Chapter 3

Chapter 003

Tahlia's point of view.

"Are you certain you're alright, Tahlia?" Selene inquired in a worried tone.

Concerned about her best friend, she had hurried to Tahlia's place the day after the news was released. The image of Tahlia from the news report kept coming to mind.

Tahlia's eyes met Selene's, and tears filled them. When the truth of everything struck her like a brick wall, she was at a loss for words and could only shake her head.

Tahlia's voice broke, "Selene, you saw the news." "My marriage is deteriorating!" She buried her face in her hands, her heart shattered.

Selene drew Tahlia into her embrace. With a voice full of rage, she questioned, "Is it because of that woman?" She has no qualms about clinging to a married man in that way. I'll go visit her if you just say the word!

Tahlia was aware of Selene's temper. Her threats were more than just empty words. Even though Tahlia was still in pain, it made her laugh through her tears. She drew back a little and wiped her face.

"Jaxon still has feelings for her." He almost hurried when she called yesterday, as you should have seen.

"You're just going to sit there and let her take all of the things you've worked so hard for?" Incredulous, Selene asked. "After all that you've endured?"

Tahlia's shoulders drooped as if she were carrying a burden. "What else am I able to do? He has always loved Selene. You are aware of that.

It was accurate. Jaxon was still Tahlia's favorite. She had thought that he would eventually fall deeply in love with her given enough time. They had spent three years together. He had treated her well. However, everything seemed to be slipping out of her grasp now that Mia was back in the picture.

She seemed to be dragged back ten steps after taking one. It was oddly reminiscent of their recent marriage or her childhood, when she secretly hoped he would see her the way she saw him.

With intense flashes in her eyes, Selene remarked, "You've loved him for so long." "Tahlia, you're now married to him. Stand up for him. Every day, you've been getting closer to him. Has he ever been unkind to you?

Tahlia bit her lip and shook her head. Her friend's words weighed heavily on her. Selene was correct. "No, he has never treated me cruelly."

"Exactly! So why should everything you've worked so hard to achieve be destroyed by that desperate woman? Selene sat back resolutely and said, "It's time you put her in her place because it began the moment she showed up."

Tahlia considered it for a moment. "You're correct. He is my spouse. It is her responsibility to understand her role.

Selene smiled. I'm glad to hear that! But really, I know a few people who can help if you want me to discipline her. She spoke softly as she leaned closer.

Kylie came in with a tray of coffee cups, and Tahlia laughed.

With a more composed tone, Tahlia said, "Thanks, Kylie."

Kylie nodded courteously and walked away.

Selene handed Tahlia a cup. She was on the verge of passing it over when she felt sick. Muttering, she got up and hurried out of the room, saying, "I'll be right back."

After a few minutes, Tahlia gazed at the door, pondering what had transpired. Selene had an almost playful look on her face when she came back.

Tahlia's eyebrow went up. "What took place? You appear... dubious.

Selene's eyes glowed with anticipation. "Tahlia, what was that about? Are you...?

"Yes!" With a broad smile on her face, Tahlia answered. Selene pulled her into a tight hug while she reclined on the couch.

"It's unbelievable that I will be a godmother!" Selene gave a little squeal. "Congratulations, my love!" She gave Tahlia such a tight squeeze that she nearly passed out.

"Selene!" Tahlia laughed and gasped. "I can't breathe if you don't let me go!"

Selene withdrew after a moment, but her smile remained unwavering. Her voice lowered as she leaned closer. "Have you informed Jaxon yet?"

Tahlia's smile faded as her face faltered. "No, I had intended to, but then everything went wrong. With a hint of pain in her voice, she said, "You saw the rest."

The fact that Jaxon had abandoned her in that manner twice in a single day still stung.

"All right," Selene urged, "but you must tell him." "That's the key to permanently removing Mia from your life."

"Do you really believe that?" With a hopeful tone, Tahlia inquired.

"Obviously," Selene said with a confident nod.

When Tahlia felt the warmth of hands softly stroking her hair away from her face, her eyes opened. Her heart skipped a beat at the familiar touch. She opened her eyes slowly and saw Jaxon's face above her, still as attractive as ever.

His voice was full of care as he whispered, "Hey."

"Jaxon?" With her mind still foggy from sleep, Tahlia sat up and asked.

Jaxon grinned, clearly worried. He looked at her with a mix of curiosity and concern and remarked, "You went to bed early tonight." "I have something for you."

Tahlia's heart pounded. "Is it the bracelet?" she asked herself.

Despite the butterflies in her stomach, she asked in a steady voice, "What is it?"

"Swivel around and shut your eyes," Jaxon instructed.

With her back to him, Tahlia followed his instructions. She shivered when she felt a chilly chain encircle her neck.

Tahlia's heart pounded in her chest as Jaxon turned her around gently, his face displaying remorse.

"I apologize, Tahlia," Jaxon said quietly. "I was unable to locate the bracelet you requested. Mia unintentionally knocked the one I had made for you out of my hands, shattering it. All I could get you was a necklace.

He grabbed her hands and held them firmly. Tahlia felt all of her defenses come tumbling down as the touch felt electric. His storm-gray eyes, which always made her feel weak, melted the rage she had been holding inside.

Her voice was a little shaky as she said, "I forgive you." "But dinner is still due to me."

Tahlia was shocked when Jaxon didn't reject her request because he didn't often joke with her. Rather, he said, "No problem," and nodded. Mia got hurt yesterday, but I still wanted to do it. She has a big show coming up, and her leg was hurt. What transpired at our house made me feel horrible.

The way Jaxon talked about Mia made Tahlia's heart sink. Tahlia was shattered by the realization that he still cared about her.

"All right," she said softly, giving him a small smile. "But just hold off until you hear the news."

After his face softened, Jaxon got to his feet and resumed his serious demeanor. We're heading to Graham's house tomorrow night. We were invited to his party.

Tahlia nodded as she tried to think of the best way to deliver the news. "This is it," she thought, feeling a mixture of fear and excitement in her heart. "I'll tell him in front of everyone tomorrow." Both he and Graham will be content.

She gripped her stomach with shaking hands, silently speculating about Jaxon's potential response.

However, one thing was certain: nothing would be the same in the future.