Page 291 of Rush

“To Cambodia,” she says, like it’s obvious. “I think they’re finalizing the plans to distribute the money raised at Dad’s gala—I was meant to accompany him, but the doctors said, given where my placenta is, it’s not advised that I travel.”

I stop walking.

He went to Cambodia.

Of course I break his heart and he’s off being a fucking saint. I really am the world’s biggest asshole.

“Did he look…” I swallow. “Okay?”

Philippa eyes me for a beat, then goes back to folding a tiny pair of corduroy pants. “He looked tired. But good.”

I nod like that doesn’t hollow me out.

Carole lifts a pale blue cardigan off the rack. “Do you think he’ll be back for the baby shower?”

Philippa shrugs. “No idea. He said not to plan around him.”

My jaw locks. He wouldn’t miss something like that would he? Unless I’d finally pushed him far enough away.

I excuse myself, leaving Carole and Philippa under the guise of using the restroom, needing space to quiet the chaosswirling in my chest. I walk around aimlessly, the department store buzzes with life, oblivious to my unease. Bright lights and cheerful music mocking the heaviness pulling at me.

Turning the corner, I halt abruptly.

Madison Walsh stands before me, radiant blonde waves cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes catch mine sharply, widening in brief shock, before settling into a look far too pleased to see me. My breath catches as my eyes trail downward. Her rounded belly proudly displays the reality I desperately want to forget—she carrieshischild.

The ache in my chest pulses, a cruel reminder of everything he chose over me. Even if he said they weren’t together, I don’t understand why he’s made no effort to try to take me back.

I haven’t heard from him since the incident on New Year’s Eve. Maybe seeing me with Broderick was enough to push him away for good. The thought settles deep, sharp and unwelcome, and I force it back down.

Alex first. Now Broderick. Maybe I’m destined to end up alone.

“Elena,” she purrs, gliding towards me effortlessly despite the obvious toll pregnancy has taken on her. “What areyoudoing here?”

Her manicured hand smooths slowly across the swell of her stomach, like a queen flaunting her prize.

“Apparently baby stores are where it’s at these days,” I say, trying for levity but my voice is flat, betraying the hurt beneath.

Madison’s eyes narrow just enough to let me know she notices. “Hmm,” she muses softly, tilting her head with feigned innocence. “I’m just picking out a few things for our baby. Alex and I are due any day now.”

The emphasis onourdrips like poison, sweetly cruel. She knows exactly where it cuts deepest.

I swallow down the bitterness rising in my throat, refusing to show how much her words burn. I could lash back, strike her down with spiteful truths of my own, but what would it achieve?

I straighten, forcing a smile that feels brittle. “I’m happy for you. With parents like you two, that baby’s bound to be born ready for a magazine cover.”

Madison laughs, the sound sugar-coated yet insincere. The pretense falls away, her mask crumbling. Her eyes narrow sharply, venomous and glinting.

“You really are something, aren’t you?” she spits, the sweetness vanishing instantly.

My brows draw together in confusion “I don’t follow?—”

“Oh, Elena, cut the act,” she interrupts, voice biting. “You don’t think I’ve seen Alex’s posts or his texts and late-night calls to you?”

Oh God. My stomach twists painfully.

“I still don’t understand his infatuation,” she sneers, her voice dripping contempt. “I’m A-list. You’re a D-list at best.”

Her words slam into me, sharp, precise.Bitch.