Chapter 3

Alice’s POV

I managed to get out of Jace’s house and ran as fast as I could. My lungs burned as the city blurred past me. Jace’s spiteful voice rang in my ears. 

Three years. I spent three years with him, gave him my love and in the end, I was nothing but an investment. Memories of him always trying to impress my dad and asking me for money rushed to my mind. 

I wanted to laugh at myself for being so blind to the red flags. 

A strong cramp twisted low in my belly. I pressed my hand there instinctively, breathing through the pain as I ducked into the nearest commercial building. 

The lobby was half empty at this hour. No one paid attention to me as I kept my head down and rushed to the elevator. 

When the doors finally opened, the rooftop greeted me with a blast of cold wind. My legs gave up as I felt another contraction hit me like a punch. I slid down against the wall and rested my shaking hand on my belly. 

“It’s okay, baby. I won’t let those scums take you away from me,” I whispered while tears streamed down my eyes. 

With a shaky breath, I pulled out my phone and dialed my best friend, Serena’s number. She was my last hope. 

We had been friends for years so I knew she wouldn’t refuse me if I asked for a favor. Even take in my child if I couldn’t take care of it. 

She answered almost immediately. “Alice?” 

The moment I heard her voice, my control slipped and I broke into a sob.“I…” My voice shook. “Serena… I ran away…”

The words dissolved into sobs.

All the fear, the humiliation I felt today came crashing down at once. Every single thing pressed on my chest until I could barely breathe.

“My family was going to take my baby,” I cried. “Jace… he–he’s involved as well…”

Serena was quiet for a moment. Then her voice softened. “Where are you?”

“Rooftop… Central Avenue commercial building,” I whispered. “Can you come? Please… I don’t have anywhere else to go…”

“I’m coming,” she said quickly and ended the call. 

My chest bloomed with hope and I caressed my belly with a smile. “Aunt Serena will rescue us, sweetie. So hang in there.”

Fifteen minutes later, Serena entered the rooftop. I rushed forward and threw my arms around her.

For a moment, she stiffened. Then she patted my back lightly.

“You look terrible,” she muttered, not meeting my eyes. She seemed tired. 

“Serena…” My lips quivered. “Everything went wrong today.”

The words poured out of me and I told her everything. She already knew about my pregnancy but I told her how it wasn’t Jace who I slept with that night. Just saying it aloud left a bitter taste in my mouth. 

I wondered who the true father of my child was. 

“Can I… stay at your place for a while?” I asked softly, “At least until I deliver the baby. I need to hide from my father… and from Jace…”

Serena raised her brows questioningly. “You broke up with him?”

The question stabbed deeper than it should have. My fingers curled tightly in Lily’s coat.

“He already made it very clear,” I whispered. “I was just… a convenience.”

For a brief second, something flickered in Serena’s black eyes. Then she smiled. “It’s okay,” she said gently. “I’ll help you. Don’t worry.”

Relief rushed me and I was about to hug her again when I heard a voice that turned my blood to ice. 

“Alice!” Jace shouted as the elevator doors chimed open. 

My breath stopped. How did he find me here? 

Instinctively, I grabbed Serena’s arm and hid behind her.

“Serena…” I whispered shakily. “Tell him to leave… please…”

If he tried anything, I’ll tell Serena to call the police. But her hand clamped around my wrist and before I could react, she yanked me forward. 

I stumbled, completely exposed in front of Jace. “Serena…?” My voice came out small, confused.

Her expression was completely different now. Her black eyes seemed cold and amused. 

“You should behave,” she said lightly. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

I blinked at her in disbelief. 

Serena walked over to Jace with a bright smile and kissed him right in front of me. I stared in horror. 

Jace smirked. “Meet my girlfriend, Alice.” 

I watched as the two exchanged evil smiles. What was going on? 

“Serena?” I looked at her as if she had stabbed me in the chest. 

“I have been in a relationship with Jace for a long time. Remember that I’m the one who made you two meet?” Serena crossed her arms and smirked, “It was my plan to make you date him for your money.” 

My vision blurred. How much more was I supposed to endure today?

“…Why? What did I ever do to you?” My voice cracked. I could understand Jace’s betrayal, but not hers.  We were always such good friends

She sneered. “Because I hate you. You had everything. A rich father, endless money.” Then she smiled. “But look at you now. You have nothing now.” 

I gritted my teeth. “I would have given you money if you wanted it so badly. We were best friends!” 

It was horrifying to learn that behind all those smiles and kind words, Serena was actually planning my downfall. And all this while I thought she was my savior. 

Was my entire life a lie? 

Her smile dropped. “Oh, please. Don’t act innocent. You always looked down on me. Do you have any idea how hard people like us have to struggle just to survive?” 

She stepped closer and grabbed my hand tightly. “Your dad’s waiting for you so you better come with us silently or I’ll drag you to the hospital.” 

There was not a single ounce of empathy in her gaze. I was cornered by both of them. 

“Serena, I never looked down on you. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.” I looked into her eyes, hoping that beneath all this cruelty, she still had some humanity left. Serena blinked at me in surprise. 

“Take my money and everything else. Just please don’t take my child away from me.” I begged, kneeling down and joining my hands. “Please, Serena. That’s all I’m asking.” 

Silence. I wondered if Serena changed her mind as she wasn’t moving. 

“Alice?” She called me and I looked up in hope. 

She smiled at me devilishly and then looked at Jace. “Happy third anniversary, darling. I hope we’ll get a hefty f*e in exchange for her.”

My heart dropped in my stomach as she punched me in the face.