To Love a Wife

Fourteen

Today was the day of my fashion show and I was nervous. After getting ready, Julie and I headed over to the venue early to do the last-minute checks. I was already in my outfit for the show while Julie had dressed up nicely as well. 

"Mr. Bain and Ms. Debbie will be here shortly," Julie told me.

"Thank you. Can you get me some water, please? I need to calm now and my anxiety for today is going through the roof," I asked.

"Of course. Why don't you sit down for a moment, Ms. Tessa?" Julie suggested as she pulled up a chair for me.

"Thank you." I sat down on the chair and took in a couple of deep breaths. I needed to calm down. I looked over at my models who were getting ready for the event. 

"Here you go, Ms. Tessa. I just received a text from Ms. Debbie that she and your husband are here," Julie told me.

"Great. I just need a few more moments to calm down," I tell her.

"Yes ma'am. I'll just go ahead and double-check on everything," Julie told me.

"Thank you."

I took a sip of my water before pressing the cold bottle against my forehead.

"You're not feeling hot are you?" I looked over to see Bradley walking over to me.

"It's just anxiety," I tell him.

"Darling, you are going to be fine. Everyone loves your dresses."

"But it's just my first big fashion show and-"

"You are going to throw the best show there ever is. I'm here for you okay?" 

"Okay," I nodded at him. Bradley kissed my forehead as reassurance. 

"I'll be in the front row," Bradley told me.

"Thank you, darling."

Bradley's P.O.V

I walked over to my seat and sat down. Debbie sat next to me as she was on her phone, doing some promotion pictures on i********: for Tessa. I looked around at the guests. A few of the Kardashians came, to no surprise there. They had their full camera crew set up here before they arrived. 

"Sir, do not get upset but Chester Irvine is here," Debbie warned. I looked around until I saw him with his niece sitting next to him. 

"What the hell is he doing here?" I asked, keeping calm. 

"His niece is a big fan of Tessa's work. I assume he brought her along to pick out a dress that she likes as a birthday gift," Debbie told me. 

"Well, I am not going to make a scene for the sake of Tessa. This is her big day and I cannot ruin it for her," I said.

"Good. Just avoid him during the after-party."

"Right. I need to be there for Tessa. This is all for her," I said to her. I looked over to see Tessa peeking out of the side a little. She saw me staring and smiled softly. I smiled back at her before she headed back over. 

Tessa's P.O.V

All the weight of the stress I had on my shoulders lifted the moment the show was over. I took my bow before heading backstage. I felt tears fall down from my face as I was overwhelmed with emotions. 

"Are you okay, Ms. Tessa?" Julie asked me. 

"Yeah. I'm just so happy that it was a success," I explained to her. 

"You did amazing honey."

I turned around to see Bradley and Debbie walking over to us. I hugged Bradley tightly and held onto him. 

"I'm so tired and I just want to eat and sleep," I tell him.

"We will soon. We just have the after-party and we will go back to the hotel and sleep," Bradley told me as he cupped my cheeks.

"Okay," I smiled.

The after-party was fun. I couldn't have alcohol but no one seemed to notice. I talked to Kendell Jenner about another fashion show and how I would like it if she modeled for some of my clothing.

"Definitely! Just let me know when you decide to put up another show and I will definitely be there. Your clothing designs are amazing," Kendell smiled at me. 

"Thank you, Kendell."

"I'm gonna try that appetizer over there. It looks good," she said, looking over at the side.

"Oh please do. It tastes amazing!" I tell her before the two of us walked away in different directions. 

"Tessa!" I turned around to see Chester Irvine walking over to me. 

"Chester. A pleasure to see you," I greeted.

"Same here. I wanted to introduce you to my niece. She's the one who likes your work," Chester mentioned as he pushed his niece forward a little.

"It's so nice to meet you. My name is Avery."

"It's nice to meet you, Avery. Did you enjoy the show?"

"I did. Your dresses are amazing as ever."

"Thank you."

"Tessa, you look beautiful as ever," Chester complimented.

"Thank you, Chester."

"I must say, you're absolutely glowing."

"Chester, please. I am a married woman," I remind him with a small smile.

"I understand but only a fool will miss his chance to compliment you."

"Chester Irvine," we both heard. I turned around to see Bradley standing behind me. 

"Hello, honey," I greeted.

"Bradley Bain. Glad to see you again."

"Likewise."

"I was just complimenting your wife on her show."

"I'm sure you were," Bradley said as he slightly glared over at Chester. I placed my hand on Bradley's chest.

"Be nice. Please," I asked nicely.

"Tessa, I must say though, you look absolutely ravishing in that outfit," Chester said. 

Everything felt like a blur. It felt as if I had just blinked slowly and once I had opened my eyes, Bradley had Chester pressed against the wall with his balls balled into a fist with Chester's shirt wrinkled underneath his hands. I stared in shock and horror as I looked over at my husband. 

"Mr. Bain!" I heard Debbie yell. Julie rushed over to my side before moving me away from the scene a little. The security guards rushed over to pull Bradley away from Chester. I looked around at everyone who was staring at either Bradley or me. I felt my body heat up in embarrassment as I felt tears form in my eyes. 

"Julie. Please end this after-party. I need to leave," I tell her.

"I understand. I'll ask Debbie to let me ride in the car with her and Mr. Bain," Julie told me.

"Thank you," I said before rushing off. 

Once I got back to the hotel, I cried. I didn't even make it to my suite before I broke down crying. I leaned back against the elevator as I cried. I tried to wipe my tears away once the elevator doors opened. I rushed over to the suite and shut the door behind me. 

Bradley's P.O.V

After the little scene I caused, Julie told Debbie and me about how Tessa left in embarrassment. My anger instantly left as guilt washed over me. Julie and Debbie closed up the party before we all headed back to the hotel. 

"I f****d up badly. Didn't I?" I asked the two. Debbie and Julie sat facing me but the two avoided my eyes. 

"Very," Debbie replied, not bothering to look at me. I sighed as I leaned my head against the window. 

Once we reached back to the hotel, I went straight to the suite. I opened the door to hear soft sobbing. I walked over to the bedroom to see Tessa lying on the bed. Her back was faced me as she lied on the bed, still in the outfit, she wore at the party. 

"Tessa, can I talk to you?" I asked as I walked over to the bed slowly. 

"Go away." Her voice was dry and hoarse. The guilt in me grew more as I got closer to her. 

"I want to apologize for my behavior," I explain. 

"I don't want to hear it."

"Tessa, please."

"Go sleep on the couch."

I sat on the edge of the bed by her side. She turned around to avoid looking at me. I couldn't blame her. I did act immaturely tonight. 

"I'm sorry. I was jealous and I shouldn't have embarrassed you like that. This was your night and I ruined it for you."

Tessa didn't bother to look at me still. I sighed as I stood up. 

"Please change into something more comfortable at least. I'll sleep on the couch tonight," I tell her before getting back up. 

I got changed into my pajamas and grabbed a pillow and blanket. I lied on the couch before turning on the T.V. As much as I tried, I couldn't sleep. I wanted- no needed- Tessa in my arms. I've tried so hard to be a good husband lately and I knew I ruined it even more by embarrassing her.

"Bradley," I looked over to see Tessa standing by the couch. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, clutching it closed with one hand. I sat up as I looked at her. 

"Yes, Tessa?" 

"I couldn't sleep."

"Me neither," I tell her with a small frown.

"Can you come back to bed?" She asked quietly. 

"I'm sorry for upsetting you."

"I know."

"I shouldn't have done that and-"

"I'll promise to stay away from Chester if it means stopping you from behaving as you behaved earlier," Tessa promised.

"Tessa, you are your own person. You shouldn't-"

"I know I'm my own person. Chester was flirting with me and I hardly did anything. If I stop talking to him, will you behave yourself?" Tessa asked me. 

"Yes."

"Come back to bed with me. I need some sleep for mine and the baby's sake," Tessa told me. I nodded before grabbing my pillow. I picked up Tessa and carried her back to bed. 

I lied Tessa down before getting into bed myself. I wrapped my arms around her before kissing her head. 

"I love you. I love you so much," I tell her. 

"I love you too."

"I'm so sorry, my love."

"I know. Let's just sleep now. Okay?"

"Okay. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Tessa said before holding my arms closer to her.