was someone waiting to give us a home tour.” I reminded him.
“No, that was just to make you go in first. I’ll be giving you the tour.”
“Cool. I want to make sure we are safe before I say thank you.”
“Make sure we are safe?” Shawn reiterated. I didn’t miss the confusion in his eyes.
I let go of my husband’s hands that were wrapped around me and got down from his lap.
Shawn’s eyes were instantly filled with desire the moment I began to strip.