Chasing His Rejected Wife
Chapter 28 -

I searched his features again, trying to replace the slightest hint that he wasn't being honest, that he was somehow telling me a very convincing lie to get what he wanted, but I couldn't replace any. Which, if I was being honest with myself, was just me being very paranoid because how was I supposed to believe that Aiden had just let go of the love of his life like that?

How could someone just throw away a lifetime of love and affection without some regrets? I didn't have the answer to that because it was something I still hadn't managed to achieve when it came to my feelings for Aiden. I may be mad that he had cheated on me, and I may be disappointed with the way our relationship had turned out, but it didn't stop the little butterflies in my stomach whenever I was in his presence.

So, knowing all that, could I trust Aiden? It was one thing to say the words and make promises, but could he keep it? I knew that even if I agreed now, it would still haunt me, would still keep me up at night wondering if I was reading too much into a look that passed between them, an accidental touch, a random encounter.

"You don't believe me," Aiden said and I realized he'd been studying my face the same way I'd been doing and he could clearly see the doubt written there.

"It's...." I paused and tried to organize my words into something tangible. "It's not that I don't believe you, Aiden."

He leaned forward on his haunches, eyes glittering in their intensity. "Then what's wrong?"

I heaved a deep sigh and stood up, needing to put some space between me and that disconcerting gaze. "You make it sound so easy, and that's making me have some second thoughts."

"I told you, I have already put a stop to whatever was between Elisa and me," Aiden replied, rising to his feet, his eyes tracking my pacing. "There's nothing to worry about."

"Isn't there?" I raised an eyebrow.

"There isn't." His tone was firm and tinged with finality.

"Well, forgive me if I don't take you at your word just yet." I stopped to gaze out the window at the smoggy horizon ahead, my mouth twisted in a snide smile. "So, you're just going to abandon her because she lost your child? Am I supposed to be grateful I didn't lose my baby or I'd have been left in the lurch too?"

For the first time, I saw Aiden's precise control slip. Just for one quick moment, his eyes burned, impassive features morphed into cold fury and I felt guilty because that had been a low blow.

"Jessica..." He took a step towards me, muscles working beneath his jaw.

"I'm sorry," I broke in, heat suffused my face. "That was uncalled for."

He stood there for several moments, just looking at me with that intense gaze. "The decision to end things was based on a mutual agreement between Elisa and I. There was no abandonment involved. But I can assure you that there will be no issues on that front.

I was unsure what I could say or feel about his declaration and turned away to the window again. Was I supposed to be glad? Relieved? Did Aiden want me to jump into his arms and declare my undying devotion?

I heard Aiden's footsteps as he came closer. "I won't do anything to jeopardize our marriage, Jess. I'll stay true to you for as long as we're married and you're free to walk away whenever you feel I have not kept my word." Stay true to you?

"What does that even mean?" I asked, my voice a low whisper. "There's no intimacy to speak of in this relationship, how will you..." I took a deep breath, my fingers digging into the window frame from gripping it tightly. He was silent for a bit. When he spoke, I could tell he was choosing his words very carefully.

"I understand things between us have been... complicated," he began cautiously. "But I meant what I said about staying faithful. It's not just about physical intimacy, although I do hope we can work on that aspect too when you're ready." I finally turned to face him. He watched me intently, and for a short while, our gazes locked while I searched his eyes for clarity.

There was something about being so close, our eyes trained on each other unwavering that seemed to unlock a memory from nowhere.

An unexpected flash of a memory fragment hit me just then - A familiar room that looked like Aiden's study. The blinds were shut, and the room was lit only by the artificial flames on the TV screen. I stood in front of Aiden's desk, where he sat, head buried in his hands, jacket, and tie discarded in a heap on the floor, shirt buttons undone, a tantalizing glimpse of muscles and skin underneath that begged to be touched. Then, yet another fragment, but the same scene... Blue eyes stared at me, appraising me from head to toe, in a slow, languid way that set my blood, already tainted with alcohol, racing down to pool between my legs.

Large, strong hands on my waist, hauling me into his lap, his hot mouth seeking mine, melting against him...

I blinked and the images were gone, but my pulse raced. Holy shit! What was that?

My memories of the night we'd slept together were practically non-existent, locked away in the part of my subconscious that dealt with things that were done and best forgotten. Until this very moment.

Shocked to my core, an involuntary gasp escaped my lips, my feet propelling me away from Aiden so fast I stumbled even as the rest of my brain struggled to catch up.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

"Jessica?" Aiden sounded alarmed as he traced my steps, one hand catching my flailing arm to steady me. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

His touch was like a burning brand and I flinched away, scared that my mind would go haywire once more. What was that?

His eyes widened in surprise and confusion, finally narrowed as he realized I was trying to get away from him. Still, he reacted fast and let go, unfurling his finger from my wrist, his expression dark and troubled.

"Are you alright? Do you need me to call Dr. Stein?" He was already pulling out his phone, ready to place the call.

"No! Wait!. This time, it was me stepping forward to grab the hand holding the phone. Aiden froze, his gaze flickering to his wrist and I let go hurriedly and put some space between us. I forced myself back under control because I didn't need my OB/GYN, not unless she could fix faulty memories.

"Dr. Stein's office, how may I help you?" A tiny female voice spoke from the phone.

Aiden didn't reply immediately, his attention focused laser-like on me, his lips set in a firm line.

I shook my head at him, pleading silently for him to hang up.

"Hello?" The lady at the other end of the line sounded puzzled. "Is anyone there?"

Keeping his eyes on me, Aiden lifted the phone to his ear. "Never mind." He said curtly and hangs up, much to my relief.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, I'm okay. I...I just remembered something I'd forgotten to do." I struggled to keep my face from turning red just from thinking about it again.

He didn't look too convinced, continuing to watch me intently. Suddenly feeling thirsty, I went to fetch a bottle of water from the fridge, conscious of his gaze, and nervous about it. I took a deep, long gulp, the cool liquid doing a lot to soothe my heated insides.

I set the water down on the counter and turned back to him, more in control now, though less visibly shaken and more than ready for him to leave so I could stop feeling so off balance.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

"Look, I appreciate that you're willing to make some drastic changes for the sake of the baby, but like I told you before, I still need time to figure out if those changes will be good for me in the long run and if staying together will do more harm than good." "And I'm willing to wait for as long as you need."

"Yes, but please, I need you to understand that I will be making that decision whether it suits your own plans or not. I know what I want, and what I deserve, and honestly? You hurt me, Aiden and it will take time for me to look past that hurt and the things that happened between us and I need some space to be able to do that."

I could see he wasn't too happy with what he was hearing, but that was his problem, not mine. I needed to look after myself and my baby and that was all that mattered.

"I understand." He said, after a moment of silence. He crossed to retrieve his coat and made to leave. At the door, he paused and turned to look at me. "Regardless of everything, please know that I'm always available, at any time. Just call, text, whatever you need, I'll get it done."

"I'll keep that in mind."

His phone rang just then and filled me with relief to be free of that piercing gaze. He pulled out his phone and scowled down at the screen for a second, then looked at me again.

"I have to go." He said curtly. "Don't forget to take your medication, it's already almost noon."

"I will," I replied and he turned away to head for the door. Just before he stepped out, he hesitated and turned back to me. "I'll leave Martin with you, in case you need to run any errands from now on."

"I don't need him, I can get around on my own."

"I'd rather you not attempt to drive just yet." He raised his hand to cut off my incoming protest. "At least for the next few days until you're fully recovered. You mentioned furnishing this place, he can help with that."

I thought about it. I did hope to go out later to shop for some decor and other necessities. Besides, Martin has always been nice and easy to get along with, so it shouldn't be a problem having him around. "Alright. Thanks."

His mouth lifted slightly and he nodded and left.