Selena's POV
The morning dew lightened the room, and I knew it was time to wake up. Killian hadn't come back to our room last night—and I was so relieved.
I don't think I can keep pretending with this abomination Serena has created. A different version of my husband.
,
His absence gave me space to text Kayden, and thank God for his presence—because without it, madness isn't too far from me.
I stood up and went into the bathroom to relieve myself, and just as I stepped out, the door to our room opened—and in came Killian, holding a tray with food.
Uh? I thought, blinking in confusion. What was happening?
I moved back to the bed, sat down, and leaned against the headboard.
"Good morning, my queen," he said, smiling softly at me—and it looked… weird.
"I realized you needed space last night, so I slept in the next room," he added, stopping at the edge of the bed before sitting down.
"I brought you breakfast."
He placed the tray gently on my outstretched lap, then stirred the liquid in the mug with a spoon. "Here, your ginger ale. Mira said you haven't been drinking it since I left three days ago. Why?" He lifted the mug with one hand and used the other to pick up my hand, placing the mug in it.
I didn't respond. I just stared at him, glancing around the room, half-expecting someone to jump out and yell 'Got you!'
Because this felt like a prank.
"I didn't drink it because I did not want to," I finally replied, pulling my hand away from his and placing the mug back on the tray.
"And my mind hasn't changed. I still don't want to drink it—so please, leave me alone."
I turned away from him as best as I could with the tray still on my lap.
The food I wouldn't reject—but that drink, or whatever it is? I'm not touching it.
What if he already found out… and wants to kill my baby?
No… he couldn't have.
If he had, I wouldn't still be here speaking to him.
Killian isn't nice—he's ruthless. He destroys his enemies without remorse. And I'm on the path to becoming one.
He sighed deeply.
"I understand that the doctor said your condition might bring mood swings or sudden changes in emotion," he said, moving closer and taking my hands.
It felt like a thousand ants crawling down my arms.
"But I don't think that's what's going on here. You were fine before I left three days ago. Now, you won't even let me touch you without flinching."
He sounded almost… pained.
My heart sank at his last sentence.
I thought I was playing this well.
I breathed deeply. I need to do this the right way if I want my plans to go accordingly.
So I moved closer too, even though it was taking everything in me not to pull back.
I held his hands.
"Hey, I'm fine. Everything is fine, I just... don't feel good," I said, trying to find something—anything—believable.
"I haven't been feeling happy. I just want to be alone… or on my own." I finished, my voice trembling—remembering to lace it with tears.
God, this is exhausting.
"Okay," he said, raising his hand to place it gently behind my head, pulling me in for a kiss.
It stirred something in me—something I've been ignoring and burying deep down.
I don't love him. I love Kayden.
Never Killian.
"I understand," he said softly. "Just tell me whatever you think I can do to make you feel better." He placed another kiss on my temple and pulled me gently to rest my head against his chest.
"Okay, I will," I reassured him, even though this closeness was the last thing I wanted.
"So… our fifth-year anniversary is coming up. Where would you like to go for the celebration?" Killian asked, his fingers running through my hair.
My ears perked up at the question. Finally, some good news.
"Just name a place, and I'll deliver," he finished.
"Hmmm… I don't know," I said, pretending to deliberate even though I already had a place in mind.
"Maybe Italy," I finally said.
"Italy?" Killian echoed, surprised.
"Why Italy? And not somewhere else? This is our anniversary we're talking about, not just a random outing," he added, clearly thinking my choice was strange.
"That's where I want to go. And remember—you asked me what I wanted," I replied, already feeling annoyed but masking it behind fake tears.
"Babe, I'm sor—"
"No, don't apologize. It's fine. You're right. Italy's not the best option," I said quickly, cutting him off with a soft smile.
I was thinking with my emotions earlier—thinking of Kayden.
I wasn't being strategic.
What if we ran into Kayden in Italy? How would I pretend not to know him, not to recognize the man my body and soul are more familiar with than Killian will ever be?
How would I explain that?
"What if we hold a dinner party here instead?" Killian suggested, pulling me from my thoughts. "Something simple yet intimate—with our loved ones."
I nodded slowly.
It's actually a good idea.
I don't feel like traveling anymore… not if it isn't Italy. And a dinner at home seems like the safest option.
"Yeah, I like that. It seems like a good idea," I said, agreeing with him.
"So, will you be in charge of the preparations, or should we hire someone?" he asked. "It's just two weeks away."
"Let's hire a service," I replied. "I'll just be in the background, giving my input."
I wanted to be part of every step, even if only from the sidelines.
Even though I don't love this situation I'm in… I've got to make it less unbearable.
He nodded slowly, his thumb brushing over mine. "We'll make it special. Something quiet and meaningful."
Then—he dropped the bomb.
"Are you going to invite your sister?"
My mind stalled. And just like that, the air shifted.
"…Serena?" I asked, keeping my tone as casual as I could manage.
He shrugged, like it meant nothing. "Yeah. I mean, I only met her that one time, but… she seemed.....nice. It'd be nice if she came."
My heart beat a little too hard in my chest.
Why was he bringing her up now?
I smiled and said, "I would, of course. She's my sister."