#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

I ask in

“Have you thought about

going to leave,

“Yes.”

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

“That’s alright.” Drake insists.

“before he can figure out that I’m with

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

Day Until the

new clothes and supplies for

not be enough to truly escape. As I already suspected, Gabriel

search, one that would extend into Eros territory and may not be thwarted by the

no room for 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

up to me if no one ever comes looking for

I regret these decisions, but for now the desire

will build and life I will

is another step forward, another puzzle piece bringing me closer to my goal. I do not think about the pain I

Then I see them.

end jewelry store, I can clearly make out Bastien and

putting people I love through great pain, yet I have the temerity to feel affronted by my contract husband planning his own future with the woman

is never rational and Goddess help me, I

when Arabella 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

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

store with blazing eyes and flushed cheeks. *Please tell me I am not

find myself shrinking back, unsure of where I found that sudden wave of

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