His Paradise Wife

by Tina Martin

  “No. I don’t want you here. I want you to leave.”

  “Emily, I’m not leaving. I want to be here for you,” he repeated.

  “No. Leave. I don’t want or need you here. Goodbye.” She continued walking pass him like he wasn’t even standing there.

  Dante turned around and said, “What did I do to deserve this?” still watching her walk away from him.

  He sighed and threw his hands up in the air. Instead of causing a scene, he returned to the end of the hallway and took a seat in the waiting area. He removed the wedding ring he’d given her from his shirt pocket and twirled it in between his thumb and index fingers. Emily meant too much to him only for him to walk away now. She’d penetrated too deep into his heart.

  He stood up and headed for Emily’s mother’s room. It was time for the Mitchells to know that they had a son-in-law. Once there, he tapped on the door then proceeded into the room like he was family. Well, he was family. He was Emily’s husband. Her parent’s son-in-law.

  Emily’s eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw Dante step in the room.

  “What are—” she began.

  “Mr. Mitchell,” he said interrupting Emily before she had a chance to silence him. “I’m Dante Champion, your daughter’s husband.

  “Husband?” her father responded, holding the cup of coffee in his right hand. He looked at Emily, wearing a frown like it was a crown.

  “Emily, what is this man talking about?”

  “Dad, I can explain, but first, I need to speak with Dante in the hallway, okay.” She walked pass them both to reach the door.

  Dante followed her into the hallway.

  “What on God’s green earth do you think you’re doing?” she asked with a hand on her hip.

  “I’m being here for you. I told you that.”

  “You must have it twisted. I told you to leave, Dante.”

  “I heard what you said. Now, you hear me—”

  “No, no, no! Stop talking.”

  “No. Don’t tell me to stop talking, Emily.”

  “You got some nerve. Why are you even here? Thought you were done with me.”

  His frown deepened. “Done with you?”

  “Yeah. Done.” She crossed her arms. “You had sex with me and I woke up and you were gone.”

  “Correction...I made love to you and the reason I was gone, as you put it, is because I went to get us some lunch. You knew I hadn’t left. My suitcases were where they’ve been since we arrived at the resort. Come on, Emily. What is this really about?”

  “I can’t talk to you right now.”

  “Emily, you’re still my wife and I thought everything between us these past few days were going good. So tell me...are you having second thoughts? Is that what’s really going on here?”

  “I have to get back to my parents.”

  “Okay, since you want to play that game. I’m right behind you.”

  Emily took a deep breath and sighed. It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 31

  “Let’s take a walk, Dante, if you don’t mind,” Emily’s father, George, told him.

  “Sure,” Dante replied.

  Emily was lying in the chair next to her mother. Both women were sleeping. A nurse had just stopped by to check her mother’s vitals.

  “I know we didn’t officially meet, and I apologize for my rudeness, but I had no idea that Emily had gotten married. At any rate, I’m George. My wife’s name is Antoinette.” After shaking hands, George said, “So how did you meet my daughter?”

  “I met her at a festival but we got to know each other on a website.”

  “What kind of website?”

  “It’s called Grieving Hearts Connect...a website where people who lost spouses in death can connect with each other.”

  “Oh, I see. So you must know all about Melvin, huh?”

  “Yes, Sir. I do.”

  “He was a good man. If I could’ve hand-picked a husband for my daughter, it would’ve been him. He loved Emily very much.”

  “As do I, Sir.”

  George looked at him. “Emily told me she would never remarry, so I’m curious about what made her marry you.”

  “Must be love,” Dante replied, but he wasn’t too sure if Emily loved him or not.

  George grinned. “I’m a very observant man, Dante, and when you came into the room, my daughter frowned. It was obvious that she didn’t want you there. And she wasn’t wearing a ring, either. You want to tell me what’s really going on?”

  Dante stopped walking when he noticed that George had. “Sure. I’ll tell you what’s going on. I love your daughter. We were married two weeks ago on a beach with many other couples and we were basically giving the marriage a two-week trial. She left early to come here to be with her Mom.”

  “Why didn’t you come with her?”

  “Because I didn’t know she was gone. She didn’t tell me she was leaving. She just dropped everything and came here, and when I found out, I dropped everything to be here with her. And I intend to be there for her always, to take care of her.”

  “Not too sure about that, son. My daughter is very strong-willed and stubborn. She dedicated herself to Melvin, and...” he shook his head.

  “When Melvin passed, Emily put her life on hold. She stopped talking to me and her Mother and I think the only thing that has kept her from having a breakdown is that little store of hers. She invested every dime of money Melvin left behind to the store because he’d helped her in the early stages of it, you know, when she’d first got the idea to open a boutique.”

  Dante nodded. Now he understood her attachment to the store, keeping it running and making it a success.

  “Tell me more about yourself, Dante.” The men had made their way outside and sat on one of the concrete benches.

  “Well, not sure exactly what you want to know, so...ah... I was married for five years and my wife passed. We didn’t have any children. It was just me and her.”

  “Do you want children? I know Emily does...well, she used to.”

  “Yes. I want children.”

  “What do you do for work, Dante?”

  “I own The Champion Corporation. We specialize in creating web companies.”

  “An entrepreneur...”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Do you live in Asheville?”

  “Yes. I moved there from San Francisco.”

  “You think you’ll ever go back?”

  “Nah. My life is in Asheville. My brothers live there too, and Emily has her store there, so...”

  “Yeah, she has it for now at least. She told me she was having trouble with the landlord raising the rent.”

  “Really?” Dante said like this was the first time he’d heard this. Sherita had initially told him about the trouble that Emily was having with the landlord, but in order to see if he could get even more information from George, he played dumb.

  “Yeah, she was talking about possibly closing the store and moving here to Jacksonville. It was nothing set in stone...just casual conversation. She’s pretty upset about the store and worried about her mother.”

  “That’s understandable.”

  “Well, I’m going to get back in there and check on my girls. I hope Emily changes her mind about you, Dante. You seem like a decent man.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  Once George was further away from him, Dante took out his cell and called Dimitrius at the office.

  “What’s up, Dante?”

  “Listen, Dimitrius...I don’t have much time, but I need a huge favor.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I need you to find out who owns the building where Emily has her boutique. It’s the same building as that Caribbean restaurant you like.”

  “Okay, Dante. I’m on it.”

  “When you get the name and number, text it to me.”

  “Will do.”

  “Okay. Later.

  Chapter 32r />
  Emily’s mother, Antionette, opened her eyes and smiled at her daughter.

  “How do you feel, mom?”

  “Feel like I’ve been run over by a city bus, child, but you know your mom is a survivor.”

  Emily smiled. Her mother was a tough woman. She liked that very much about her mom.

  “Mom, what do you think about me staying with you and dad for a couple of weeks?”

  “I think that will be nice, but I know you have your own life, dear.”

  Not so much. Emily didn’t have much of a life these days, but her mother didn’t need to know that.

  “It’ll be fine.”

  “But what about Dante?” her father inquired.

  “Dante?” her mother asked, her eyes bright. “Who’s Dante?”

  “Uh...um...” Emily stammered.

  “Dante is Emily’s husband,” her father blurted out.

  Antionette’s eyes grew even bigger. “Husband? You got married, Emily?”

  “Ma, calm down before you hurt yourself. Please.”

  “Emily, you have a husband?” Antionette inquired again.

  Before she could answer, Dante came in the room with coffee and a bag.

  “Hi. Good morning,” he said when he saw that Antionette was awake. He set the coffee and bagels on the countertop and walking over near the bed, he said, “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Mitchell. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m feeling a lot better now.”

  Dante smiled. “I’m Dante.”

  “Nice to meet you, Dante. You have to excuse my demeanor, but Emily neglected to tell us that she remarried.”

  “Dante, please let her rest,” Emily said.

  “I’m fine dear,” Antionette spoke up. “I’m just in a state of shock to find out that I have a new son-in-law.” Antionette looked at Dante again and asked, “You said your name was Dante?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “When did you marry my daughter?”

  “About two weeks ago.”

  “Oh my word...I didn’t even know Emily was seeing anyone. But you are a welcomed sight, I tell you that. Emily swore up and down that she would never remarry after Melvin. I’m sure you know all about Melvin.”

  Emily sighed into her palms then said, “Ma...”

  “What dear? I’m excited. Why didn’t you tell me you married his handsome man?”

  “Because we’re not—”

  “Looks like I’m going to have me some grandbabies after all,” Antoinette said, interrupting her.

  Emily frowned, stood up and walked out of the room in a hurry.

  “I’ll be right back,” Dante said to Emily’s parents before leaving to room to go after her. He looked to the right, then to the left and saw her round the corner.

  “Emily,” he yelled loud enough so she would hear him. Then he jogged to catch up to her, finding her sitting in the waiting room, her face buried in her hands. “Emily,” he said, kneeling in front of her.

  She hadn’t looked at him, just remained as she was.

  He placed his hands on her knees. “Emily—”

  “Haven’t you humiliated me enough? Please go. Leave me and my family alone.”

  “Baby, I’m just trying to be here for you.”

  “I don’t want you here,” she said with a shaky, broken voice. “I want you to leave me alone!”

  Dante wanted to do nothing other than grab her into his arms and console her, to show her how much she needed him. But he was tired of fighting for a woman who didn’t want him. So indeed, he stood up, sucked in a breath and said, “You can’t say I didn’t try.” Then he walked away.

  Chapter 33

  On the company jet during his flight home, he dialed the number that Dimitrius had texted to him – the landlord to the building where Emily’s boutique was located.

  “Hello,” a woman answered.

  “Hi. This is Dante Champion calling. I’m looking for Luke Taylor.”

  “Please hold and I’ll check to see if he’s available for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  You’re welcome.”

  After listening to some instrumentals for a few seconds, he heard a male voice on the other end.

  “This is Mr. Taylor. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m interested in buying the building you own, located on Battery Park Avenue.”

  “Well, I’ll stop you right there. That location isn’t for sale and—”

  “Eight million,” Dante said.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I said eight million. Now I’ve done my research, so I know the building is only worth five million, but I’m willing to throw in an extra three million for your trouble.”

  Luke thought about it for a moment and said, “I’ll think on it and let you know. I’m not sure what you want with the building, but I’m contractually liable to the current tenants who’ve set up shop there, so if, and that’s a big if, I was to take you up on your offer, we would have to come to the table and figure out a plan for the current tenants to move out.”

  “That won’t be a problem. I do not plan on making anyone move out.”

  “Hmm. Okay. Well, I’ll still give your proposal some thought.”

  “Don’t think too long. The offer is off the table tomorrow at noon.

  “Then you’ll be hearing from me before noon tomorrow then, Mr. Champion.”

  “Good. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

  Chapter 34

  Two weeks later, Emily returned home after being in Jacksonville. Her mother had been doing much better and she felt confident that she would be okay now. She hadn’t spoken to Dante in those two weeks – no text messages, instant messages, phone calls, nothing. Since she was back home today, she wanted to go by the boutique and collect a few more pieces of her merchandise. Sherita had already began boxing up some things and was going to meet her there this morning.

  When she pulled up and parked in front of the store, Emily saw Sherita’s car already there. Emily got out of the car, in tears. The store already had cardboard paper in the windows.

  Sherita hugged her tight and said, “It’s okay, Emily.”

  “No, it’s not okay,” Emily cried. “I was supposed to make this store a success and I failed. My life has been nothing but a series of failures...one disappointment after another.”

  “No, that’s not true. You have a lot to be proud of, Emily.”

  Emily wiped her eyes. “Like what?”

  “You have your health...your parents...”

  Emily batted more tears away and said, “Let’s just go in and see what else I need to remove. You said you got most of the clothes out, right?”

  Sherita nodded. Then she unlocked the door. Emily couldn’t see the smile on Sherita’s face since she was standing behind her, but Emily was about to get the surprise of a lifetime.

  When Sherita opened the door, more tears poured out of Emily’s eyes. The place had been completely redone. Whoever leased the space must’ve had money, because she couldn’t afford to tile the floor in black and white, or add two additional dressing rooms and completely cover a small portion of the wall with a floor-to-ceiling mirror. The register was even computerized with a barcode system. “I can’t believe somebody already moved in,” she whimpered.

  Melanie came walking from the back. “No, actually, this is your place, Em, completely redone.”

  Emily looked confused. “What? What are you doing here, Melanie?”

  “Well, since I helped to design the place, I figured I should be here to surprise you.”

  “But...but...how? You know I can’t afford this place.”

  “Well, thanks to a gentleman by the name of Dante Champion, you won’t have to.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When he found out what the landlord had been doing to you by raising the rent, he bought the building.”

  “What?”

  Melanie smiled big. “You heard me. Your husband bought this building.”
/>   More tears fell from her eyes.

  “And since you’re not talking to him, he wanted me to let you know that you’ll never have to pay a lease for this place even if you never speak to him again. It’s yours.”

  Emily sniffled and dabbed her nose.

  “Listen, Emily,” Melanie said. “I don’t know what happened between you guys, but Dante is a good man and he’s completely in love with you. I think you owe it to him to give the marriage a try.”

  Emily squeezed her eyes tight. “You’re right, but...”

  “But what?” Sherita asked. “Girl, if I had a man do something like this for me, I would be at his crib right now.”

  “It’s more complicated than that. I messed up big time. I was a complete jerk to him when he came to the hospital.”

  “Why?” Sherita inquired.

  “Because I felt myself falling so deeply in love with him that it scared me. I thought I could only have those feelings for Melvin, but—”

  “Well, all I know is, even after your little hospital meltdown, Dante called me personally to get ideas on what you might like for the store,” Melanie said. ‘He was very exact, and knew what he wanted this place to look like for you.”

  He had some idea what she wanted. They had talked about it briefly, well, when they were talking. Little did she know that he was listening intently, and maybe even already making plans to help her with the store.

  “After everything I put him through, he still did this for me. I really don’t even know what to say.”

  “I’m sure a simple ‘thank you’ would be a start,” Melanie said. “You have to start somewhere, Em, or lose another good man.

  Chapter 35

  A week later, Dante was sitting behind his desk, his brothers in his office again, having their weekly meeting. Even though it was difficult to do, he tried to push Emily to the back of his mind. Business had to resume as usual and he had to get back into the swing of things if he was going to move on and live without her.

  “First on the agenda,” Dante began, “Is filling the position of Marketing Manager, someone to oversee the bulk of the marketing team and, who would report directly to Desmond. As we discussed a few weeks ago, that would free up some time for Desmond to do more traveling.”