#Chapter 20 Bastien And Arabella Buy Rings

Selene’s POV

Drake sits across from me, appearing surprised but sympathetic as he processes my revelation. “Bastien doesn’t know?” He asks.

“No.” I confirm simply, “And he’s not going to find out.” I rub the back of my neck, “Our situation has always been complicated, but Bastien is a good man. If he found out the truth he would never go through with the rejection, and I won’t have him stay with me out of pity or obligation.”

“For what it’s worth,” Drake offers kindly, “I think he’s a fool for wanting to reject you at all.”

“Then you’re one of the few.” I reply honestly.

He frowns, “Is the baby the reason you’re leaving?”

“It’s the reason I realized I had to go,” I confess, “But in all honesty I don’t think I could have stayed either way. I don’t want to watch Bastien marry someone else.” Hot tears burn my eyes, “And I’m sick of being the pack side show. I need a fresh start, someplace where nobody knows me. Where my baby and I can be safe.”

Drake squeezes my hand. “I understand.” I swipe at an escaped tear and he offers me his napkin. I take it with appreciation, dabbing my eyes. “If you want to come to Asphodel, I will help you in any way I can. We’ll find you a place to live, a job, we’ll introduce you to the pack as a distant cousin and never mention the Novas at all.”

I blink in surprise, a kernel of hope blooming in my chest. “What about your father?”

“My father is getting older, most pack business has been under my control for a few years now.” Drake explains. “If I tell him it is important we help you, on your terms, he will respect my decision.”

“I don’t understand why you would do this for me.” I state warily.

“Has the world truly been so cruel to you that kindness is cause for such suspicion?” From anyone else the words might have sounded self-righteous or judgemental, but from Drake they merely sounded aggrieved.

“Yes.” I confirm icily, “It has.”

He professes, “It won’t have to be

I ask in

you thought about how you

to leave, you

“Yes.”

after” part of the equation.” I wince at my own

“That’s alright.” Drake insists.

“before he can figure out that I’m

He advises, “We’ll come up with a plan together. By this time next week, it will be like

Day Until the

clothes and supplies for my imminent

that slipping away in the night would not be

wellbeing would result in a search, one that would extend into Eros territory and may not

doubt or second guesses among those I leave behind. It had not been easy for Drake to convince me to fake my death. After all, I do not want to hurt the people! love with such a cruel lie, but in

I end my old life once and for all. My past cannot catch up to me if no one ever comes looking for me,

the desire to turn over a new leaf is so overwhelming that I feel

I dream of my baby, of the home I will build and life I will lead. I

light, as if I am walking on air. Every purchase I make is another step forward, another puzzle piece bringing me

Then I see them.

can clearly make out Bastien and

am daydreaming about faking my death and putting people I love through great

love is never rational and

beaming, so full of love and beauty that my stomach revolts – not that this is anything new. These days I’m

us. Bastien and I are still married for the time

entrance of the jewelry store with blazing eyes and flushed cheeks. *Please tell

turn toward me in surprise, and I find myself

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