“It’s not just that,” Evie interrupted, stepping forward. “Well, not entirely. It’s more about how you’ve both been acting since you got here. I know my brother, and I know how he is when you’re around. He’s always touching your hand, your arm, kissing you every chance he gets. And those looks you share across the room–believe me, we’ve all noticed them.”
Colette’s heart skipped a beat, her anger momentarily fading as Evie continued.
“Today, though, you couldn’t be farther away from him if you tried. I haven’t seen you two together once since morning, not even when that woman was blatantly flirting with him,” Evie said, her voice tinged with confusion.
Colette’s mind raced. She hadn’t realized just how closely Matt’s family had been watching them, cataloging every touch, every glance. But as Evie’s words sank in, Colette felt a sting of sadness. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how one sees this, Evie had never observed them together in a public venue like that of St. Antony’s Gala, or she would have known how her brother actually treats her in public.
The room fell silent, the air heavy with unspoken truths. Colette took a deep breath, unsure of what to say, the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on
her.
As the tension in the room thickened, Evie suddenly blurted out, “Colette, you’re not pregnant, are you?” Her voice was a mix of shock and concern, her eyes wide as she searched Colette’s face for any sign of confirmation. “You’ve been looking a bit off since you arrived, and you didn’t drink any wine at lunch. Is that why Matt’s upset with you? Because you’re pregnant? The words tumbled out of her like she’d just unlocked the answer to a riddle that had been gnawing at her all day.
Colette’s heart sank at the assumption, a wave of sadness washing over her. The idea of having a baby had been a dream she had nurtured for so long, a dream that had gradually withered away under the weight of Matt’s steadfast refusal. She was touched that Evie had noticed, but the reality was far more painful. With a slow shake of her head, Colette replied, “No, I’m not pregnant. Matt doesn’t want kids.”
For years, she had clung to the hope that Matt’s reluctance was just a temporary phase, that eventually, he would come around. She would always add a hopeful “yet” to the end of that sentence, convincing herself that one day he would change his mind. But now, she knew better. The “yet” was gone, replaced by a grim acceptance. “He never wanted kids. Period.” She spoke the words with a finality that left no room for doubt, her voice carrying the weight of countless unfulfilled dreams.
Evie’s face fell, her initial excitement replaced by a deep sadness. “That’s our fault, I suppose,” she murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Colette looked at her, puzzled. “How is Matt not wanting kids your fault? He’s just-
But Evie interrupted, shaking her head. “No, it is our fault. Mine, Damon’s, and Archie’s. Matt practically raised us when he was still just a kid himself. He had to step into a role he wasn’t ready for, taking on the responsibility of three younger siblings when he should have been living his own life. I think that’s why he doesn’t want a baby now–he’s already done the whole parenting thing, and it wasn’t exactly a pleasant experience.”
Evie’s voice was soft, tinged with a maturity and regret that belied her age. She stared out the window, lost in thought, while Roxy, standing beside her, looked stricken, her hands twisting together as if she could wring the guilt from her own heart. The weight of her son’s lost childhood hung heavily on her shoulders, and the realization that it might be the reason he refused to have children of his own now seemed almost too much for her to bear.
11:18 pm GP p p
The End Of a Marriage
Chapter 37
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
