Chapter 7

Kora’s POV

When my eyes fluttered open, the first thing I saw was Alpha Edward’s face. A breath of relief slipped from my lips, and for a moment, a strange warmth filled my chest. His presence comforted me, though I didn’t want to admit it.

But then he spoke. “Don’t let anything happen to the baby.”

Just like that, the warmth faded. My heart sank. I had believed, even if only briefly, that he cared about me. But no his concern seemed to be only for the heir I carried.

I turned away, pulling the blanket higher, wishing he would just leave me alone. I couldn’t bear to look at him.

So I pretended to sleep. I thought if I stayed still long enough, he would eventually walk out. Yet he didn’t. He remained there, his gaze on me, guarding me like a silent shadow through the night. I kept quiet, refusing to let him know I was awake.

Finally, I heard the door creak open, followed by the sound of it closing softly. A wave of relief washed over me.

He’s gone, I told myself, slowly opening my eyes.

But then my heart nearly stopped.

There he was, leaning casually against the door, arms crossed, a knowing look on his face.

He had caught me.

My cheeks burned as his lips curved into a faint smirk.

Amazing. Even when I wanted distance, he refused to give me any.

Heat rushed to my cheeks the moment our eyes locked. I quickly sat up, clutching the blanket to my chest as if it could shield me from the way he was looking at me.

“You weren’t sleeping,” he said, his voice low, almost amused.

I bit my lip, embarrassed that he caught me pretending. “I… I just didn’t want to talk,” I muttered, my tone sharper than I intended.

He didn’t move away from the door. Instead, he studied me. “You think I only care about the baby, don’t you?”

My heart skipped. How could he read me so easily? I turned my face away, staring at the window. “Isn’t that the truth? That child means everything to you. I’m just… the one carrying it.”

The silence that followed was heavy, pressing down on me. Then, suddenly, I heard his footsteps. He crossed the room and stopped right in front of me.

I forced myself to look up—and froze when his hand brushed against my hair, tucking a loose strand behind my ear. His touch was careful, almost gentle.

“You’re wrong,” he said firmly. “It’s not just the baby I care about.” His eyes softened for the first time, making my chest tighten painfully. “It’s you, Kora. You’re mine. I won’t let anything happen to either of you.”

I wanted to believe him. Oh, how desperately I wanted to. But my heart whispered doubts. Was this real, or just another promise he would forget?

Still, as his hand lingered by my cheek, I couldn’t stop the shiver that ran through me.

We are just on contract terms, nothing more,” I said, forcing the words out even though they stung me inside.

He didn’t even flinch. “Okay,” he replied calmly. “If that’s the way you want it. No problem.” His eyes darkened, but his voice carried a strange softness. “I know this is based on a contract, but as long as you’re living under my roof, you’re under my protection. And for the baby to be safe, you have to be safe first.”

I swallowed, trying not to let my heart betray me. “Alright… I understand. I will abide by it,” I answered, keeping my tone steady. “After all, it’s just for one year. Besides, you actually saved my life. I owe you for that, maybe even more than I can repay.”

He watched me closely, as if he wanted to say something else, but I spoke before he could. My chest tightened with the weight of my truth.

“I just want to be free,” I whispered. “Free from everyone, free from all the chains that keep me trapped. And I know… you’re the only one who can make that possible for me.”

For the first time, his expression shifted, and something unreadable flickered in his eyes. Not anger, not indifference..something deeper.

But I looked away quickly, not ready to face what that might mean.

You’re the only one who can help me get what I truly want,” I said softly, my voice shaking. “That night… I thought it was the end for me. I never imagined you would be the one to save me.”

His eyes stayed on me, unreadable, and I forced myself to keep talking before fear shut me up.

“In all the things I’ve ever wished for,” I continued, “the only one I never received is happiness.” My chest tightened as the words left me. “If I remain close to you for too long, I might ruin you. Maybe my bad luck will spread to you too.”

I lowered my gaze, my hands twisting together. “You must have heard it already… everyone whispers that I carry misfortune wherever I go. And maybe they’re right.”

I bit down hard, fighting the tears burning my eyes. But the crack in my voice betrayed me as I whispered, “I think they’re right.”

If not, then why would the man I loved with everything inside me wish me dead? Just because he wanted to be with my own friend?” My voice broke, bitterness curling at the edges.

“Life is cruel, Edward. Wicked in ways I can’t even explain. And believe me…” I swallowed hard, tears pricking at my eyes. “I’m tired of living in it. But if I ever decide to leave this world, I don’t want to go with regret. I want them to pay for what they did to me.”

His sharp gaze locked on mine, unreadable, until he finally spoke. “You’re saying… You want revenge?”

What type of revenge do you want?