“And you’re my husband. Mind your actions.” I retorted, my voice trailing off. 

“You are not supposed to share a room with another woman!” 

Lucian sighed in frustration, briefly turning his gaze to Astra, who had changed into a sexy nighty. 

“Excuse me,” he said, his tone contrasting to the one he used with me. 

“Yeah, but please make it fast, I’m dead tired.” She said in a baby tone. 

“Yeah, just a second.” Lucian stepped out and closed the door behind him. 

“You fucked her isn’t it? She is not just a surrogate, but your mistress, right?” I questioned, my heart pained. 

“No!! That’s not true!” He said, his tone calmer now. “I understand your anger and your insecurities.” 

“But believe me there is nothing like you think. I’m not breaking any vow. Everything I’m doing is for the sake of our child.” 

“If that’s true, let’s go to our room. Let’s make your birthday special.” 

I held his hand and made him walk away, but he stopped before getting rid of my grip. 

“I can’t, Selene. I need to be with her.” His tone went cold again. 

“Why? Was that one of the conditions she put before bearing your child.” I asked, my eyes arched. 

“No, but she gets nightmares. Terrifying ones, and she gets scared! He said. 

“I can’t let her stress herself or the baby. For the child’s well-being, I need to be here.” 

“If that’s the case, I can take your place.” I suggested, my tone placating despite my turmoil. 

“I will stay with her. I’ll help her with the nightmares.” 

He folded his palms into fists, trying to keep himself calm. 

“Selene, you barely know her. She wouldn’t be comfortable with you, okay?! He said with finality in his tone. 

“Now, please, I’m exhausted. Let me get some rest. I have a lot to handle tomorrow.” 

Before I could counteract, he retreated and closed the door in my face. 

I stared at the door; the thought of him spending the night with her put daggers into my heart. 

He had slept with her. She is not just a surrogate but his mistress. 

With tears in my eyes, I retired to my room and cried myself to sleep, only to wake up at someone’s laughter. 

I rose and went to find Astra and Lucian laughing and relishing breakfast. 

“Good morning, Selene,” She greeted me as soon as she spotted me. 

“Please join us.” 

I settled down across from her with an attitude and confidence on my face. 

“This is my house and he is my husband. You have joined us, not the other way around.” 

I could see his jaw convulsing, but she quickly gathered herself. 

“Oh, I’m sorry if I offended you.” She said, faking innocence. 

“I didn’t mean that way. I know I’m an outsider here. I shouldn’t even have breakfast with you.” 

She rose with crocodile tears in her eyes, but Lucian held her hand and made her sit again. 

“Selene, stop making fuss over petty things and Astra, don’t think you are not part of this family. You are, more than anyone. okay?” 

She nodded with a smile, and I felt my body simmering with anger. 

“Such a drama queen you are, isn’t it.” I chuckled, sarcasm mingling with frustration. 

“Playing so nicey-nicey to turn my husband against me.” 

“What?! No!” 

“Enough, Selene! What’s wrong with you?” Lucian intervened. 

“Why are you intentionally poking her? She is being nice to you, either appreciate her or leave.” 

He looked at me with contempt. 

“I guess I will leave.” 

I got up and walked away when Lucian called me. 

“By the way, I want you to make the soup for her,” He said, sipping a coffee. 

“Yeah, please, he said no one can beat you in it. You have magic in your hands.” Astra added, getting excited. 

“Look Selene, it’s better you accept the truth and be supportive. Eventually this will be our child.” Lucian said, looking at me. 

I locked my eyes with him, and a flicker of hope rose within me. 

Is she genuinely a surrogate? Is Lucian bringing this child for us? 

I nodded sincerely and walked away, my heart feeling lighter. 

Later that afternoon, I prepared the soup. I took it to Astra’s room and knocked on the door. 

“Yeah, come in.” She commanded. 

I entered to see her admiring her freshly painted nails. 

“What took you so long?” She said, her tone snobbish. 

“Don’t you know what I’m expecting? It’s not healthy to make me wait for food.” 

Finally, her true colors are coming out. 

I didn’t react, realizing I needed to handle it wisely. 

“Next time, I will be careful,” I said cautiously. 

I left the room without further argument because all I had to do was show Lucian her true color. 

But a moment later, a sharp scream filled the house, and I rushed to her. 

“You witch!” Astra’s voice rang out. 

“You did this on purpose!” she shrieked, glaring at me. 

I saw her face and hands had turned red. 

“You put pistachios in the soup, knowing I’m allergic! You’re trying to harm me and my child!” 

“What?” I stammered, horrified.