me, it always looked like he was running for senate.
I gently clutched Devinâs arm, letting him know I was here for him. He looked at me sincerely before turning his attention back to the dinner table, which sat ten people, including his parents. I knew he hadnât notice the individual who didnât belong, and that was good in my opinion. I just wanted to revel in this moment, which was the first time in a long while Devin looked at me as lovingly as he did. I felt like he knew in this instant, despite what we were going through in our marriage, I was here for him always.
âDevin, honey, donât mind your father. Heâs just been in a tizzy since he got home from the church. Please come to the dinner table and join us.â
Devin led the way as I continued to hold on to him. He pulled out my chair, allowing me to sit before he settled next to me. His mother was on the other side of him. And strategically placed across from my husband was his ex-fiancée Georgiana Jacobs. I couldnât believe his parents had the audacity to invite her to this dinner, knowing the history she and my husband had with each other. I knew Mrs. Woods didnât like me, but this act of disregard further let me know this woman was dead set on ruining my marriage to her son.
âHow are you, Monica?â his mother finally greeted.
Trying my best not to defiantly stare, I responded with, âIâm fine, thanks. And you?â
âIâm wonderful,â she answered, smiling sheepishly as her eyes bounced from me to Georgiana.
I knew this was only a show Devinâs mom was putting on for the men and women who were also staff members at the church Devinâs father preached at. And she wondered why I didnât like attending church? When the pastor and first lady made you feel like you were insignificant, then why would I want to go hear the Word from a family who were hypocrites in my eyes? No need to pretend you loved me in the Lordâs house when you couldnât stand me outside of it.
âHi, Devin,â Georgiana gushed. âItâs good seeing you again.â
âItâs good seeing you too,â he responded.
What in the hell did that mean? Itâs good seeing you too . Was he glad to see her sitting at this table across from him? I shot a disapproving gaze at my husband, but he never noticed. His eyes were affixed on his ex. I detected a small inkling of affection twinkling in his eyes for this woman, and I became furious. I knew this look all too well because it was the same steely gaze Devin gave me when he told me he loved me for the first time. Now he was gaping at this woman with the same admiration, and it ticked me off.
I wanted to get up from this table and leave them all to enjoy their dinner, but my pride wouldnât allow me to do so. That was too much like giving up, and Iâd be damned if I gave them the satisfaction of knowing theyâd gotten to me. Plus, I wasnât going to make it easy for my husband to possibly be taken from me by a woman who lost her chance to be with him. She needed to know her position and stay thereâas his ex.
âHi, Georgiana. I didnât expect to see you here. Are you part of the church committee now?â I asked.
This let his mother know I recognize the people here, and Georgiana was an extra distraction that didnât belong. They wanted to play games with me . . . then, game on!
Shifting her gaze to Mrs. Woods, Georgiana cleared her throat as she said, âUm, no. Iâm not part of the committee.â
âOh, I thought you were since everyone here is part of the board. Forgive me for assuming,â I said smiling coyly.
Devin reached under the table and gripped my leg gently, signaling for me to let this go. I gave him an icy glare before picking up my napkin and draping it in my lap. I hoped he understood my expression. Try me if you want to. I will turn this dinner out.
âHoney,
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