178
LYRIC
She pushed me roughly to the floor while I clutched my belly. And she wasn’t even done.
She got on top of me, hit me repeatedly–in the face, shoulders, and everywhere her hands could touch. I was too focused on protecting my belly to defend any other part of my body.
“Mummy, please stop!”
“Let her go!”
The kids were on her, dragging her back.
“Stop touching me!” She snapped as she turned to them, her voice like a tempest. You should be taking my side, both of you! I am your mother! And she–she’ll always be nothing but an intruder. The earlier you get that into your tiny skull, the better it’ll be for all of you.”
My hands balled into fists, wanting so badly to make her pay. But I couldn’t even lift myself from the floor.
Two guards showed up at the door. How convenient for them to finally hear the noise when she was done beating me up.
“Luna Lyric. Are you alright?” They helped me from the floor.
My tummy still hurt and I couldn’t stop holding it.
Marta threw a venomous stare at me. “This isn’t over. I’ll make sure you regret ever crossing me.” She dragged the children out of the room with her.
Every part of my body hurt from where she had hit me. The unbelievable witch.
“Do we need to call a doctor?” One of the guards asked.
“Yes, please. Now.”
“So, just take these again by morning, you’ll be completely fine. The bruises shouldn’t be too serious as they weren’t fierce,” the doctor explained while I listened to her room where I laid on my bed.
It was a good thing Marta’s punches were nothing like Caden’s. Otherwise, I’d have been turning in pain by now.
“Is there a reason my belly hurt that much when she hit me?” I found it a little strange.
“Actually,” she went through my kadek. “When was the last time you saw your period,
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Luna?”
I furrowed my brows, thinking it through. “Last month… fifth?”
“So, it’s been more than a month. I’ll um… actually suggest a pregnancy test in this case.” I could see the smile she was trying so hard to suppress.
What was it with these people and forcing pregnancy on me? I wasn’t fucking
pregnant!
“Would you like me to conduct one for you now?”
“What? No!” I flinched. “Trust me, there’s no need for that.”
Was it possible for someone to get pregnant without sex? Hell no.
“Okay, Luna.” Her response came hesitant. “This will be all for now. In case you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
*****
I was deep asleep when I felt strong hands on me, shaking me.
“Lyric! Lyric!”
I came awake with a start to find Jaris sitting on the edge of the bed, his face filled with worry.
That worry morphed into anger when he looked into my eyes.
“What the fuck happened? Why did Marta get into a fight with you?”
I released a tired breath. “We had a disagreement at the hospital. She was…upset with me.”
“And she did this to you?” His brows arched in disbelief. “Fuck, she’s definitely going to regret it.”
“No, please.” I sat up and held his hand. “Maybe she has the right to be mad at me considering what I did to her at the hospital. It’s fine.”
He still seemed displeased, but fortunately, he didn’t insist anymore.
I laid back on the bed, staring into his eyes while my heart beat erratically in my Guinevere and the doctor’s words haunted me.
‘I’ll actually suggest a pregnancy test in this case.‘
chest.
A lump formed in my throat as I imagined myself actually being pregnant for Jaris again in this situation. He already had two loving kids, and our contract would be expiring in ten months. What would his reaction be if I actually became pregnant? I didn’t want to imagine how disappointed he would be and probably hurt me with his words.
But I knew I was not pregnant. It was simply not possible.
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178
By morning, I felt much better, especially after I took my drugs.
Jace and I had an arrangement. So, very early, I followed him to the Beta’s room.
I knocked on the door and glanced at my best friend who seemed unusually nervous. It definitely wasn’t a good sight for him.
Kael opened up the door, wearing nothing but a pair of black pants. His hair was messy and flopped over his eye, his face exuding drowsiness.
But his brows furrowed when he saw Jace behind me.
“Hey! Kael, hi. How was your night?” I kept my voice cheerful.
But he wouldn’t even look at me, his hardening gaze too focused on Jace.
“Do you need something?” His tone was clipped when he finally did look at me.
“Uh… Yes! I mean, no. I just… I wanted us to talk.”
He made a disapproving grunt before attempting to shut the door in my face. I was faster and hooked my leg in–between, forcing the door open.
“Kale, come on! Don’t be like this.”
“I don’t have anything to discuss with him, Lyric.”
It was painful experiencing this arrogant side of Kael all over.
“But it’s important. Stop being so difficult!” My tone grew more serious. “You know, if it were him, he’d have given you a chance, at least.”
His glare remained as his gaze slid between Jace and I.
“You have two minutes to say whatever the fuck you wanna say and get out.” He retreated into the room, leaving the door open.
I released a deep breath as I cocked my head at Jace. “Come on. Go in and make him understand,” I whispered.
He seemed a little hesitant, but I knew it was only out of fear and doubt.
“Jace, come on. He might shut this door any minute!”
“Fine. Fine.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and finally made his way in.
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