Chapter 87: Chapter 87 Truth Sparks Flight
Bella’s POV
"If you came here to discuss that matter, let me be clear with you. I lost the baby. I was devastated and couldn’t figure out how to rebuild my life. About two weeks after that, I encountered my husband. We connected immediately, got married, and now we have our family," I declared, forcing myself to breathe steadily.
My terror threatened to surface, and I fought to keep it hidden. frёewebnoѵēl.com
"What a touching tale," he said with cruel amusement. "How convenient that the timeline aligns perfectly with your children’s ages, wouldn’t you say?" That mocking grin never left his features.
"This isn’t some fabricated tale. This is my reality. Now please, I need you to go," I demanded, gesturing toward the exit.
When I saw his expression darken with offense, I quickly continued, "My stepmother must have mentioned the incident from last night when she contacted you. My children are still recovering from that trauma, and having an unknown person here isn’t helping their comfort level."
My words were wrapped in politeness, but each one carried a sharp edge.
"Fine, I’ll go. I wasn’t planning on making this my permanent residence anyway," he replied, drawing in another measured breath.
I had been analyzing every movement he made, anxious about his next possible action.
"I only came with one straightforward request," he continued.
My throat constricted. "What would that be?" I managed to ask.
"I require DNA testing for these children."
The instant those words left his mouth, my gaze flew to Chloe, who had the exact same startled reaction.
Before I could form any response, she rose from her seat and approached us.
"I may not be well-versed in werewolf customs since I’ve never been part of this world before," she started, "but I’m certain that random individuals can’t just show up demanding DNA tests. This is offensive and could seriously harm the trust between my employer and her husband. Do you realize that what you’re suggesting essentially accuses my employer of infidelity?"
I felt grateful that Chloe spoke up since my throat had closed completely.
"I’m hardly a random individual. I’m the father of the man I suspect she was intimate with," Lord Morris announced with absolute certainty, crossing his arms defiantly.
"Then that man should be making this demand himself," Chloe shot back without hesitation. "Until that happens, we’re asking you to give us some space. You’ve already put my employer through enough distress."
I watched as the elderly man’s eyes narrowed at her before they dropped to stare at her chest.
The way he chuckled and looked away while shaking his head made rage course through my veins. freeweɓnovel.cøm
"Of course. Bring in some attractive help and attempt to manipulate an old man into submission," he said with disgust. "I’ll return with my son and the entire council."
After delivering that revolting, sexist remark, the old man departed.
Chloe whirled around to face me, pointing in his direction.
"What the hell is his problem?" she asked, her face showing complete disbelief.
"This old fool believes every woman is trying to seduce him. That’s his problem," I grumbled, shaking my head before rushing to secure the door with the lock.
After I locked the door and turned back toward the room, I noticed Chloe was still observing me intently. "Regarding the pregnancy, is that accurate? Were you expecting before you left werewolf territory?" Chloe inquired, her voice carrying obvious doubt.
Naturally she was suspicious - she knew nothing about my history. I hadn’t shared those details with anyone here.
"Yes, I was expecting, but it’s equally true that I lost the baby. Let’s not discuss this further. I really need to take action," I said, nervously running my hands over my face.
"What’s your plan now?" she asked. I looked at her expression again, probably mirroring the same look I had worn years earlier when I’d chosen to escape.
"We need to leave," I stated plainly. Her eyes went wide.
"Leave for where?" she questioned as I started rushing toward my bedroom.
"Kids, hurry up and pack everything! We’re returning home!" I attempted to sound upbeat.
My children looked at each other before standing up from where they’d been sitting.
Anyone would expect them to be excited about going home, but happiness wasn’t what I saw on their faces.
Obviously they could sense my anxiety, so they didn’t question me and quickly went to their room to gather their things.
While I frantically stuffed clothes into my suitcase, Chloe said, "Bella, I understand you want to return home and that makes sense, but how can you manage it? You witnessed the news coverage. Everyone will be watching for you now - you can’t simply walk away."
Her point was valid, but I refused to accept defeat. I had managed this before.
Although back then, I hadn’t possessed a wolf.
I turned to face her, wringing my hands nervously.
"What if I could find something to mask my wolf?" I suggested.
"I’m not sure such things are available," she replied with frustration. Of course she wouldn’t know.
The protective charms my children wore had come from someone else’s assistance. This time would prove more challenging.
"That doesn’t matter. I just need to make it to human territory. I’ll persuade everyone, even if it means..." I stopped, taking a shaky breath. "Abandoning my wolf completely. I’ll do whatever it takes."
"Alright, I’ll assist the children. We’ll figure this out as we go," she said at last. Thankfully, Chloe didn’t put up much resistance.
I suppose she could recognize how frightened I was.
Just as she reached the doorway, she paused and looked back.
"Are you running from the DNA test itself, or from the shame it might bring?"
Anyone would naturally wonder about that.
"Absolutely not, Chloe. I refuse to let them add my children’s DNA to their database. You’ve seen how obsessive these people can be. I simply want nothing more to do with any of them," I lied, grasping for the only explanation I could think of.
Finally, she hurried out, and I resumed cramming everything I’d brought into my bag.
I contacted the security team and informed them we were departing, requesting they prepare the vehicle.
They confirmed the car was ready and would knock when I was prepared to leave so they could handle the luggage.
Within the next quarter hour, I had everything packed in a frenzy.
My children remained quiet throughout. Once we were ready, I called the guard again and told him to collect our bags.
Outside, a storm was building, darker than normal.
For some reason, I welcomed the darkness - it concealed so many things: people, secrets, and sometimes even myself.
When someone knocked, Chloe rushed to answer and let the guards enter.
We had to move quickly; my thoughts were spinning wildly.
But another surprise struck me when Chloe returned, accompanied by Hugo and Parker, their eyes growing wide at our packed belongings.
"I’m leaving," I announced without offering any explanations. My decision was stated clearly and with finality.