A Divorce He Regrets (Alissa Nexus) novel Chapter 25

Three things plagued my mind, circling like vultures over my exhaustion. Liam. That bitch Eliza. And Alex

Alex now knew the truth about Dominic. The real truth, not the one Vanessa and Eliza had painted so cruelly years ago. Should it matter to me? Could it change anything after all this time? I wasn’t sure. But the mere thought of it–it chipped away at the walls I’d spent so long building, threatening to let the anger and pain

flood back in.

I shook my head as if the movement could clear away!

y the turmoil brewing inside me

Dominic’s voice startled me, cutting through the fog of my thoughts like a whip

“What?!” I snapped, the word sharper than 1 Intended.

He stood in front of me, his expression a mixture of concem and confusion. “Why are you shouting at from the wave of guilt creeping in.

?” I demanded, folding my arms as it could shield myself

His hands went cup in a gesture of surrender, his brows knitting together. “I wasn’t shouting.” he said defensively, “But I have been calling your name for a full minute. You zoned out.“His eyes softened as he asked the question didn’t want to answer, “Are you okay?”

For a moment, I considered lying, brushing it off with some sarcastic remark hut my tongue felt heavy, the words tangled in the exhaustion that seemed to weigh down my very bones/

1 bit back a sharp retort and closed my eyes, forcing myself to take a deep breath. It didn’t help much. “We need to find that card,” I said finally, dodging his question entirely. My voice was steadier than I felt. “Fast.”

Domine frowned, clearly unconvinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he nodded slowly, his lips pressing into a thin line.

He always had a way of knowing when to let things go. It was one of the reasons I trusted him so implicitly, even when the world felt like it was collapsing around

By the time we got back home, exhaustion clung to me like a second skin. My body ached, and my mind was a battlefield of chantic thoughts. Liam’s condition loomed over me like a storm cloud. Faith’s pregnancy had reached its most critical moment. And then there was Alex–his voice, his accusations, and now the about Dominic–circling in my head like a relentless echo. Vanessa’s conniving smile crept in too, a reminder that the war was far from over

Topened the door and was met with a momentary reprieve, Avawasstill awake

Her small face lit up with a smile that immediately softened the edges of my weariness. “Mommy!” she squealed, running toward me with her arms outstretched.

1 dropped to my knees, welcoming the embrace. Her little arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and I held her close, breathing in the sweet, familiar scent of her. Hey, sweetheart,” 1 murmured, feeling a glimmer of peace in her presence.

rtiny

For those few moments, everything else faded. The weight of the world seemed to melt away, leaving only the sound of Ava’s giggles and the warmth of her tin frame pressed against nie.

“Were you good today? rasked, gently pulling back to look at her.

She nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. I helped Falthy with the baby’s things!”

Her innocent exciternent made me smile, but the mention of Faith brought reality crashing back down. My smile faltered as I straightened, my gaze shifting to the doorway where Faith now stood.

Her expression was cautious, and when she saw my frown, she sighed heavily, placing her hands on her hips in that no–nonsense way she always did. “I know that look, Raina. Don’t start.”

I stood, brushing my hands on my thighs. “You told Dominic about my plans,” I said, my voice flat, betraying one of the irritation simmering just beneath the

surface.

Faith crossed the room with determined strides, grabbing my hand before I could step away. Her grip was tim, almost defiant, as she looked me in the eye. “And I’m not sorry for it,” she said, her voice unwavering. “Dominic loves you. I love you. You can’t carry this weight alone, Raina. You’re strong, but you’or not

Her words were disarming, her sincerity cutting through pry anger like a knife. My shoulders sagged, and I let out a long sigh. “Fine,” Immuttered, though the fight hadn’t fully left me. 1 added pointedly, “I was going to tell you something important, but –

Dajtit’s sharp gasp col me off mid–sentence.

Her grip on my hand tightened as her other hand flew to her stomach. Her face twisted in pain, and she let out a strained cry, doubling over slightly.

Talth? I cried, my voice rising in panic.

“Det to the hospital, “I barked into the phone. “It’s time.”

The maid, of course, was no help. She stood there hovering in the background with her usual attitude of indifference. “Get the car keys!” I snapped, my voice sharp

as we sped toward the hospital.

I helped raith gather her bag and ushered Ava into the car. Taith let out another cry of pain asues

When we arrived, Dominic was nowhere in sight. The tension in my chest tightened like a noose, but I didn’t have the luncury of letting it consume me, Faith’s face was pale, her grip on my hand like a vice as we shuttled into the hospital. Her breathing was shallow, her occasional groans breaking through the dull hum of the

Memories of Ava’s birth surged forward, umirited and relentless. I remembered the steile smell of the hospital room, the cold metallic glint of the equipment, and, most vividly, the crushing loneliness that had wrapped around me like a shroud. The pain of labor was nothing compared to the heartbreak of Alex’s Indifference. He wasn’t there to hold my hand or tell me everything would be okay. I was left to navigate one of the most vulnerable moments of my life on my ow

Not this time. Faith won’t go through this alone, not if can help it.

I fumbled for my phone, dialing Dominic again with shaky fingers. He answered almost instantly, his voice breathless and apologetic.

“I’m stuck in traffic of all days-

“Just get here,” I snapped, my words clipped and impatient. I hung up before he could respond.

The hours began to drag, each one heavier than the last. The sterile hospital walls felt like they were closing in on me, their stack whiteness oppressive and suffocating. Faith’s cries echoed down the hallway, a sharp reminder of the urgency of the moment. I stayed by her side, whispering words of encouragement even as my own ariety threatened to consume me.

I glanced at my phone repeatedly, willing it to light up with a call or text from Dominic saying he had arrived. The waiting gnawed at me, each second stretching unbearably. And then, as if the universe had decided to mock me, my phone rang

Isnatched it up without looking at the caller ID, assuming it was Domine. “Where are you?” i demanded, my voice sharp with frustration.

an unfamiliar voice replied.