Semua Bab Anniversary Surprise: I Was Just His Womb: Bab 1 - Bab 9

Zoey's POVLyra glared at us, looking like she wanted to tear us apart.I instinctively tried to run with Tommy, but one of her bodyguards grabbed me roughly by the arm and yanked the boy out of my embrace.Lyra turned on the boy. "After everything I've done for you, you won't even call me Mom! But you're willing to call some stranger your mom! You ungrateful little brat! You're looking for a beating!"She raised her hand to slap him."Don't you dare!" I screamed. "He's just a child! Lyra Gould, have you lost your mind?"She stopped, her hand hovering in midair. She let out a cold laugh, released her grip on Tommy's shirt, and walked toward me."You think you have the right to lecture me?"Without hesitation, she struck me hard across the face. The force snapped my head to the side, and the copper taste of blood instantly flooded my mouth.Before I could react, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and slapped me again. My ears rang as the corner of my mouth split open, blood trick

Zoey's POVI was locked in the basement for what felt like forever.Days passed in silence, broken only when a maid lifted the trapdoor to quietly toss down two bottles of water and a few pieces of bread.No matter how hard I screamed for help, all I heard was my own voice echoing back at me.Eventually, the water and bread ran out. As more time passed, I grew so weak that I couldn't even stand anymore.Then, finally, I heard footsteps overhead.A maid said with a trembling voice, "Ms. Gould, are we really going to do this while Mr. Gould is away on business? He only told us to teach Mrs. Gould a lesson. We were supposed to let her out two days ago. If he finds out what we've done, we're—"Lyra slapped the maid across the face. "Mrs. Gould? How dare you call that bitch Mrs. Gould! From now on, I'm the lady of this house!"If you're scared, then learn to keep your mouth shut. Pour more gasoline. Make sure the fire burns hot. Once Zoey Hawkins is reduced to ashes, there's nothing

Third-Person POVLyra's face went white. Her lips trembled as she struggled to come up with another lie.Before she could speak, Mary suddenly rushed forward. She dropped to her knees in front of Justin. "Mr. Gould, please! Please forgive me!"Tears streamed down her face. "My husband died last year. I have two kids who depend on me. I couldn't afford to lose my job, so I did what Ms. Gould told me and poured the gasoline. I swear I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt!"Justin felt his blood run cold. He stared down at the trembling maid at his feet, his voice shaking. "What did you say? You poured gasoline? You set the fire!"Mary looked up and met Justin's furious glare. Her whole body shook even harder, and she blurted out everything. "Ms. Gould told me to pour the gasoline! She said that once Mrs. Gould was dead, Tommy would be hers, and she'd get to be your wife!"Mary sobbed so hard that she could barely breathe. "She told me to tell everyone it was an accident. Since Mrs. G

Zoey's POVThree years later, I went to pick Tommy up from his enrichment class and found Justin waiting outside. He looked like he'd been there for hours.His eyes were red as he looked at me. He seemed to want to come closer but hesitated. He raised a hand, then slowly lowered it again.His voice was hoarse as he said, "Long time no see, Zoey. I'm so glad you're alive."I wasn't surprised that he'd tracked me down. After all, in the age of the internet and big data, hiding completely was impossible.I glanced at my watch. The second hand ticked on. "Tommy is coming out in 15 minutes. If you have something to say, just say it. I don't have all day."I gave him a warning look. "And just so you know, once a kid turns eight, they have a legal say in whether they want to live with their mother or father. I won't let you take Tommy from me again."Justin's throat bobbed, and his eyes grew even redder. "No... I'm not here for custody. I know how badly I failed you. But I need to expl