#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.”

“I’m sorry, Selene.” He professes, “It won’t have to be that way

I ask

thought about how

I’m going to leave, you

“Yes.”

thinking about the after” part of the equation.” I wince at

“That’s alright.” Drake insists.

announce abruptly, “before he can figure out

come up with a plan together. By this time next week, it will be like you were never

Until

| slip away to Elysium’s shopping center, intent on purchasing new clothes and supplies for my imminent departure. Drake and I

that slipping away in the night would not be enough to truly escape. As I already

that would extend into Eros territory

free of my past, I must sever myself from it completely, leaving no room for doubt or second guesses among those I leave behind. It had not been easy for Drake to convince me

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

desire to turn over a new leaf is so overwhelming that I feel nothing but

stroll through the mall, more and more bags accumulating on my arms, I let myself imagine my new life. I dream of my baby, of the home I will build and life I will lead.

walking on air. Every purchase I make is another step forward, another puzzle piece bringing me closer to my goal. I do not think about the pain I will cause, only the

Then I see them.

of a high end jewelry store, I can clearly make out Bastien and Arabella bent over a jewelry counter, wide

death and putting people I love through great pain, yet I have the temerity to feel affronted by my contract

again, love is never rational and Goddess help

was released from the hospital, but she looks perfectly well now. She is beaming, so full of love and beauty that my stomach revolts – not that this is anything new. These days I’m nauseous more

it is the fact that our rejection is still before us. Bastien and I are still married for the time being, and it seems

in a daze, coming to stand at the entrance of the jewelry store with blazing eyes and flushed cheeks. *Please tell me

surprise, and I find myself shrinking

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