All Chapters of Belonging to Lockhart: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Amaris’ POV I knew this moment would come eventually. I’d always known I couldn’t outrun my nightmares forever. I just hoped that when they finally caught up to me, they’d come gently like stepping into an icy lake, inch by inch, lungs filled with calm, steady breaths until the cold became bearable. Instead, it felt like I’d been shoved headfirst into a frozen sea, limbs flailing, lungs burning as I struggled to keep myself from drowning. Twila had left me no choice. Her ultimatum made it clear I had to tell Theron everything. The full truth. But the very thought chilled me to the bone. He hadn’t believed me before. Why would he believe me now, when the rumors were louder than anything I could say? For three nights, sleep had been replaced by relentless, vivid nightmares. Each one started with the same image: my father’s terrified face as he dropped to his knees in front of the police officers, pleading, insisting the allegations weren’t true. And then always he collapsed, lif

AMARIS POV I woke on a bed that didn’t belong to me, bathed in sterile light that made my head throb. A sharp breath caught in my lungs, and the sharp tang of antiseptic confirmed what the white walls already whispered hospital. My eyelids blinked against the brightness until shapes sharpened, until I realized I wasn’t alone. A warm hand wrapped gently around mine, and my body flinched in reflex. “It’s okay, Ami,” Theron’s voice murmured, low and soothing like dark velvet. My head turned toward the sound, and there he was disheveled, but there. His white shirt sleeves were rolled to his forearms, his suit jacket nowhere in sight, his tie missing, and the faint scruff along his jaw said he hadn’t left this room for hours. Maybe longer. He reached for my hand again, this time slower. His fingertips brushed the lines in my palm with reverence. “You’re safe. He can’t hurt you anymore.” He. Ansel. The name dragged a fresh scream through my memory. His laughter, his grip aro

A soft caress brushed against my cheek, gently stirring me from sleep. As my eyes blinked open, they adjusted slowly to the muted light filling Theron’s bedroom. He stood beside the bed, fastening the buttons of his shirt, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “What time is it?” My voice came out hoarse, barely louder than a whisper. “Almost six,” he replied, a flicker of hesitation in his voice. “I need to head to the office. I would’ve let you sleep, but... I didn’t want you waking up to an empty room.” He paused, uncertain. “Of course, you can go back to sleep and” “No.” I sat up, brushing my hair back. “I planned to go in today anyway. I might as well go with you.” His brows drew together. “Are you sure? You don’t have to rush back.” I inhaled deeply. “I do. My team’s counting on me, and I want that presentation ready by the end of next week.” He nodded slowly, taking in my words. “All right. I’ll make us breakfast. Think you can be ready in thirty minutes?” A grin tu

AMARIS' POV Theron shot to his feet, yanking his hands from mine as if my touch had seared his skin. His eyes widened, his face draining of color as he stared at me. Silence clung to the room for a heartbeat too long, then a bitter, hollow laugh tore from his throat. He dragged his fingers through his hair and turned toward one of the tall, floor-length windows. “You... don’t believe me,” I said softly, the words tasting like betrayal. Saying them out loud only deepened the ache already gnawing at my chest. “I need more,” he said at last, his voice hoarse. “Details. Anything. What was he wearing? How did he sound? His voice anything.” A tear slipped down my cheek. “It was dark... I couldn’t see much. He blindfolded me, and when I ripped it off, all I could think about was getting away.” He whirled toward me, fists clenched at his sides, trembling with fury. “His fingers,” he ground out. “Did he wear any rings? A signet? Anything?” I inhaled sharply, trying to claw throug

Mother’s chest rose sharply, her lips curling into a cold, amused smirk. “Open threats? That’s new.” “Then you’d better get used to it, Mother,” I shot back, my voice low and sharp. The curve of her smile stretched wider, its chill seeping into the room. “I didn’t expect you to defend her. I must admit it makes whatever you have with her seem more... authentic.” A bitter laugh escaped me. “Do you even care whether it’s real?” She frowned, lifting her teacup with careful grace. “Of course I care. I want you to have a wife, someone capable of bearing your children. If this is all for show, it’s just a waste of your time and resources.” I huffed. “You never cease to astound me, Mother. How your stone heart manages to circulate blood is beyond me.” She narrowed her eyes. “Being pragmatic doesn’t make me unfeeling.” “You’re right,” I said, a smirk creeping up despite the tension. “You’re full of hatred and disdain.” “Is that what you think?” Her brows arched in m