Chapter 5.7
I woke up groggy in the early morning to find Rylan already awake. He stood by the bed, holding my phone, his expression dark.
“Alyssa.” He leaned in and smiled coldly, giving an oppressive feeling. “Is there something you’re hiding from me?”
I rubbed my eyes. “What could I hide from you?”
He gave a humorless smile and shoved the screen in my face. “Then tell me… what’s this?”
On the screen was a confirmation message for a scheduled abortion, along with pre–op precautions.
His voice was icy. “My child?”
For a moment, my blood ran cold, but I quickly regained my composure.
“Oh, that.” I yawned. “Must’ve accidentally clicked on some pop–up ad.”
“Pop–up ad?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. Can’t I learn a thing or two?” I looked him straight in the eye.
He grabbed my chin. “Haven’t I taught you enough? Keep learning, and don’t blame me if I…” He didn’t finish, but the threat was clear.
“Oops, I forgot everything,” I said flatly.
Rylan suddenly laughed, laced with frustration. “Little dummy, looks like I’ll have to teach you myself.”
He pulled me into his arms, resting his chin on my head. “Alyssa, we’ll be
12.21
Chapter 5
engaged in four days.
“That day, I’ll make you the brightest star in the spotlight. Trust me.”
I said nothing.
Trust? Our script had long been different.
***
288 Vouchers
While the Greyson brothers were busy planning the engagement, I was busy packing my bags and liquidating assets.
In Northern Europe, Nessa Sloan helped me find a hospital and an apartment with large, floor–to–ceiling windows.
My living expenses still came in on time, still double.
That afternoon, Rylan took me to try on dresses. His fingers brushed across my lower stomach. “Getting a little rounder lately?”
I slapped his hand away. “Ate too much.”
He laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist. “Almost mine, and your temper’s getting feistier.” He took my hand and slid a huge blue diamond ring on my ring finger, pulling me into a tight hug. “Great! I’m finally locking you down.”
I leaned into his chest and gave a soft “mm.”
But in my mind, I was calculating how much that blue diamond could sell for.
***
Two days before my flight.
33.984
12:21
- Vouchers
Chapter 5
I went alone to a bar, ordered the lowest–alcohol fruit wine, and sat in a corner, just wanting a taste of freedom.
The drink was spicy and choking.
From a booth not far away, I heard a familiar voice.
WA
www
Vina, half–drunk and slurring, said, “Once the engagement party’s over… We’ll kick her out! Can’t stand the sight of her!”
For the first time, Kellan didn’t immediately agree. After a pause, he said, “We’ll see.”
Vina turned to Rylan. “What do you say, Rylan?”
Rylan looked away. “She… depends on me. Kicking her out like that might hit her too hard.”
Vina was displeased. “Are you two going soft? You couldn’t break her in college, and you’ve been itching for another chance, haven’t you? This is the perfect opportunity! We have to drag her through the mud!”
Someone nearby tried to smooth things over.
“Vina is just worried, that’s all! Alyssa is nothing, toss her once you’re bored!
“Don’t let Vina get upset!
“Kellan, why not reward her once? Anyway, all these years, you’ve
been…”
He finally spoke, his voice carrying a trace of barely hidden exhaustion. “Got it. We’ll do it your way.”
At that moment, the last faint spark in my heart went out completely.
64.04%
12.210
Chapter 5
Yeah. Just as expected.
288 (Vouchers
99.19%
