Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 82

Means

ELLIE

The night felt strange since everyone had already noticed that wé

were fighting. I was reluctant to use the word “over,” but deep down, I

knew that’s what was happening. I didn’t want to admit it because I

wasn’t sure if I could handle being without him and going through all

that again.

Sitting on one of the couches, I had lost count of how many glasses of

wine I’d had. If Anna hadn’t insisted so much, I wouldn’t have come.

It seemed like she and Will had something important to tell us. The

two of them stuck together all night.

Why the hell was she hiding whatever it was from me? I’m her best

friend; I have the right to know before anyone else.

Eventually, my gaze would wander over to Ethan. I couldn’t help it.

He hadn’t spoken a word to me all night, even though I could feel his

eyes on me at times.

The more wine I drank, the stronger the urge to drag him into a room

grew. I stared at the wine glass in my hand. That meant it was time to

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Chapter 82: You Know What It Means

stop.

I stood up and headed to the kitchen. Leaving the glass on the

counter, I turned around to observe the others in the living room. All

the couples seemed happy.

Ex

Before I met Ethan, it seemed easier to deal with the fact that all my

friends were in couples. And if we were really breaking up, it would be

even harder.

Suddenly, he got up from the sofa where he was sitting and started

walking towards me. I looked away, trying to ignore everything he

made me feel.

Entering the kitchen area, he stopped to my left at the end of the

counter.

“Can we talk?” he asked, forcing me to look at him.

He was dressed in black, his hair combed back–an almost irresistible

combination.

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Not here.”

“I don’t want to fight.”

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Chapter 82: You Know What It Means

“If you haven’t changed your mind, I think it’s inevitable,” I said, crossing my arms.

“I need you to understand that I can’t keep dealing with this.”

“See? It’s not a good idea. My answer is still the same. I’m not leaving my apartment just because you don’t trust me.”

“You’d never accept this if you were in my,position, and you know it’s not normal. What will it take for you to understand that things will

never work out if they stay like this?”

“They can’t work if you don’t trust me, Ethan.”

“Do you think it’s easy for me to see you around him?”

“You know I love you, and I understand what you’ve been through,

but it’s not my fault, and I need you to trust me like I trust you.“”

He sighed, shaking his head.

“Then… move in with me.”

What? Move in with him? For a moment, my chest filled with

happiness and warmth. But a second later, I realized why he was

doing this, and the feeling quickly faded, replaced by anger and

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Chapter 82: You Know What It Means

resentment.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” I said, shaking my head.

“What?” He furrowed his brow.

“How can you?”

“Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted? Maybe it’s the best thing for

us right now.”

His words only made me more and more disappointed.

“You’re such an idiot…”

“Hey, you two! Come over here!” Will called, interrupting us.

I started to walk back to the living room, feeling the anger rising

inside me. He couldn’t be serious. How dare he? He was ruining

everything, acting like a damn jerk.

I approached the sofa where the others were seated. Anna and Will

were standing, both smiling. I stopped next to the couch where Zoe

and Bennett were sitting, trying to pretend that Ethan hadn’t just

fucked everything up.

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Chapter 82: You Know What It Means

I felt his presence behind me, and then Anna started speaking.

“Well, we have some news, and we wanted you all to be the first to

know.”

“Spit it out, Harris!” Zoe said impatiently.

Anna and Will exchanged a smile, and then Will placed his hand on

her stomach. She… No way…

“I’m pregnant!” Anna said, filling my chest with warmth and

happiness, and my eyes with tears. I rushed to hug her.

“Oh my God! I can’t believe it! I’m so happy for you guys,” I said,

hugging her tightly.

“I know. I’m counting on you to keep me from losing my mind.”

“You can count on me.” I pulled away so the others could

congratulate her, then approached Will.

“Congratulations! You’re going to be Manhattan’s hottest new dad,” I

joked, hugging him.

He laughed.

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Chapter 82: You Know What It Means

“Thanks, El.”

“Take care of her, okay?”

“Will do.”

“I should have guessed when you didn’t drink anything all night,” I

said to Anna when Zara finally let her go.

It seemed like the two of them would have more in common now. I

had to admit, I would feel a little jealous about that.

My eyes searched for Ethan. He was congratulating Will. I was so

happy for Anna, but I couldn’t help thinking that while they were

living an amazing moment, expanding their family, Ethan and I were

moving closer to disaster. This wasn’t what I had imagined for us.

At the end of the night, after celebrating the news, I left Bennett’s

apartment, right after Anna and Will, leaving the others behind.

I was crossing the street towards my car when I heard footsteps

behind me. I turned to see Ethan following me. Taking a deep breath,

I started walking again.

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