Chapter 2

EMMA'S POV

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Everything that had happened before? Straight-up nightmare material.

I could’ve sworn my brain just short-circuited. How the hell did this even happen?

Of all the people in the world, why her? Why now?

I rubbed my eyes, hoping I was wrong, but no amount of blinking could make her disappear or look different. My stomach knotted in unease as I stared at her, mainly because my mind was starting to make up different scenarios. 

If that child in her belly wasn’t Sebastian’s, then whose was it? And why was she here, in our home? What if the child did belong to Sebastian, and that was why she was here?My heart hammered unevenly, and every beat sent another wave of pain to my head.

Ava’s face barely twitched, but I knew she recognized me, the way her green eyes rolled showed that she remembered me before she broke the silence. “Is it you?” she asked, her voice had a hint of familiarity.  

Sebastian glanced between us, confused. “Wait, you two know each other?”  

“No,” we both replied in unison, too quickly. My palms felt clammy, and I avoided looking directly at her. She did the same.

It wasn’t a full lie, we didn’t know each other well. But meeting earlier today wasn’t something I could just blurt out. It didn't count as knowing, I mean, I almost hurt her and her child, but it didn't count as knowing.

Sebastian cleared his throat, his tone softening as he explained. “Ava’s… been through a lot. Her boyfriend passed away in a car accident, and, well…” His voice trailed off as he glanced down at her huge, swollen belly. 

“She’s carrying his child. Her parents are gone, too, so she doesn’t have anyone else. I told her she could stay here for a bit until she figures things out.” He glanced up at me after speaking with that look in his eyes, that look he makes whenever he wants me to do something for him.

My chest tightened. I wanted to say something, anything, but the words stuck in my throat. I could only nod, forcing my lips into a tight smile. I wouldn't say I liked this. 

I hated this so freaking much.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Sebastian’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He frowned at the screen. “Sorry, it’s work. I need to take this. You two… uh, make yourselves comfortable, and Ava, be nice.”  

Be nice? What the hell was that supposed to mean?

With that, he disappeared into the study, leaving me alone with Ava.  

Ava bent down to open her suitcase, her movements awkward and slow. The heavy weight of her swollen belly made even the simplest task seem like an impossible struggle.

I watched her for a moment, my chest still tight, but something tugged at me. Sebastian’s words echoed in my head—about her family, her boyfriend, everything she had been through.

Maybe this was my chance to be the bigger person. Maybe, just maybe, I could show her kindness despite everything.

I walked over to her, offering a small, hesitant smile. “Do you need help with that?”

Ava grabbed her things and stood up, her eyes meeting mine.“No, I’m fine.”

Her eyes scanned me slowly, from head to toe, lingering a little too long on my outfit.

“Urg, so this is Sebastian’s taste now?” she said, her voice oozing with sarcasm.

Her words stung, but I refused to let it show. “I am sorry. What did you say?”  

She tilted her head, her lips curving into a mocking smile. “I figured you’d be my rival when I first heard about you. Turns out I was wrong. You’re not even in the same league.”  

My breath hitched, but I squared my shoulders. “Despite whatever you think, the fact remains, I’m Sebastian’s wife and guess what, you are not.” I felt proud of myself after speaking.   

Her smirk faltered for a split second before it returned. “Wife?” She laughed lightly, like the old witches in a scary movie. “Oh, sweetheart. Don’t you realize? To Sebastian, you’re just a consolation prize. A replacement. A rebound.” Her gaze flicked down to my stomach as if she could see my baby. My hand drifted instinctively to my belly, a gesture I wasn’t sure she noticed. “That’s all you’ve ever been.”  

Her words hurt more than I wanted to admit. I tried to block them out, but at that moment, all I could think about was what she said. 

I hadn’t told Sebastian about the pregnancy yet. I’d been waiting for the right moment, but now, with Ava here… Would my child become nothing more than a burden in his heart? Something else to weigh him down with all he already had to take care of now? What if Ava stayed with us longer? Would he prefer her child over mine?

I straightened my spine, determined not to let her see my fear. “You left, Ava. Whatever you think you had with Sebastian, it’s over. Your return doesn’t change that.”  

Her smile widened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, darling. You don’t get it, do you? My return changes every single thing.”  What was wrong with this woman? Did she decide to wage a personal war against me? Fine. If she wanted a war, I was more than ready to fight.

Before I could respond, the study door creaked open, and Sebastian reappeared. 

Ava’s demeanor changed instantly; she became a soft child. “I hope I’m not imposing,” she said, her tone shockingly soft, making my head pound even more. I could tell exactly what she was doing—playing the victim, pretending to be fragile.

“I don’t want to be a burden to you two.”  

I nodded along, forcing a smile. “Yeah, maybe we could help her find a place, Sebastian. Something close by, so she’s not too far from us.”

But the moment the words left my mouth, I saw it—the flicker of anger in Ava’s eyes.

“Renting a place isn’t really convenient for her, Emma," Sebastian said, his voice firm but softer than usual. "What if she falls or hurts herself? It’s not safe.”

He turned to Ava with a reassuring smile. “It’s no trouble. You’re not bothering us. Just stay here for now.”

I stood there, silent, as they exchanged words that felt far too intimate for my comfort. I was his wife, yet at that moment, I felt like an outsider in my own home. It was almost funny—almost.

Then Sebastian turned to me, his brow furrowing slightly. “By the way, Emma, wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me earlier? You said it was important.”  

My heart leapt into my throat. This was my chance to tell him. But with Ava standing there, the words just refused to come. I couldn't say it with the predatory way she watched me. It wasn't time yet. I'll tell him later.

I forced a smile, shaking my head. “Oh, it was nothing. I’ve forgotten for now. I’ll tell you when I remember.”  

Sebastian looked puzzled, but he didn’t press further. “Alright, if you’re sure.”  

I didn't have to tell him now. It wasn't time yet. My eyes drifted to Ava, who gave me a sickly smile, scaring me.

Did I make a mistake not telling him?