I didn't say anything. I just turned my back to her, undoing my dress slowly, my fingers shaking a bit. The soft ruffle of fabric filled the space, filled by silence. Then her voice,
"How did mum find out?" She said, her tone accusing me of something.
"She came unannounced this morning,I didn't even know she was coming until I saw her standing in the living room." I answered, deciding to ignore the accusatory tone she used.
She didn't respond, just a low "Mmm" like she was holding back something. I didn't add more either, no need to prolong the conversation when it's obvious she doesn't believe me.
I let my dress fall to the ground before facing. Her eyes went to my stomach almost instinctively, and her breath caught or maybe I heard wrong.
"You actually.....did it!" She exclaimed, eyes widening a bit like she was just finding out for the first time.
I exhaled, slow and controlled, " if I remember correctly, you asked me to, no, you begged me to" I said, losing my patience bit by bit. " Don't worry, I'll be getting rid of it as soon as I am settled" I added, my voice sharper than I intended but it would work.
"I know, I know, it's just different seeing it in real life than you telling me over the phone." She muttered.
I didn't give her a response, and we both stood there, half-dressed, our bond shattering bit by bit. But neither of us apologized, because what was the point?
We finished changing in silence, slipping back into our original lives like it was nothing—like it didn't cost us both something we wouldn't get back.
Trust.
When we stepped out of the room, our mother was waiting by the door. She had probably heard everything we said, but she didn't comment on it. Her arms were folded across her chest, jaw clenched. Her eyes bounced between the two of us—two daughters in different clothes, playing a dangerous game.
I didn't waste time giving Selena all the updates she needed to perfect her act—the places Killian and I had been to. I also gave her the infinity necklace he got me, the one I'd been subconsciously wearing ever since the day he put it around my neck. I told her the story behind it too.
She called for a car from the mansion to be sent to the store so she could use it to return, while I would follow Mum home.
"Are you ready?" Mum asked me, her face unreadable as the car arrived and Selena left.
I nodded, even though I don't think I am.
************************
Selena's POV
Hey, baby. I missed you.
Kayden's text flashed on my screen, and I smiled. I missed him too.
I've been back in this house for two days now, and thankfully, Killian is still not back from whatever work he's handling at the company.
Kayden and I have been texting and FaceTiming—never failing to communicate.
Another text came in,
How's my little warrior? I hope he's not making you sick.
I smiled. He always called our baby that, even though the gender hasn't been confirmed yet — it's not time.
I missed you too. And no, he's not making me sick. How are—
"Selena!"
I jumped, startled by Killian's voice. My phone slipped from my hand and hit the cushioned floor. I grabbed it quickly, exiting the messaging app and deleting the conversation just in time as the bedroom door opened.
Killian stood there with a wide smile—one I don't think I've ever seen before—then walked in, one hand behind his back.
He stopped in front of me and knelt. I was confused. Then he kissed me on the lips and revealed a beautiful bouquet of roses from behind his back.
This is strange, I thought.
"I'm sorry I stayed this long," he said, placing the bouquet in my lap. "Here, I saw this on my way home and thought of you. How are you?" His hand reached for my stomach, resting lightly on my bump.
I almost flinched—but caught myself and smiled up at him.
"I'm fine. I love them," I said, pretending not to be perturbed by this sudden change in behavior. "And I'm not angry. It's not like it's unus—"
Before I could finish, I felt myself being lifted and spun around.
"Wha—Killian, stop! Please put me down, now!" I yelled, terrified of falling—or worse, losing my baby.
"Sorry, sorry," he muttered, setting me back on my feet. But his arms stayed wrapped around me.
This wasn't the Killian I knew.
What has my sister done to him?
"Can you, like, remove your hands from around me? I feel uncomfortable," I snapped. His arms dropped instantly—hopefully, he got the message.
I don't think I can get used to this version of Killian.
I thought it was just a fluke when he sounded softer over the phone, but I was wrong.
"Is everything okay? Did I do something?" he asked, concern in his eyes as he reached for my face.
I stepped away before he could touch me.
"Yes, everything's fine. You didn't do anything. I just don't feel in the mood," I answered. He looked confused but nodded anyway.
"I have a dinner meeting with Mr. Rain and his wife Camille tonight. Do you want to come along? You and Camille are a bit familiar."
I stared at him.
Familiar?
I despise Camille. She's the definition of a snobby, pretentious rich brat. I can't stand her.
"No thanks. I'll pass," I said, turning my back to him, not wanting to continue the conversation.
He seemed to take the hint. I heard his footsteps retreat, then the soft click of the door closing.
I grabbed my phone and called the person responsible for this change.
"Hello?" her voice came through after she picked up.
"Serena, what the hell did you do?" I nearly screamed, deeply disturbed by this sudden development.
"What do you mean?" she responded, clearly confused about what I was talking about.
"What did you do to Killian? And why is he acting all… mushy?" I accused.
"Selena," she sighed. "If you don't have anything better to talk to me about, I'm hanging up. I have a flight to catch."
Then she hung up.
What the fuck?