#Chapter 11: The Secret

Tessa’s POV

I…want to initiate the rejection and move out.

Evander raises an eyebrow.

"It–it’s because of the timing of it all," I add hastily, stumbling over the words. "I just… don’t want to interfere with you being with your true mate. I don’t want to disrupt… whatever progress your union is trying to make."

"Plus," I add, rubbing my Mark, "It kind of… hurts, in the meantime."

I look at Evander desperately, seeking, searching for any kind of sympathy or understanding. But rather than being appeased by my words, he seems bitter and irritated.

"I will handle this matter," he says coldly. "I’ll let you know when it’s time for the divorce and rejection. In the meantime, I’ll be staying in the study."

I purse my lips. His tone of voice, despite everything, still hurts.

"How long will all of this take?" I ask.

Evander frowns, clearly annoyed by the question. "What, are you in a hurry to get divorced?     "

My mouth falls open. "I–"

"Don’t worry," he continues. "It won’t be long. Probably two, three months, tops."

I run the numbers in my mind quickly. Two to three months–that’s roughly around the time my pregnancy will start to show.

It shouldn't be too hard to do this smoothly. If I play my cards right, I can probably get out of here before anyone knows I’m carrying Evander’s baby.

It’s a double-edged sword, though, one wrought with tragedy. I know my husband.

And once he’s made up his mind, there’s no room for negotiation.

"Thanks for telling me," I say softly.

And with that, I leave the study.

As I touch my stomach, I realize that–for both me and my unborn child–we’ll only have three months left with Evander.

Maybe less.

The thought of it is enough to send fresh pangs of agony through my heart.

But we don’t have another choice.

I just need to hide my pregnancy well, until my child and I have to leave.

What I didn’t expect was the next day, as I’m at working with my students at the kindergarten, the principal suddenly walks into my classroom.

With Evander and Mira behind him.

The chalk stalls in my hand as I pause my lesson. My heart thumps in my chest.

"I… can I help you?" I ask slowly.

The principal gestures towards Evander. "As Mr. Evander Redding is our largest donor, he’s expressed interest in visiting the kindergarten today!" He beams. "Please, Ms. Tessa, continue your lesson as usual."

I blink once, twice, gaze flicking between Evander and Mira, then back to my kids.

"Right," I stammer. "I–okay, class. So when plants take in sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, they produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis…"

As I carry on with my lesson, I can hear two of my TAs behind me giggling and gossiping.

"Do you think they’re here together?" One asks.

"Of course!" The other says immediately. "I mean, look at them! They’re such a good match, and they seem so happy together…"

It takes me a moment to realize they’re talking about Evander and Mira.

My heart pangs bitterly, but I keep teaching.

Once I finish off the lesson and the TAs have stepped in to help the students with their worksheets, the principal walks towards me.

"This is Ms. Tessa Everly," he says proudly. "She’s easily the best teacher we have here at the kindergarten–all the kids absolutely adore her, and get the highest marks of the whole school!"

"Well, thank you for all your work here at the school, Ms. Everly." Evander says.His gaze is cool, polite acknowledgement.

Still, it stings to have my husband refer to me by my maiden name.  

"You know, I love interacting with children," Mira cuts in enthusiastically. Her gaze sweeps over the class–my class. "I’ve always found it to be great practice for when I raise children of my own."

"That’s great, Mira," I say flatly.

As Evander and the principal begin to discuss school matters, Mira stalks towards me, stepping between the busy students.

"Nice clothes," she sneers. "They look like something one of your students would have picked out for you. Not to mention your hair, your makeup–what’s this ratty, good-for-nothing job done for you, anyways?"

Oh, so this is who she really is. Mean, cruel, ready to bring down another woman at the drop of a hat…

I’d been hoping we could handle this civilly. That she wouldn’t be so completely and utterly awful.

I didn’t want to hate her.

She’s really not giving me much of a choice in the matter, though.

I purse my lips and do my best to drown out her words completely, focusing on helping my students correct their spelling and grammar.

Mira narrows her eyes at me, clearly infuriated by my indifference.

If she can’t handle a bit of indifference, she’s not going to last a week with Evander, I can’t help but think to myself.

"Stop trying to fool everyone!" She snaps. "Everyone knows you’re just a figurehead Luna–you’ll only drag Evander down! Really, you should know your place and just pitch him the divorce yourself. I could even pay you off, if that’s a consideration–and judging by that blouse, it really must be."

Mira’s words don’t bother me in the slightest, but Mira’s sudden change in tone seems to jar one of my most sensitive students just as he’s walking back from the pencil sharpener.

His eyes widen at the harsh words, and he trips and starts to fall backward.

My heart thumps in my chest.

If he hits his head, at this age…

I move incredibly quickly. I shove Mira roughly out of my path, crossing the classroom in three swift steps and managing to catch the boy just before he falls and hits the ground.

As I manage to cradle him, though, the back of my hand catches the corner of the table.

Blood begins to gush from the wound.

"Ms. Tessa, are you okay?"

"Ms. Tessa, what just happened?"

"Ms. Tessa, is that blood?"

My students start to clamor around me, eyes wide, voices soft and confused.

I draw in a deep breath and smile through the pain.

"It’s fine, students!" I assure them. "Just–just a minor scrape…"

But judging by the amount of blood pouring from my hand, as well as the stinging pain radiating all the way up my arm, it’s certainly much worse than that.

I let go of the child I’d just rescued and try to stand up, but as I flex my injured hand, another jolt of pain ricochets through my body. I wince, grit my teeth, and cradle my injured hand to my chest.

Suddenly, Evander appears right behind me.

"I thought you were going to be more careful going forward," he says, hot breath raising the hairs along my neck.

I blush. "Mira’s the one who scared–"

Without a word, Evander’s hand settles on my waist, steadying me just as I start to feel lightheaded.

Then he lifts me up into his arms.

In front of everyone.

My heart leaps in my chest.

Suddenly, Mira is in front of us. "We’re in public!" She hisses quietly enough for only Evander and I to hear, clearly livid. "Get someone else to take her?"

 "She’s injured," Evander snaps, gaze locked onto me. His features almost seem to soften as his attention refocuses.

"I’m taking you to the hospital," he murmurs.

With that, he carries me right out the door.

My heart skips a beat.

Another hospital trip–this time with Evander in tow…

My pregnancy might be discovered.