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Chapter 51
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Entangle Me Chapter 52
"How are you progressing? Are you doing your exercises routinely?" Dr. Edmund asks politely, the sound of his voice just as clear and crisp over the phone. I nod along. "Liz has been fantastic! To be honest, I was rather sceptical. I always thought therapy was so self-indulgent, but I'm really glad I did it."He laughs softly. "Self-indulgent, huh? I'm so glad to hear it. As you know, I couldn't treat you myself as it is not my primary area of expertise. Liz is a much better fit. I just hope you are getting a lot out of her."?Pacing around the room, I put the phone on loudspeaker.?With just one day left until the wedding and most of the plans all set in place, I've been enjoying myself in this wonderful city. Of course, I have not forgotten my commitment to the therapy. "I am! The exercises Liz and I have agreed to are really helping. The most I can do at this stage is look down for ten seconds. But it's getting better,?I can look for a whole ten seconds without screaming and curl
Entangle Me Chapter 53
"That is perfect, arigato!" I speak into the phone, before dropping it on the bed. The cake is coming to the tea house ten minutes early, like I requested, just what I wanted to hear as a final detail to wrap up the ceremony. In Japan, it's very common to use imposter cakes at wedding receptions. A lot of them are made of artificial rubber and these faux confections are iced with wax. Since the wedding is such a small party, I opted to order a small Dulce de Leche cake from a bakery only a ten-minute drive from the tea house. A flourless vanilla cake with caramel icing and caramel drizzle, this is Janet's favourite flavour and it will be more than sufficient for the ten guests. I check my reflection, happy with my hair. Fastened in a loose sideways bun, I decided to tuck a pink cherry blossom above my left ear. My red lipstick isn't on my teeth, my winged eyeliner is applied immaculately, and my skin looks good. Happy with my efforts, I go back to my table to check my laptop before m
Entangle Me Chapter 54
The ceremony was perfect, all of it. Even though Janet insisted she didn't want to be a blushing bride, she looked just as beautiful. Stepping out in a knee-length plum satin dress with a beady black jacket, her hair neatly styled in soft tendrils, she glowed as any other bride. Brett looked rather dashing in his light brown suit with a pink handkerchief in his suit pocket. The whole day felt like a family affair and they all made me feel so welcome. The ceremony was over an hour only and I don't think I saw Brett look anywhere else but right at Janet. They've been together a long time, and they're really good for each other. With only ten guests total, it was certainly small but I could feel the love in the room, as trite as that sounded. This is a family I would love to be a part of. I would be delighted to have Janet as a mother-in-law. Sure, she's unconventional and slightly off-kilter, but she's genuine and a real sweetheart. When Brett uttered his vows, it really was from the
Entangle Me Chapter 55
It's been just over an hour since I left the restaurant and I am freshly showered, dressed in comfortable yoga pants and a tank top. A hot mug of matcha tea cradled in my hands, I am huddled on the arm chair as I look out at the city lights of Tokyo, contemplating my hasty exit. Looking down at my phone, I look over the numerous messages Tristan has left me.*Where are you?**Why did you leave?**Call me. You're worrying me.**What's wrong? Talk to me.*All those messages have gone unanswered, what can I say? Hey, I found out you were once engaged and now I'm sitting here, stewing away bitterly? No, it's much easier to ignore him and that's what I intend to keep doing. I realise that it's a tad dramatic and immature but too many thoughts are going through my head. Wearing the chocolate shaped pendant Tristan gifted me, I twirl it between my fingers, unable to cease the comparisons. Once upon a time, he gifted another woman a much more significant piece of jewellery. I can't beli
Entangle Me Chapter 56
Just when I was trying to get over the shock of finding out about Tristan being engaged, now I have to stomach the fact that his ex-fiancée is no longer alive?I really don't feel so good."How?" I ask, my voice so quiet. Tristan's ex-fiancée is gone from this world? I've been jealous of a dead woman all along?Running his fingers through his hair, I can see despair and torture clogging up those whiskey eyes. "We used to love going for long drives. The Hamptons, Boston, Philadelphia, anywhere. It would be just the two of us, cranking her awful playlists of 80's and 90's pop songs but it was a great way to escape work." Then, he looks down at the ground, avoiding my gaze. "One night, we were driving back from Bear Mountain, and were cruising up the Palisades Parkway. It was a Sunday night, we had the music blared up real loud, and I was driving Billie's dingy second hand red hatchback. She was taking a nap, and I was enjoying the drive. Then"I can see the colour drain from his fa
Entangle Me Chapter 57
"Excellent, you are making fantastic progress, Lacey!" Dr. Liz enthuses as she takes the virtual simulator helmet off my head. "You didn't even make a sound, hardly any reaction this time.""I'm surprised at myself, to be honest! Maybe I was just being a brat by avoiding heights."She laughs politely. "Not at all, your phobia was definitely genuine. It manifested over time, but you have been 100% committed to your sessions, and I think you can start living a complete life without my help."I'm partly surprised at her diagnosis. "Really? Aren't we supposed to have three more sessions?"She nods. "I think you have excelled so much during these sessions, you are better off incorporating heights in your everyday routine.""So using elevators more?""Yes, I would recommend you continually face heights where possible. Will you still be flying regularly? You were flying frequently the last few months, you said."My stomach flips. Not anymore. After I decided to quit working for Tristan
Entangle Me Chapter 58
BOOK SIX: LAS VEGAS Men can be such insolent pigs, can't they?They make you angry, they make you cry, they make you question everything you ever thought about yourself.?Yes, I really hate men sometimes. They really are the bane of human existence.Especially when I am in love with one of them, and I have to ignore it because the pain of wanting someone I can never really have is too much to bear."No, I don't want any pink or purple. It's not a bloody disco! Send me the final proofs when you're done and believe me, there will be hell if I see one trace of either of those colours. Bye," I gruff as I hang up the phone impatiently.Gabe tsks in disapproval as we walk down the supermarket aisle, him holding the basket while I pick out the food for our dinner and movie night.I notice his disapproving stare. "What?" "Gee, are you sure you're not the one getting married? Bride-zilla hello!"I give him a playful scowl as I put down a packet of rigatoni pasta. "These people have
Entangle Me Chapter 59
"Oooh, I really hope we find the one!" Jackie enthuses, nervousness tinged in her sweet and warm voice.?She looks at me with her wide ice blue eyes. Without a speck of makeup, she is a lovely looking girl with her natural tan and ash blonde hair. She will make a gorgeous bride."You will. When you find the one, there's no feeling like it.""That's the thing. How do you know? There are so many pretty dresses, how will I ever choose?""Well firstly, don't say that you like them all. Don't be afraid to say you hate it, it needs to be perfect in every way possible.""But"I see her twiddling her thumbs and I gently put my hand on hers. This might be a family affair and a personal engagement, but I need to treat her like a client first and foremost. "Nothing for nothing, I've done this a thousand times. You will know the dress when you see it. I mean, look at where we are."?I get her to take another look at our surroundings. We are sitting in the back fitting room of Isadora Vivien
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Entangle Me Chapter 80
"God, you do sound like a pom, you've definitely been here too long," Tristan teases over the way I unintentionally pronounced yoghurt in a British accent. "Have not! Although the winters here are chilly, I miss our summer Christmases.""That's okay, I'm here to keep you warm."I bite my lip, loving how close he is to me. "So, what are you doing all the way out here?"He smirks at me, his gaze full of warmth. "I think you have an idea, no?" My cheeks warm as he huddles closer to my body, his height towering over me. We're standing on the end of Waterloo Bridge, the River Thames and the London Eye lying behind us like a beautiful backdrop. It's dark and the surrounding trees on the footpath are beautifully bright, adorned in blue lights. It was drizzling earlier, but it's now stopped and the pavement is mildly damp, adding to the general chill of the city. My suitcase by my side, Tristan is hovering over me as he backs me into the walled railing, his gloved hands rubbing my arms
Entangle Me Chapter 79
Tristan. Is. Here. In.London.Specifically, he is outside the house where I have been living in London, with another man. A man who I've just broken up with. "Taxi Delivery Service, how may I help you?" the phone operator utters on the other end of the line, but it fails to reach my consciousness.Whathowwhoso many incomprehensible thoughts are racking through my mind right now. My heart is pounding like a jack hammer at the sight of him in a long black coat, jeans and scarf. The coffee eggnog is really not helping right now. "Hi" I whisper, barely audible. My insides are flooding with nerves. A jar of butterflies has dropped inside my stomach and they are flying everywhere."Hello? Is anyone there?" The call operator speaks through the receiver. I use any semblance of my wit to press the hang up button, my fingers are shaky as I keep my eyes locked on Tristan. What is he doing here?There's a black taxi on the kerb behind him, presumably the one that dropped him off. It does
Entangle Me Chapter 78
I walk up to the door, a full gift bag in each of my hands. I drop my bag to get the key when Giles, the driver, walks up to me. "Let me get the bag, Miss." Giving him a polite smile, I let him hold the bag as I open the door. "Thank you," I say as I open the door and he puts the bags right inside the entrance."Have a nice Christmas, Miss Ryan." Giles, the driver smiles at me warmly before he starts walking off. "Thank you, same to you and your family. Merry Christmas!" I give him a fat grin and wave at him.Closing the door, my smile drops instantly and I clench my jaw at how irritated I am. It's Christmas Eve, the jolliest time of year. I've just come back from Amelia and Kieran's beautiful house in Hertfordshire where I had lunch with them and I am lightly tipsy from Kieran's egg nog coffee punch. Everything was so delicious. Caramelized onion tarts with apples. Brussel sprouts with chestnuts & sage. Chunky roast potatoes. Crisp honey mustard parsnips. Bacon, sausage & prun
Entangle Me Chapter 77
It's the Christmas season! The days are short, nights are long, showers go longer. There are so many things I love about winter. I love making hot Belgian chocolate and those little marshmallows, I love snuggling up on the couch with a book in my thick robe and furry shoes, a doona draped over me. I love the food associated with winter: soups, casseroles, roasts. I'll be spending my first Christmas in London, and Amelia has invited Edmund and me over to their place for lunch Christmas Eve. I cannot wait to have my first proper winter Christmas. I just hope Edmund can make it. I'm sure that work will die down by then and I can have some quality time with him, the fun Edmund I haven't seen too much since I've been here. There's still been no progress on the assistant front, so I've been keeping busy by pursuing culinary perfection. With another two weeks to go until the day, I've been in the kitchen non-stop since I've arrived and I like to think my cooking skills have improved immense
Entangle Me Chapter 76
I plop my head on the fluffy mattress, panting loudly as I let the post coital experience wash over me. Something is wrong with me. I just slept with my boyfriend for the first time, but I came thinking about my ex-fake husband. No, it was purely coincidental. It's just the half bottle of pinot gris swirling in my head, that's it surely. Instead, I'm going to bask in how nice that was.That was not bad, not bad at all. It wasn't fireworks but it was nice and efficient. He definitely knows a thing or two about pleasing a woman, that's for sure. He was very attentive, gentle, tender even. Just what I like - what I prefer. Unlike Tristan, who is all so aggressive. The way he grabs my hips so roughly, the way he pulls my hair, the way he bites my lip andgah! No more reminiscing! I'm so ashamed of myself, what's wrong with me? Noit's just a once-off. It won't happen again. I'm sure of it."How was that for you?" Edmund asks coolly as he looks down at me. His face is slick with a thin la
Entangle Me Chapter 75
My feet tapping against the leg of the small mahogany table, I check my phone to see if there are any text messages. Nope, nothing. My guest should be on time, I'm just early. Looking around the café, I'm glad this place was picked. I'm sitting in the middle of The Purple Hare, a rustic and inviting mahogany infused restaurant in the middle of Chelsea. Packed to the brim with drunk and merry locals clad in wintry garb, the woody and earthy ambience mixed with the smell of Guinness, grilled steak and mashed potatoes makes the place feel like a second home almost. I am about to press the call button when the door flies open. "Hey!" Amelia waves excitedly at me but my mouth pops open at the sight of her in a long black parka jacket, jeans and boots. She said she had a surprise for me, but this was the last thing I expected.Standing up, I point at her stomach, which is a heck of a lot bigger than when I last saw it. "Oh my goodness, you are as full as a house!"A permanent grin
Entangle Me Chapter 74
London baby, I have arrived! As Edmund and I sit in the back of the chauffeur driven car, my face is plastered to the window as I take in this new city that is now my home. There's so much to take in: it's incredible how one place can have so much vibrancy, multiculturalism, and a cosmopolitan edge all at once: the sky scraper buildings, glamourous clothes shops filling the high streets, the internationally renowned restaurants, the parks, the double deckers, the black cabs. And then there's the history: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, 10 Downing Street, the Tower Bridge, the Great Fire, Barbican Arts Gallery. This city is truly a perfect blending of the past and present. Just when I am keen on continuing the driving tour, the car pulls up and I turn to Edmund, my mouth having popped open at where we've stopped."Tell me you're joking. This is not your place." Edmund chuckles heartily. "Is that a good thing?"I turn back to press my fa
Entangle Me Chapter 73
"Call us the second you get there, alright?" Mom repeats herself for the fifth time in two hours. I am standing outside my favourite Japanese restaurant on Bridge Street in Wynyard, saying my final goodbyes for the night. Gabe has gone home and it's just me and my family, who won't let me get into my car and drive back home. It's my farewell party with my loved ones, and I've spent the night laughing, getting sentimental and emotional with my parents, Hansley, Jackie, and Gabe. My flight is tomorrow morning, and because I would find it too difficult to say goodbye to any of them at the airport, I suggested dinner instead. Less invasive this way."I get there at six in the evening, it will be three in the morning for you. I'll just text you first," I insist and she scowls at me."Fine, but as soon as you get off the plane, alright? I don't care what time. I just need to know you are safe. I will be expecting a text at 3AM," she insists, her tone unyieldingly stern. I nod at her dogg
Entangle Me Chapter 72
Pacing around the room, I play with my fingers as I wait nervously. Don't be afraid, just tell him. He'll understand, I know it. As I continue rehearsing what I need to say, my door knocks. Okay, he's here. Taking a deep inhalation, I shuffle to the door and open it to greet the person on the other side."Hi darl!" Gabe leans in to give me an air kiss, before holding up a cheese platter and packet of crackers in front of me. "Okay, gossip time. I think the occasion calls for cheese and crackers."He has no idea what I've got in store for him. I grin as I take the food from him. "I'll get the bottle of wine. But I'm making chicken fajitas, so keep your stomach free for them."Closing the door behind him, Gabe saunters in looking like his fabulous self in a navy crested jacket and white pants. I put the cheese and crackers on the dining table, before grabbing the silver glittery gift bag sitting on one of the chairs. "Here, just a little something for helping out. How was it bac
