Chapter 21: Beautiful Distraction

Selene

John Wickhem is trouble in an Armani suit.

He leans in during lunch, his voice velvety -smooth and confidence bleeding from every syllable. “You really are the whole package, Selene. Brains, beauty, presence. I hope Jonathan knows what he has in you.”

“He does,” I reply, trying to keep my tone professional—but I can’t deny the tingle that runs down my spine at his compliments. he is after all a very attractive and sexy man.

He smiles like he knows exactly what he’s doing. “Good. Because if he doesn’t, someone else will.”

I should be rolling my eyes. I should be putting up a wall. But instead, I sip my wine and let the charm wash over me like a warm wave. It’s been a crazy few days of emotional wreckage, and right now, I don’t want to be strong. I want to be seen—not pitied, not betrayed. Seen and appreciated.

And John? He sees me in the way men like him usually don't , like a prize, a challenge, a captivating mystery.

“New York would love you,” he says as we exit the restaurant. “And so would I—if I had the chance.”

I laugh softly, more amused than offended. “You don’t waste time, do you?”

“Never,” he says, eyes glinting. “Life’s too short to wait for the right time or moment . Selene I'm not a man who beats about the bush, when I see something I want I go for it. And from the moment you stepped into that board room I knew I wanted you and had to have you."

His hand brushes the small of my back as he opens the car door for me, and I let it stay there a moment longer than necessary. He hands me his business card and closes my door, leans in a kisses the corner of my mouth as my breath hitches , he smiles sexily at me as he closes my door and stands there and watches me drive off .

Back at the office, I bury myself in work, grateful for the distraction. And I finally switch my phone on, but ignore the missed call alerts and message alerts.

My phone buzzes again. And again.

I don’t look at it . I choose to ignore it and continue with work.

I know it’s Adrian. The man who stood in front of me telling me he chose me and then left me with tears in my eyes and doubt in my heart. The one who chose her in a heartbeat.

Letting Bianca get to me was a mistake, but him not fighting harder for me? That was worse.

So I don’t answer his texts. I don’t check his calls. I don’t want to hear his apologies while I’m still bleeding.

Hours later, I finally make it back to my apartment. The silence is thick, but not unfamiliar. I toss my bag on the couch, slip off my heels, and finally—finally—pick up my phone.

11 missed calls. 4 voicemails. 7 unread texts.

I hesitate, thumb hovering over the screen. And then I hit play.

Adrian’s voice: “Selene, please. I’m not with her. I didn’t know about the pregnancy. She just… showed up. I went to her place because, I was afraid she was loosing the baby.

I listen to all four messages. One after the other.

He sounds wrecked.

But then again… so am I.

I sit on the edge of my bed and finally text him.

Selene: If you want to talk, now’s your chance.

Just then there a knock at my door.

Adrian

I’m at her door in about six hours . After speaking with Jonathan I decided to head back to Denver, work be damned . I needed to see Selene and win her back . There's no way I'm letting her go. She hadn't answered my texts or anything . And just as I arrive at her door a message comes through from her. I decide to knock on her door.

She opens it slowly, wrapped in a loose robe, her eyes puffy but guarded, “ What are you doing here?” she asks surprised.

"Can I come in ?”. She steps aside, and I walk in.

The tension is immediate. Electric. But not the good kind. The air is thick with questions, with pain, with silence.

“I never slept with her,” I start.

Selene folds her arms. “I didn’t ask if you did.”

“She showed up. Told me she was pregnant. I was blindsided. And then she called saying she was in pain. What was I supposed to do?”

“You were supposed to choose me,” she snaps. “To let me in. Instead, you ran to her, without a backward glance and then I had to hear from her that you were still hers. That you always would be. What did you expect Adrian ? That I'd hang around waiting for you to get back at whatever hour . ?"

“I didn’t want you caught in that mess.”

“But I already was, Adrian. You just didn’t trust me enough to stay.”

That hits harder than I expect. I don't know where that bitch Bianca got her number from , but it's clear this mess has hurt Selene , and I allowed that to happen.

She looks away, jaw tight. “I can’t do this halfway. I won’t be the woman who waits around waiting while your past keeps bleeding into our present.”

I take a step forward. “I’m trying to make it right, please give me a chance , give us a chance .” I beg her.

“Then show me. Because words don’t mean anything right now.”

She walks past me and opens the door. Not kicking me out—but not letting me stay either.

Not yet.

“Goodnight, Adrian.” She says coldly , barely looking at me.

"Selene, please."

"No Adrian, I can't deal with this right now! You need to sort this out !"She snaps at me.

And I leave reluctantly.

For the first time, I realize that I might be losing her, before I’ve even really had her. I head back to my hotel because Jonathan has guests and I’d rather be alone . I can't believe that everything is falling apart.

I don't want Bianca , but if that's my child she is carrying I won't shirk my responsibilities to my child. I just need to find a way to have both , Selene and my child.