Chapter 3 Hidden Heir

Kimberly Pov

“Kimberly, it will be great if you accept the offer since you're moving to Lincolnton.”

My department professor had called me to his office to inform me about a top research program going on in Lincolnton, and he said I'm very much qualified for it.

Since I will be moving to Lincolnton without Vaelor's help and the Knights' name, I'll have to get a part time job to make life easier for me. A research program will only give me a name and future advantage, but it won't solve my immediate financial needs.

“I'm sorry, Professor Stacy, I need something that will fetch me money urgently.”

I gave him a tight smile.

“Oh, don't worry, I will talk to the director myself if there can be some financial compensation for you. He's a good friend of mine.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I came out of the office, taking in a long, deep breath, hoping it would ease the heaviness in my chest.

Last night's event replayed in my head. I thought I might initiate something intimate with Vaelor for the last time— something to take with me, but he spent it with Clara, whispering sweet nothings to her ear.

I wondered how Vaelor was able to feign desire for me when he clearly loves Clara. To avoid what happened last night from repeating itself, I decided I was going to stay in the hostel until a week when the divorce will be finalized.

A week to endure this.

A week to have my life.

I had some of my stuff still at the school hostel.

The days blurred with school work, project revisions, and lab work. I barely thought of Vaelor until I heard rumors about him.

Everyone had their eyes on their phone as they talked about the new pre-wedding photos of the Alpha and his future Luna.

My breath hitched as I logged in, and I saw pictures of him and Clara all over the internet.

They looked perfect.

She was taller than me, almost the same height as Vaelor if on heels.

And I was jealous of my husband's mistress.

The first picture:

He was standing, staring at her affectionately while she had her head resting on his shoulder, her hair scattered all over his shoulder.

I swiped to the next.

His hand was resting on her waist, and she had her hands wrapped around his neck, staring at each other intensely.

And another: the neck of her shirt was split, exposing her cleavage.

I froze, my heart hammering against my chest when I saw the pendant she was wearing.

It was the one Vaelor gave me on our first anniversary. He gave it as a token of his love for me.

And now he's given it to Clara?

I logged out of the site immediately, clutching my phone tight around my fingers. It burned, my knuckles turning white.

My phone rang. Talking of the devil, Vaelor was calling.

“Come out. I'm outside your school.” Vaelor's voice echoed from the phone.

I saw his SUV parked outside. I slide into the leather seat. The scent of his cologne filled the car, not Clara's.

“You haven't been home for days.” He said, starting the car.

When does he care?

“I've been busy with school work,” I said, looking through the window.

He nods.

“Clara said…”

Talking about Clara, I turned to face him.

“Why does Clara have my pendant?” I showed him the photo of Clara wearing my pendant.

He stared at it for a while, then focused on the road.

“It's nothing serious, Kimberly.”

“It's to me.” I shot back.

I honestly want to act like Clara doesn't exist. I want to stay silent like a fool until I disappear, but she's making it hard for me.

“This was the pendant you gave me on our first anniversary, and now another woman has it.”

Vaelor's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.  

“Clara is dying soon; she only needed the pendant temporarily.”

“Can't you get her a new one?”

He was silent.

Of course not. Clara wants everything I have, and he gives it to her easily.

“I want my pendant back,” I demanded.

“Kimberly!” Vaelor yelled, parking the car. “Don't you have human feelings? Are you always this wicked? Clara is dying soon, and you can't let go of just a piece of jewelry?"

Just a piece of jewelry?

“But that piece of jewelry belongs to me!” I yelled back at him. “Am I evil for wanting back what belongs to me?”

He grabbed my hand, staring deep into my eyes with a pleading look, and I felt my heart hammer against my chest at the slight touch of his skin.

“This marriage, everything between Clara and me is going to end soon. Just endure…”

Bile rose to my throat, and I think I'm going to throw up.

Endure while he's having fun, and she's enjoying the show?

“Sorry, I think I'm going to be sick.” I covered my mouth and leaned back on the chair.

He stared at me for a while, saying nothing.

He started the car and continued driving. I didn't look at him throughout the drive. I have my eyes on the window as I watch the street blur past us like our marriage of three years.

*******

I stand at the grocery store staring at my favorite snacks. Croquette, I haven't eaten it since the death of my father, after I moved into the Knight's mansion.

It always reminded me of the past, so I avoided it like plague until recently. I've been craving it for the past few days, and I think I should satisfy that urge today.

I sat at a corner, tearing open the wrapper. The moment the smell of the food hit my nostrils, I vomited everything I ate today inside a nylon bag.

I've been having constant morning sickness, and I thought I was actually sick, but the doctor's words just turned my world around.

“Congratulations, you're twelve weeks pregnant.”

Twelve weeks pregnant with Alpha Vaelor Knight's child? My finger shook as I stared at the doctor out of my mind.

“You're healthy, and the baby is fine.” The doctor added, and I couldn't bring myself to utter a word.

My fingers shook as I brought out my phone, dialing Vaelor's number.

Facing this alone at twenty terrified me.

“I will be on my way,” I said to the doctor, standing up from my chair out of confusion, almost hitting my knee on the table.