Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and

Distance

Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and Distance

ELLIE

Closing the door behind me, I took off my shoes and headed to the

kitchen, tossing my bag onto the couch along the way.

Pouring myself a glass of water, I felt the uncomfortable silence begin

to bother me. Once again.

With a sigh, I stared at the clock on the wall. At another time, he

would have rushed to be here before I arrived. Remembering that

made my chest tighten.

I didn’t know how much longer I could keep pretending that

everything was okay.

I tried to remember when all of this started. In the first week,

everything seemed fine. Or maybe his excessive care prevented me

from noticing.

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Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and Distance

Actually, maybe I did notice a certain distance, but I must have

thought it was normal, considering what we went through.

But now, almost two weeks later, I couldn’t keep pretending I didn’t

see the way he was pulling away more and more, even while being

present.

The truth is, he hasn’t been the same since the day we left that

hospital. But I think it only hit me on Monday. The day I finally

returned to work.

That night, when he arrived late and smelling of alcohol, I knew

something was wrong. And since then, he’s been doing the same.

Every night, arriving late and smelling of whiskey, just to sleep next

to me, without touching me. Just a kiss on the forehead. That’s all

I’ve been getting from him.

I no longer knew if he was just respecting the medical

recommendations or if he had simply lost interest in me.

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Actually, I think I already have my answer. Today was the deadline,

and even that wasn’t enough to make him arrive on time.

I think that was just another proof that he wasn’t okay. And although

it was kind of obvious, with the distance, alcohol, and delays, I had no

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Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and Distance

idea what was going on in his mind.

I wanted to ask many times in the past few days, but I think part of

me wanted to believe he just needed some time.

But the truth is, I was the only one trying to fool myself. He wasn’t

getting over it like I was, and I don’t think he ever would.

Maybe I didn’t realize how much he wanted the baby.

But now it doesn’t matter anymore.

Maybe it’s better this way.

Maybe he just doesn’t want me anymore.

Damn. What am I saying? I can’t do this. I can’t start assuming things

without talking to him.

As much as I’m afraid of what he might say, I can’t keep postponing

this conversation.

X

After taking a shower and having dinner, I decided I couldn’t just keep waiting for him to arrive, because maybe he wouldn’t even

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Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and Distance

come.

But I was determined to put an end to this torture, even if the result

was even worse. So, I grabbed my keys and drove to his office.

I wasn’t sure if he would be there, despite his messages being

practically the same throughout the week, saying he would stay late

at work.

However, the smell of alcohol every night made me doubt that he was

really telling the truth.

Getting out of the elevator, I headed straight to his office. As

expected, the office was empty; after all, it was already past eight. No

one should be working at that hour.

But I guess that rule never applied to Ethan.

I don’t know if I felt relieved or more worried when I saw the light in

his office on. On one hand, I was happy to know he hadn’t lied, but on

the other, I knew that wasn’t a good sign.

Once again, he was using work, burying himself in it to try to avoid

dealing with everything else. To avoid me.

Stopping in front of his door, I hesitated a bit, gathering courage

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Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and Distance

before knocking.

“Hi,” I said, entering and closing the door behind me, without taking

my eyes off him.

“Hi…” he replied, unable to hide his expression of surprise and a bit

of confusion.

Sitting behind the desk, with his jacket thrown over the back of the

chair, he looked exhausted but also at ease–with the top buttons of

his white shirt undone and sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

His hair was slightly messy, his tie loosened, and on his desk was an

almost empty glass and a half–full bottle of whiskey.

That made me question whether he was sober enough to have this

conversation.

“I’m sorry, I was…”

“Avoiding me?” I teased, cutting him off, feeling the words hurt

despite my weak smile.

“About to go home… But, is everything okay?”

“I think the fact that you’re still here answers that question.”

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Chapter 146: Silence, Whiskey, and Distance

“I’m sorry, it was a tough week.”

No. This had nothing to do with his work.

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