The new agreement was more substantial than the previous one. Adrian had added properties, stocks, and a sum of money sufficient to ensure I would never again be dependent on anyone.
When we left the building, he took my hand.
It was one of the few times he did it in public.
His gaze descended to my barely rounded belly.
—Let's have lunch together.
Months ago, an invitation like that would have made me happy for days.
Adrian had always been a cold man. During our marriage, he almost never took the initiative to hug me, take me out to dinner, or open the car door for me.
But now I gently withdrew my hand and took a half step back.
—Mr. Sterling, it would no longer be appropriate.
Her eyebrows furrowed.
—Elena, we're over our marriage. That doesn't mean we have to become strangers.
"We can still be friends," he added stiffly.
I didn't answer.
Three years earlier, that same man had told me that I wasn't even worthy of being by his side.
Seeing me silent, he assumed I had accepted.
He went to the car and opened the passenger door for me.
I had never done it while we were married.
"My nausea has gotten worse," I explained. "The smell of restaurants makes me feel sick."
Adrian remained motionless.
For a few seconds she seemed to remember, for the first time, that she was carrying her daughter inside me.
—I was inconsiderate.
"Don't worry, Mr. Sterling. I'll order a car."
