Free Web NovelChapter 81: Chapter 81 Mother Never Died
Bella’s POV
"Look at you, completely transformed," my father observed as we stood across from each other.
"Funny, because you appear exactly the same," I responded. The words weren’t meant as an attack, just pure honesty. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
"Your sister ensures I live comfortably. No financial stress, no burdens. These days, I simply relax and enjoy myself."
His praise for her came so effortlessly, something I could never recall receiving from him during my childhood.
"Word travels that you’re making waves in the human realm. You must be thriving," he added.
The moment those words left his mouth and my brow started to furrow, he chuckled, signaling it was merely jest.
"I suppose I ought to tell you I’m proud."
Those words sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.
"Well, thank you," I managed, inhaling deeply. "Perhaps Mother would have expressed similar sentiments."
I deliberately wove her name into our conversation, something I had never dared attempt before.
During my years under his roof, mentioning her was strictly forbidden. Any violation resulted in severe consequences.
Now, as an independent woman, I finally possessed the freedom to speak of her, the woman who brought me into existence.
I watched my father’s frame tense at her mention, yet he was obligated to respond.
I was no longer merely his daughter. I was the researcher the council and alphas had invested considerable resources to recruit.
Their treatment of me had to reflect this new dynamic.
"I’m certain she would have," he agreed with a nod.
"When exactly did she die? You always claimed she perished during my birth, but I investigated. I questioned Alpha Jack regarding my birth documentation, and he confirmed no pack hospital recorded my delivery," I stated matter-of-factly, observing the blood drain from his features.
The statement was fabricated. I hadn’t actually consulted Alpha Jack, though the idea had certainly occurred to me.
Nevertheless, my bluff proved effective as my father immediately began explaining.
"She didn’t die," he admitted.
Before I could process the shock, he pressed forward.
"Given how she behaved and her departure, claiming she died seemed justified. That’s the reason I told you she was gone." freewebnσvel.cøm
He delivered this explanation as though it contained perfect logic.
I gazed at him, utterly incredulous.
"Bella," he continued, "after your birth, I promised your mother I would provide for her. She rejected motherhood entirely. What purpose would revealing her existence serve when she wanted nothing to do with you?"
His tone remained flat, his reasoning hollow, but he must have detected my skepticism.
So he elaborated.
"I was irresponsible during that period. I was betraying Debra with women from the pleasure houses."
The reference to those establishments made my entire body rigid.
"Your mother was among those women," my father revealed. "She catered to rogues. During one of those encounters, I made a foolish error.
Following that night, I never encountered her again because I avoided that establishment completely."
He released a weary sigh.
"I felt deeply ashamed. I begged Debra’s forgiveness, made countless vows, and devoted myself to caring for my infant. I transformed into the most dedicated husband possible during those months. Then your mother abandoned you on our doorstep with a message stating she refused motherhood. She rejected any form of commitment. That’s the reason I claimed she was deceased. That’s my only knowledge of her. That’s the complete truth."
My father massaged his face exhaustedly with one hand.
"Are we discussing that woman once more?"
At last, my stepmother made her appearance.
I observed her emerge from the kitchen, displaying a manufactured, sympathetic expression while pressing her lips together as though she pitied me.
"Let’s move past her. Have you been introduced to my daughter? She’s become quite the accomplished researcher," my father addressed her.
Debra wore a charcoal dress with freshly bleached blonde hair.
She was adorned with expensive jewelry and designer clothing, all courtesy of Hugo’s generosity.
"Yes, I’ve heard stories," she replied. "She apparently confronted Camilla at a coffee shop. They engaged in a massive altercation. I was shocked to learn Bella was returning and reverting to her previous behavior patterns."
True to form, Debra spoke with her characteristic mocking inflection, though this time she refrained from raising her hand as she had in years past.
"Really? Did your daughter mention that she employed the identical woman who spread malicious gossip about Alpha Derek and me?" I countered, my voice remaining controlled yet cutting.
For several moments, she offered no response whatsoever.
Then she shook her head, manufacturing a smile while waving her hand dismissively.
"Let’s avoid that topic," she mumbled.
"Regardless, I observed the children. They’re absolutely beautiful. However, they possess completely contrasting features. I mean beyond just facial structure, their hair and eye colors are totally different." She laughed, causing me to swallow nervously, terrified she might uncover the truth.
She had always possessed an uncanny ability to notice details others overlooked.
"I notice you’ve renovated your home. It appears lovely," I said, redirecting attention from my children to the house itself.
"Absolutely, Hugo adores Camilla tremendously. He constantly surprises her with renovations and gifts." Naturally, she rubbed it directly in my face.
She remembered perfectly well that Hugo and I had once been close friends.
"I can see that," I stated. She remained completely unaware of my newfound skill at concealing emotions.
Just then my children burst from the living room, embracing me tightly. Hugo emerged moments later with Camilla attached to his arm.
"Sweetheart, I absolutely love that scruff you’re sporting," I overheard her comment while stroking his jawline.
She stretched upward to plant a kiss on his cheek.
I quickly averted my gaze, and when I did, I accidentally locked eyes with Debra. She was studying me intently.
As Hugo approached our group again, his phone began ringing insistently.
He extracted his arm from around Camilla to answer the call.
While pressing the device to his ear, he remained close by but kept stealing glances at me before returning to Camilla with forced smiles.
