Semua Bab Married to a Narcissist, Pregnant With My Ex’s Child: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Selene's POV.Mother reached for me; her hands shook. "I am sorry, Selene."I raised my palm slowly. "Don't please" I glanced up at Father.He stood, shoulders stiff like a moulded statue.His eyes didn't meet mine immediately, but when they did, they weren't angry anymore.In his eyes, I saw a man with a secret."Dad?" I whispered, "How could you?""You were eighteen," he said slowly. "You were naïve. In love with a boy who had nothing to offer you but struggle."My chest burned. "So you sent him away?"He clenched his jaw. "It was a decision that seemed good at the time, Selene.""A decision that wasn't yours to make," I whispered.Silence stretched between us.For the first time in my life, my father looked unsure."Everything I did," he said quietly, "was to protect you.""No," I breathed, tears blurring my vision. "You protected your name. That is all you have ever cared about. The one place I called home couldn't even protect me."He looked away. "Call it what you may."I glare

Selene's POVI sighed, staring at another rejected application. This will be the third this week.Amira was in the living room with Sophie. They were both watching TV while I gazed at my declining bank account. I really didn't want to bother Sophie. I will have to move to my place eventually.The divorce papers should have arrived by now.I have been waiting for a response from my lawyer all week, but nothing.Tom hadn't called in the last three days, which made me uneasy. It made me wonder what he was planning. If I ever learned anything, it was that Tom's silence was never peace.I rubbed the back of my neck, twirling my head around. Today was my birthday, and it doesn't even feel like it.Sophie woke me up this morning with a candle and little cake. Jumping on the bed, Amira and her singing a birthday song off-key. That little gesture warmed my heart. It reminded me not everyone had a sick heart.Amira's voice from downstairs got my attention. I frowned and stood up, walking slowly

“Tom?” my brows furrowed. “What is going on?”“You didn't think I would forget the mother of my child’s birthday, would you?” He handed the roses to me. Took my hand in his and guided me to a table set for two.I stared at him. The way he pushed my chair backward. And calmly sat opposite me. He never remembered my birthday. I was always the one who pushed for it. And some days, I just let it slide.He gazed at me. “You look nice,” he muttered.I didn't know what to say, so I nodded instead.My eyes moved nervously over the table, then the room.He rang the tiny bell, and the waitresses came in, dropping dishes on the table.The air smelled of roasted turkey, lasagna, and steak. I couldn't remember the last time I had all these dishes in one.When they finished, he took a forkful and glanced at me. My lips parted.He looked like he was in a good mood, and I didn't want to spoil it. I swallowed, folding the napkin on my lap. “I thought we were to discuss the divorce arrangement.”“Oh

I stood in front of the mirror, twirling from side to side."You look stunning, Selene," Sophie said from behind me, holding up the foundation brush she had used to touch up my face.I hardly put on makeup, but today was different. My spirits were high, and I had an interview soon.I spun around and hugged her. "Thank you, Sophie."She giggled. "Relax, we don't want to ruin your suit.""Yeah, right," I winked. I was in such a good mood; nothing could ruin my spirits.I had woken up so early today, taken Amira to school, and gotten back to prepare for my interview.Sophie placed the brush aside and took my hands in hers. "You would do just fine. You are an amazing woman, Selene, and you deserve the best."I smiled, wiping imaginary tears from my eyes. "Awwwn, thank you, Sophie."She walked to the nightstand and swung her bag over her shoulders."So, I would be seeing you soon. Once you get the job. I have an afternoon shift.""Okay, honey."She blew me an air kiss and walked out the do

Rowland’s POVI was on my way to Elena’s to pick her up for the date. I glanced at my watch for the hundredth time. I was this close to canceling.This close.Selene’s call earlier today had been surprising. I had expected her to be happy. I mean, I was only trying to help. But she seemed more pissed that I chipped in a word or two for her.Women could be really confusing at times. I tried to date again, a few women. But we never just clicked.It was like I was running this imaginary comparison in my head, which didn’t sit right.I pulled up in front of Elena’s house and cut the engine. She opened the front door just as I stepped out.“Elena,” I said, stepping forward. My eyes swept over her—she was dressed simply and elegantly. She looked good. “You look… nice,” I added, keeping my tone neutral.Her smile widened. “Thank you! I’m so excited for tonight!”I nodded, letting her lead the way. “Yeah… let’s go.”She chattered about different things, about the evening, and about preparati