Lahat ng Kabanata ng No Longer A Substitute : Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

“I’m expecting twins.”I sat still on the hospital bed, my hands crutched my stomach.You've got to be kidding me? Right? I stared wide eyes at the doctor and he gave me awkward smile. Two children? How will Manage two kids on my own? One would be a hassle but I was willing to make it work but then two? “Yes, miss, congratulations.”The doctor said, flipping through my file. “You and your husband. You are truly blessed.”Blessed?Has anyone genuinely smiled and thought I was blessed hearing I'm pregnant? No! Especially not their father. He wasn't happy at all when I heard the news. I can still remember the way his face contorted into a deep scowl like I just insulted his being. My heart aches as the image appeared in my head. The room feel quiet, filled only with the steady beeping of machines.I have no money?! I don't think I'll be able to get a job! No one! No one at all! Even Savannah has left me on my own here. These babies, just how will I care for them?Won't I just be

Stella POV The suitcase dragged across the pavement with a faint scrape, a dry, hollow sound that echoed the emptiness I felt inside. It was light—too light for the journey I had ahead. I could almost hear Savannah’s footsteps behind me, her voice soft and encouraging as she helped me pick out a few essentials before I left. I hadn’t expected much; she never had much to give. But even the little she managed to provide felt like a warm hand on my shoulder, something to cling to in the uncertainty of this new life.I set the suitcase down with a muted thud. Its weight—or lack of it—felt symbolic, a tiny reminder that I had nothing except the pieces of myself I carried. The metal clasps clicked shut, sharp and precise, and for a moment, that sound was louder than my own heartbeat.“Yes… this is everything I brought,” I said quietly, almost ashamed. My voice seemed swallowed by the narrow street around us, as if it feared being heard. I didn’t have much. My hands lingered over the suitca

CHAPTER — SCENE THIRTY-FOUR (CONTINUED)STELLA POVHis grip tightened around my arm like iron, firm and unyielding, as if control alone could keep everything from slipping through his fingers.Pain shot through me.I pulled against him, my voice sharper than before.“What do you think you’re doing?”His eyes darkened, unreadable, yet filled with something heavy… something I refused to name.“How are you with Alexander, Stella?”He leaned closer, his presence suffocating.“Was he the one you were dancing with?”My arm throbbed under his hold. I winced, trying again to pull free.“Let go of my hand.”My voice strained.“You’re hurting my arm.”But he didn’t loosen his grip.Instead, his voice hardened.“Why are you with Alex?”A demand.“Answer me.”Before I could respond, another force stepped in.“Let go of her.”Alex’s voice cut through, calm but firm.His gaze dropped briefly to my arm.“You’re hurting her.”Then back to Devon, colder.“And she told you to let go.”Devon didn’t even

STELLA POV Their voices overlapped again, small and sharp, like tiny waves crashing against something fragile. I exhaled softly and stepped in before it could rise further. “Andrew, it isn’t good to lie like that.” He shook his head immediately, his face tightening as if the words hurt him. “But I’m not lying, Mommy.” He pointed at me, eyes glassy. “You’re lying.” The accusation landed heavier than it should have. “And you’re taking Andrea’s side again.” Andrea stuck her tongue out without hesitation. “That’s because you’re a liar.” Andrew stepped forward, anger flashing quickly. “I’m not—” I pulled him back before the words could turn into something worse, wrapping my arms around him. He struggled at first. Then broke. Tears came fast, loud, uncontrollable. I held him closer, rubbing his back gently. “Stop crying.” Soft. Careful. “Andrew is not a baby.” Andrea’s voice came again, lighter, teasing without understanding. “He is a baby.”

STELLA POVAs soon as the morning sun hit me, I got out of bed. “All right, kids, up, up, up, trying to get up.”I tried to keep my tone patient, though I need them to be fast before their existence can be found out. “Five more minutes.” Andrea stirred in her bed. “We don’t have school today.” she grumbled.“No, we do! Today is Monday.” Andrew raised his head out of bed but still didn't get up. “Yeah, but we’re not in Colombia anymore.” Andrea counters, finally raising her head to look at him. “Since when?!” he argued back.“Look around you! Duh”Andrew slowly blinked, and stared around him. He sat up and stared in dumbfoundness before mouthing an ‘oh’ “Oh, yeah, I completely forgot.”He scratched his head, “So where are we again?”He genuinely forgot. He's truly been forgetting a lot of things lately… is this really happening? “We’re in North Korea.” Andrea’s voice cut through my thoughts. Andrew frowned. “Then how come you’re still alive? They should have bombed a lying brat