#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.”

again. “I’m sorry, Selene.” He professes, “It

I ask in

you thought about how you want

going to leave, you

“Yes.”

really, I’ve mostly been thinking about the after” part of the equation.” I wince at my own

“That’s alright.” Drake insists.

“before he can figure out that I’m

a plan together. By this time next

Day Until the

on purchasing new clothes and supplies for my imminent departure. Drake and I talked for many hours on Sunday, laying

not be enough to truly

of responsibility for my wellbeing would result in a search, one that would extend into Eros territory and may not be

I truly want to be 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 to fake my death. After all, I do not want to hurt the people! love with such a

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 to keep

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

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

and light, as if I am walking on air. Every purchase I make is another step forward, another puzzle piece bringing me closer to my goal. I do not

Then I see them.

the shining glass window of a high end jewelry store, I can clearly make out

hurt lances through me. After all, here I am daydreaming about faking my death and putting people I love through great pain, yet I have the temerity to feel affronted by

never rational and Goddess help me, I do

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

and I are still married for the time being, and it seems wildly insensitive and disrespectful for them to be publicly advertising their relationship this way.

entrance of the jewelry store

myself shrinking back, unsure of where

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255