Speak To Me

(Tilly)

I stood there in shock..the fact that Bruce just came up to me..that he knew exactly who I was..how? How did he find out?

And what did he mean when he said he didn't know my mom was truly pregnant? Wasn't he the the who wanted her to get an abortion? "Hey, look at me..he is gone, you don't have to worry." Rylan rushed out before gripping my face and kissing my lips and cheeks softly. "It's okay Angel..I promise I won't let him get to you." He whispered as I just nodded before taking a shuddering breath.

"Please..if all of you could go home..I apologize for the abrupt end to the evening, but me and my family need some time alone." Caroline suddenly announced, prompting Rylan to stiffen before anger flashed across his face.. Anger like nothing I had seen before. Rylan reached down and gripped my hand before spinning around and marching towards his mother.

"You did this, didn't you?! You knew he was Tilly's grandfather! How the fuck could you stoop so low?" He snapped, his voice echoing off of the walls as all of Caroline's friends looked on in horror.

"Rylan.....I didn't-"

"Bullshit..this is just another way for you to try and break us apart. I can't believe I even brought her here..I should've known you would've pulled some type of shit like this."

"Rylan." His dad began, trying to calm him down but Rylan just pushed his hand away.

"No..if she can't accept the fact that we are married..that I love this woman more than I ever thought imaginable..then she doesn't deserve to be in our lives." He continued and I watched as Caroline's eyes began to pool with tears.

"Mi amor.." I breathed, seeing Rylan's shoulders slump as some of that anger dissipated immediately.

He turned his head, looking back at me as the pain he held in his eyes just about crushed me.

"Ry..I know you have a right to be angry..but mom didn't know about Bruce.." Jolie suddenly added, making everyone grow quiet as the staff began ushering people out of the house.

I'm sure this was going to be the gossip at the country club for a while...but I didn't care. I was just worried about Rylan..I wanted to go home and crawl into our bed and sob myself to sleep in his arms.

"Even if she didn't..all of this...all of the shit she has been putting us through, I've had enough..I'm just done." Rylan threw his hand up in the air as he looked towards his mom once more.

"I know..I know I have been a horrible mother.. I have been a horrible wife and there is nothing I can do to take it back. But I swear Ry..I will try to be better. After what Tilly said-"

"After what she said? You walked out on her after spilling champagne down her dress..which we know wasn't an accident..because we all know Caroline Walters has to be in control at all times!" "Baby-"

"Let him finish Tilly..she needs to hear this." Nolan whispered beside me before reaching down and taking my free hand in a supportive way. I could see he needed his mother to hear this too..

"I know! I just..I didn't know how to handle everything okay! I know I'm not perfect, trust me..my parents reminded me of that every day for the past 27 years! But I tried..and I know now it was the worst thing for our family. Hearing Tilly..and finding out about the baby.." She continued before reaching out and grabbing Jolie's hand.

"Wait, what baby?" Mr. Walters piped in, prompting Jolie to smile at him sheepishly.

"I see how much time I wasted..and with Nolan.." Caroline choked out. "I didn't know what to do..so I tried to pretend it was all fine..I know it wasn't right and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for being this way.." She broke down, the remorse she showed seeming to be the most genuine thing I have seen from her yet as I looked over at Rylan.

I could see it was affecting him too..that he didn't want this to be the outcome but he is tired..we both are.

But I knew Rylan had a big heart..he is one of the most forgiving, kind, and loving people I have ever met. So I let go of his hand and motioned towards his mom, causing him to fill with confusion.

"It's okay." I whispered, smiling encouragingly.

That's when Gabriella came over to me and took the hand Rylan had been holding..and for the first time in my life..I actually felt like I had friends..real friends. Rylan went to his mom, pulling Nolan along with him as Jolie soon joined in.

"No more meddling. No more pretending..and no more trying to be something you are not." Rylan said, making Caroline nod hastily as her three kids hugged her.

"This is your last chance..really." Rylan added seriously, making Caroline sniffle as Mr. Walters came up with them.

"Can we add no more dragging Dad to stuffy parties too?" He grumbled, making everyone laugh as I saw Alder smiling lovingly towards Jolie..his face probably mirroring my own.

"Well, on the bright side, at least all the attention is off of me now right?" Nolan said, making Rylan roll his eyes before putting his brother in a headlock.

"Why do I feel like you might've planned this all out instead.." He muttered as Jamie came over to his wife and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I'm just glad this drama doesn't involve us for once...no offense." He added before glancing towards me sheepishly as Gabriella elbowed him in the side.

"It's okay." I laughed awkwardly, being brought back to the current situation as I bit my lip anxiously.

Now that Bruce knows..is my family in danger somehow?

"Tilly..can we have a word?" Caroline suddenly asked, causing my gaze to snap to her as Rylan seemed very apprehensive.

Rylan came to my side quickly and wrapped his muscular arms around me protectively.

"I don't think-"

"I..I just want to apologize..but I guess I can do it here." She began, clearing her throat as she glanced at Jolie who nodded encouragingly.

"What you said upstairs..it made me realize that you were right. I don't know anything about you two as a couple..but what I have witnessed just from tonight is that Rylan is very clearly happy. I can see how much he loves you just by the way he looks at you. It's a look I have never witnessed on him before. So I hope..well, perhaps we can have a second chance as well? I understand if-"

"I would love that." I rushed, feeling this knot finally loosen in my stomach as Caroline smiled at me warmly.

"I'm glad we cleared that up..but can we get back to Jolie being pregnant now?!" Mr. Walters added, making everyone laugh as he began talking with Jolie and Alder.

Eventually we moved to the dining area..considering the tension seemed to disappear, we all realized just how hungry we were.

After sitting down, I couldn't help but melt into Rylan's side. Everyone was talking and laughing as we all tried to move on from the evening.

I closed my eyes, willing myself to be in this moment..but I couldn't fully..not after what Bruce said.

"Are you okay?" Rylan whispered against the shell of my ear, making me shrug.

I went to pull back and say something but before I could..my phone began to ring.

After retrieving it from Rylan's jacket I was now wearing, I looked at the screen and saw a name I didn't expect.

"Why is she calling?" I asked out loud, seeing Shaina's number flashing on my screen.

"Just let it go to voicemail." Rylan stated firmly and I nodded in agreement..but she kept calling..and then I got worried for Papa. What if something bad happened?

"Let me." Rylan said, grabbing the phone from my hand as he hit answer before pressing it to his ear..but before he could even speak, I could hear her yells from here.

"How could you Tilly!! You ruined my life! You just had to tell him, didn't you? I wish I got rid of you back then..now my whole life is ruined. It's your fault Eddie left me..all your fault you stupid bitch. I hate you-" Rylan hung up, his eyes turning murderous as he gripped the device tightly.

"I think it's time I had a word with her..I'm going to get to the bottom of this Tilly..and no matter what, Shaina won't be in your life anymore..especially after this." Rylan stated darkly, that anger simmering once more as I just nodded my head.

I felt my heart swell with how protective Rylan is of me..but I won't let him fight all of my battles for me..especially not this one. There's something I need to say to Shaina.

"I want to go with you..I'm ready to get the truth.."