Chapter 3

ADELINE

I blinked repeatedly.

It had been four days. Two whole days since Rye sent that video and nothing.

No calls..No messages.

No threats. Nothing from him at all anyone who that guy well enough knew, that was unusual but that was blissful. It was a good thing he was staying away from me just I wanted.

Meanwhile, Noah had been perfect.

Attentive, gentle, present. You name it!!!

The kind of husband I had once dreamed of.

It almost felt real. Almost. It was like we were falling in love all over again.

And for a moment, just a moment, I nearly believed it.

“Do we really have to throw a party?” I asked, forcing a small smile. “It’s just a pregnancy.”

A lie wrapped in celebration.

Every smile I’d worn these past two days had been practiced, carefully shaped so no one would question it.

“We’ve been waiting for this.” Noah replied easily. “Of course we’re celebrating.”

Of course we are.

The house no longer felt like a home.

It had been transformed, soft lights, draped fabric, carefully arranged decorations.

Beautiful. Perfect.

Yet fake. Really fake, just like everything else.

“You look beautiful today, Adeline.” I turned to see Delilah walking in, a bright smile on her face, a bottle of champagne in hand.

"Adeline? Not momma, anymore?"

To be honest, I didn't expect her to turn up but I would say, she has guts!

"Momma, I mean. You'd always be my momma."

“Thank you, daughter.” I said, matching her expression. “Let’s have a toast.”

She stepped closer, graceful and composed, just like the perfect daughter I had raised like she hadn’t been betraying me right under my nose all this time.

I watched her pour the wine.

“Do you need help calling the guests?” I asked, glancing toward Noah.

He shook his head.

“Don’t worry about that, Princess. I’ve got it. You just sit and enjoy your day to the fullest."

Of course you've got it, Mister. I felt bad a little, most of our friends and we'll wishers were going to turn up thinking they were indeed experiencing our celebration.

The welcoming of our bundle of joy in the womb.

If they wanted a performance, I’d give them one. I’d play my role to the very end.

“Here.” Delilah handed me the glass and I took it from her, nodding once.

“To new beginnings, momma." She said, raising her glass

“To new beginnings. I echoed softly, taking a sip. She must feel so angry. I could see it in her eyes. She definitely didn't want any of this to be going on.

Well, mind games? I was an expert in it.

Almost immediately, I felt just a tiny pain down my abdomen. I shook my head immediately, my face contorting as the pain intensified.

My vision blurred slightly, like the edges of the room were dissolving.

My fingers tightened around the glass, my legs felt heavy.

Everything felt wrong. Dots flickered across my sight. This wasn’t normal. Absolutely wasn't.

I lifted my head slowly to meet Delilah smiling.

Not the soft, harmless smile she always wore, something darker and cruel.

I turned to Noah.

“Noah…” My voice was hoarse and dry as I gripped the arm of my seat. “I don’t feel good…”

My chest tightened sharply, as I struggled to breathe.

“I… I need a hospital…” I whispered.

He moved toward me quickly, concern written all over his face.

“There’s… something in the drink…” I forced out. He cupped my face gently, brushing my hair back.

“It’s okay, baby,” he murmured softly. “It’ll be over soon.”

My stomach dropped.

Over?

“Noah… please…” I held onto him tightly, “I need a hospital…”

“Do you need to lie down?” he asked calmly. “Let’s get you upstairs.”

He wasn’t listening.

He already knew.

The realization hit harder than whatever was burning through my system.

They weren’t just lying.

They were planning this.

If I had actually been pregnant, I wouldn’t have touched that drink but whatever she gave me didn’t care.

It was doing exactly what it was meant to do.

Noah helped me upstairs, my body barely cooperating as darkness crept into my vision.

The room spun.

My thoughts scattered as he patted my head one more time before walking out, the sound of the door clicking shut sending me into panic mode.

Just then I felt hot liquid run down my legs. I struggled to look down, oh dear heavens, it was blood! Blood!

I need to call Nova. I need to call someone, anyone

My fingers tightened weakly around my phone as I tried to scroll, my visions blurring.

I couldn’t see properly but that didn't matter. As long as whoever I called could save me? That was fine by me.

I dialed the number immediately and on the first 2 rings it connected.

That has to be Nova.

"Nova?…” I rasped. “Please… I—”

“Skye." His voice came in and I felt all hopes I had shatter. God, I was gonna die in here for real.

"Skye, are you dying?" Everything inside me dropped as tears streamed down my very eyes.

No.

God, no. why me?? Why does it always have to be me?

I didn’t call Tasha.

I called him.

Rye.

Of all people.

Shit.

“I’m not…” My breath hitched painfully. “I’m dying…”

"Well then, that's good. You're meeting my expectations." He chuckled softly while I struggled to breathe.

"Rye...I'm..really. I'm really

“Dying?” He said, almost amused. “I was hoping we’d get to talk first.”

I tried to move my hand.

I couldn’t.

“Rye… please…” Tears slipped down my temples. “I didn’t mean to call you… I’m… really dying…there's blood everywhere. I really....really can't hold on for much longer.”

My chest tightened painfully, each breath harder than the last.

“I’d say tell me where you are so I can collect your body." He continued, “but you always did have a talent for getting yourself into trouble, Skye.”

My throat burned, I couldn't even say anything any longer.

Please…

Don’t leave me. The images of my parents dead body flashes in my eyes. Was I going to see them soon? Would all the pain and hurt disappear?

“Stay where you are.” he finally stated, hai time serious and commanding like if I disobeyed I would be in deep shit.

I froze.

“Do not move. Do not touch anything. Keep your phone on and to the heavens, if you end the call, I will end you myself.” My fingers tightened weakly around the phone.

"I...can't hold—"

"Damn right, you can. Tell me something. Keep talking. Tell me how you hate me. Keep talking, Skye. I'm coming.”