The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 356

Ferris's behavior was completely understandable, especially after Zelda had nearly caught us out.

Zelda was Zoey's best friend. If any of those rumors reached Zoey's ears, it would undoubtedly upset his precious girl. If she threw a tantrum over it, he'd be the one dealing with the headache.

But I couldn't seem to rein in my emotions. Stepping out of the elevator and rushing to keep up with Ferris's brisk pace, I stared at his broad back, barely managing to swallow the lump in my throat.

When we reached his car, I immediately headed for the back door, but Ferris stopped me. "Sit in the front."

The front?

Had he completely forgotten? The front passenger seat was explicitly reserved for his princess, complete with a tacky label claiming it as her domain.

We had just narrowly avoided Zelda's suspicions, which was risky enough. Now he wanted me to sit in his passenger seat? Wasn't he terrified his little darling would notice some tiny detail and throw a fit?

I shot him a look and continued toward the back. "I'd rather sit in the back. The front seat is... inappropriate."

"The back is full. I put some things there," Ferris replied, his tone even but laced with a hint of urgency. "Get in the front."

I stopped in my tracks. Since the back was taken, I had no choice but to take the front.

But as I slid into the passenger seat and caught sight of that ridiculous 'Princess Exclusive' label on the dashboard, a wave of profound discomfort washed over me. The pain began to seep back into my chest.

I turned my head, trying desperately not to look at it, but my eyes inevitably fell on the items resting in the back seat.

In that split second, I understood exactly why Ferris hadn't wanted me sitting back there. The back seat was indeed occupied.

He had been terrified I would crush the gift he had bought for Zoey. Otherwise, he never would have compromised and let me sit in her sacred passenger seat.

A massive bouquet of vibrant red roses sat next to a delicate pastel blue bear figurine.

And very soon, I wouldn't even have the empty shell of a home left. Ferris and I were getting a divorce.

Closing my eyes, I forced down the suffocating ache in my chest, silently scolding myself.

There was no need for this, Selena. You've known the truth for a long time, haven't you? There's no point in being sad. It isn't his fault that he doesn't love you, and it isn't yours either. It just wasn't meant to be. Just walk away with your head held high.

Stop letting these emotions tear you apart.

We were breaking up anyway. It was almost over.

But the moment I stepped foot into the Sterling Estate, I realized that a peaceful separation was an absolute pipe dream.

Because my mother, Lucille, was sitting directly across from Vivian, and the living room was thick with a violently explosive tension.