9

Chapter 9

Elena’s POV

It continues that way.

I was still in shock as I walked into the house with Elizabeth. My knees felt weak, and my heart was racing so fast I thought it might burst out of my chest. I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers trembling, my throat dry.

Pregnant.

For a man who didn’t even care.

For a man who left me that same day.

He took my innocence right in front of me and then… rejected me. Just like that. No remorse, no second thoughts. He tossed me aside like I was nothing. His own mate.

He knew how much I had longed for this.

For years, I’d prayed for the Moon Goddess to bless me with my mate. I’d dreamed of the bond, the connection, the love. And instead, I got pain.

Right on the day of my birthday.

The first gift I received was rejection. Unbearable, brutal rejection.

And that was why I left.

Not just temporarily—I left for good. I didn’t want to have anything to do with that guy ever again. I didn’t want any memory, any scent, any trace of him haunting me.

But now…

Now I was carrying a piece of him inside me.

A reminder I couldn’t run from.

How would I do this? How was I supposed to manage school—being pregnant, attending classes, pretending like everything was okay?

The shame, the fear of people finding out… it clung to me like a second skin. I could already hear the whispers, feel the judgmental stares.

“What if they find out?” I whispered, finally looking up at Elizabeth. “What if they start bullying me?”

Elizabeth sat beside me, her expression soft, eyes filled with understanding. She didn’t interrupt. She just listened, held my hand gently, and let me speak.

After a long silence, I said, “I want to keep the baby.” My voice cracked slightly. “I know what he did was unforgivable, but… I really want to keep it. I won’t let him break me. Not again. I swear I won’t lose myself because of any man.”

Elizabeth nodded slowly, her face tightening with emotion.

“Then we’ll make it work,” she said firmly.

We talked about everything—how I’d hide it, how I’d protect myself. Elizabeth suggested I wear a cardigan to school every day. Even though I was barely one week in, we had to be careful.

Pregnant girls weren’t allowed in school. It was against the rules. If they found out, I’d be sent home immediately, no questions asked.

“I’ll lend you my cardigan,” Elizabeth said, rummaging through her closet. “It’s thick enough to cover you even later on. At least until we figure out what next.”

I nodded, still stunned by her calmness.

The next day in school, I wore my usual printed skirt—short, pink, and barely touching my knees—along with my white shirt, white socks, black shoes, and Elizabeth’s cardigan.

As I stared at myself in the mirror, Elizabeth stood behind me with a proud smile.

“Oh my God, girl,” she said with a small laugh, “you actually pulled this off.”

I glanced at my reflection and blinked back tears. “Do I look okay?”

“You look stunning,” she replied, squeezing my shoulders. “You look like an angel. And every morning, I’ll be here to help you dress up. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Her voice cracked at the end, and I finally saw it—tears welling up in her eyes.

“Just promise me something,” she said softly. “No more sad faces, okay? You’ve cried enough. From now on, just smile. Even if it’s hard. Just smile. I’m here for you. I’m always here.”

For a second, I couldn’t speak. I looked at her—really looked at her—and for the first time in a while, I felt something warm stir inside me. Maybe it was hope. Or maybe…

Just maybe, God sent me an angel.

Not as a miracle.

But as a friend instead.