Chapter 3%
“Lucian, I want a divorce,” I said the moment Lorde left the dining table.
I caught him mid–sip of his wine, hoping the timing would soften the blow. But as soon as my words settled in the air, his bored gaze sharpened with irritation.
“If this is about Lorde again–“%
“Why not?” I interrupted. “Whatever my reason is, can’t you just listen to me for once? I want to divorce you. Now”
Lucian didn’t flinch. He let out a low chuckle as he stood from his chair, casually walking over to where I sat.”
“Is this about that night I didn’t have time for you? I was busy,” he muttered, leaning in. “Fine. Let’s mate right now. Right here“%
He grabbed my hand to pull me up, lifting the edge of my dress like it meant nothing. My fury ignited, I shoved him away with all the strength I had, but it barely moved him. He was too strong. Too much./
His eyes darkened. “Now you’re acting like you don’t want it? What’s your problem?“”
“This is my problem!” I snapped. “We’re not a real family! Lorde doesn’t want me here-“W
“You’re upset over his attitude? He’s just a child!” Lucian shot back, irritated. “A mother should cater to her child’s needs, not act like this. No wonder he can’t stomach you. You’re overly dramatic.”
And just like that, he walked away, leaving me gutted once again by his words. I was about to follow him, to keep fighting, when I noticed a small shadow lingering under the archway near the kitchen.
“You want to leave us already?” Lorde’s voice was low, calm, but dripping with venom. “You want to escape me?”
Ifroze. The way he spoke, it was too calm, too deliberate. My lips trembled. My heart went cold with fear. He stepped into the light, his eyes burning with hatred.”
“You probably want to live child–free, huh? Or maybe you just want to get out of here so you’ll no longer be tormented by the son of the woman you killed.”
His words pierced like blades.”
“Lorde… I’m tired. I just want to rest,” I said, each word heavy with double meaning.
“Liar!” he spat. “You killed my mother to take her place, and now that you see how hard it is, you want out. You think this is prison, don’t you?”
He tilted his head mockingly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll let you leave this family.”
Then he turned and stormed out of the kitchen.
The next day, he was nowhere to be found. I didn’t know if he was hurting from the idea of me divorcing his father, or if he was celebrating my decision.”
But that night, as I returned from my stepmother’s house, I walked into the kitchen and saw three people: Lucian, Lorde, and Beverly. She’s Lucian’s gamma. Much trusted than his beta and maybe because they have other relationship that that. I felt like I’d ruin the moment any minute but I must.”
I cleared my throat. They all looked up, but only Beverly met my gaze with a smirk full of triumph. I knew she’s one of those who poisoned my son’s mind and turned him against me. They’re winning. He hates me,
“Finally, you’re here,” she said, her tone laced with mock sweetness.”
Lucian followed with a disapproving glare. “Where have you been? You’re not even embarrassed that Beverly had to cook for us tonight?”
I didn’t respond. I just let out a breath and quietly said, “I’ll set the table.”
I kept silent as they talked. Lucian pulled out a chair for Beverly beside him. She served him and Lorde with practiced ease. I sat a little farther from them, unnoticed, forgotten. They looked like a happy family.“]
My chest tightened when I saw Lorde lean toward Beverly and ask her to feed him. The same boy who used to beg me for one more bite, one more bedtime story, now reached for someone else with trust and warmth I hadn’t seen in years.}
I quietly started eating, but after my first bite, I lost all appetite.W
“Are you okay?” Beverly asked, feigning concern.
Before I could answer, Lorde cut in.
“She’s fine. After all, she’s divorcing my dad. She’s leaving our family.” He turned to Beverly with a grin. “You’re a better mother for me, Aunt Bev.”
I felt a lump build in my throat. I grabbed the glass of juice in front of me and drank it down, trying to bury the ache. But halfway through, something felt wrong.”
My stomach burned. My chest tightened. Then, nausea hit me hard. I began to vomit. First, it was just the juice. Then there comes the blood from both my mouth and nose.#
“What’s happening?!” Beverly and Lucian shouted in unison.
