Between Ruin And Resolve My Ex-Husband's Regret novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Torn

The enticing aroma of the clam chowder wafted through the air, but to Sadie, it was more of an assault than a comfort, making her stomach twist in revolt.

She instinctively clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening as she fought the urge to gag.

Noah’s brow furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with

worry.

Sadie shook her head and mustered a feeble smile. “Nothing, just not feeling very hungry,” she responded, hoping her voice sounded convincing enough.

She desperately wanted to keep her discomfort hidden from Noah, to mask the turmoil that churned within her.

Noah’s expression softened, though his concern didn’t wane. “Sadie, it’s your own body,” he reminded her gently, his voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and tenderness. “You know about your stomach issues. If you don’t eat on time, you’re the one who’s going to suffer later.”

His words were firm, underscored by a palpable sense of concern that seemed to fill the

room.

Sadie felt a sudden pinch at her nose, and before she could stop them, tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Memories flooded back–of years ago when she first started working at Noah’s company, of the countless nights spent toiling away, skipping meals in a vain attempt to gain his approval.

It was during one of those grueling nights that her neglect had caught up with her, her stomach condition flaring up so severely that she had collapsed and curled in on herself on the floor, pain clouding her vision.

In her haze, she vaguely remembered being lifted, carried with a steadiness that had felt strangely comforting at the time.

When she had come to, it was to find Noah by her bedside, his face etched with worry

as he gently offered her water and medication.

“It’s your own body. Don’t treat it so poorly.”

Though his tone was calm at the time, it etched itself into her memory.

Those words had spurred her to take better care of herself, ensuring she ate regularly, no matter the circumstances.

What once felt comforting now sliced through her, leaving an aching wound.

Noah observed Sadie, who was gazing vacantly at the floor, seemingly lost in a world of her own. Minutes ticked by without a single change in her expression.

He knitted his brows, concern slowly morphing into irritation. Just as he was about to confront Sadie, she lurched forward, her movements abrupt as she seized the bowl and scooped a spoonful of clam chowder into her mouth.

The soup’s robust seafood flavor bombarded her senses immediately, too potent for her liking. Her face contorted in disgust as her stomach revolted against the taste.

With a swift motion, she set the bowl aside and brushed past Noah, hopping on one foot as she rushed toward the bathroom.

Her fingers dug into the toilet seat as she bent over, vomiting until nothing was left.

Noah lingered at the doorway, his initial annoyance fading into a shadow of concern as he watched her trembling form.

He stepped closer, tentatively extending a hand to comfort her, but she slapped it away with a weak, yet determined, gesture.

“Sadie…”

“Don’t touch me!” Sadie’s voice was ragged, strained from the force of her retching.

Noah halted, his hand suspended in the air, his features clouding over with a mix of

hurt and confusion.

“Let me take you to the hospital,” he hastily suggested.

“No!” The refusal came sharp and instinctive from Sadie as she braced herself against the cool bathroom wall, her arms protectively wrapped around her abdomen. Her eyes, filled with a mix of fear and defiance, locked onto his.

The air between them thickened with unspoken words, and Noah’s suspicions crept

back into his mind, the idea that she might be hiding a pregnancy gnawing at him.

His eyes narrowed, the weight of his fears and frustrations making his next words heavy and resolute.

“You don’t get to decide this time!”

His voice was unyielding, shutting down any chance of protest.