After He Rejects My Baby And I, He Is Desparate For An Heir

Chapter 1

“If she doesn't get pregnant, I shall humiliate her and then drive her out of my pack. I don't care if she's my mate. She's pretty useless to me without giving me an heir.”

“But, Alpha, you've been giving her pills which are slowly killing her womb.”

“That's the whole point.”

I overheard this heartwrenching conversation when I ran excitedly to announce to my mate, Alpha Dimitri, that I was over two months pregnant.

I froze at the door as Dimitri made it clear he had been poisoning me, so he could drive me out. My heart was filled with crushing pain. Tears formed in my eyes as I heard the last part of the dialogue:

“My first love is a jealous lover. If terminating Andrea will make Vera comfortable and agree to marry me, I'll waste no time doing that.”

“But Andrea has loved you for six years! When you were dying, she gave up one of her kidneys to save your life.”

“So what? Why would a powerful Alpha like me be seen around an incomplete woman?”

These last words had barely left his mouth when my weight suddenly pushed the door in and I fell into the private office.

“What a pleasant surprise!” Dimitri bellowed, rushing to gently guide me towards a couch. “You're shivering, Andrea. What did I tell you about getting yourself cold? Here's my jacket.”

I was at the brink of bitter tears as Dimitri, as he had always done, hid his true color behind that romantic lover act. If I hadn't overheard that conversation, I would have fallen for his lies once again. My heart and my wolf would have melted under his gentle gestures and soft touches.

His beta excused himself. “I shall get going, Alpha.”

Dimitri scratched his hair. “Yes, remember to keep our dialogue secret. Those rogues are vicious.”

The beta nodded slyly and then he noticed a slip of paper on the floor. The instant he picked it up, I screamed and jumped off the couch.

Grabbing the pregnancy test from his hand, I squeezed the paper into a ball and held it under the jacket. My panic level skyrocketed. Dimitri must not know about my pregnancy! At least not yet.

The beta laughed uneasily. “That's weird.” Then left.

Playing the doting and understanding mate, Dimitri didn't ask me about the paper I hid.

But as the weeks progressed, my stomach kept getting bigger. My gowns couldn't hide it any longer.

And of course Dimitri noticed it. So when one morning, he decided to make me tea himself, I began to tremble.

He sat close to me in the bed, urging me to take the tea. When I told him I had no appetite, his smile disappeared and he left without a word.

My blood ran cold. Why was Alpha Dimitri so bent on rendering me barren and driving me away?

“Why are you such a devil, Dimitri?” I muttered.

My horror increased when I checked the secret compartment I had hidden the pregnancy test and found it empty.

Things got even worse. Dimitri told me he was going for an Alphas' conference in another city. But going through Vera's socials later that day, I saw pictures of her in lingerie. She was sitting on Dimitri's laps, her body moulded into him. In the last slide, she pressed her lips to his.

I suppressed the pain that coursed through me. I phoned Dimitri and asked how the conference was going. “Don't disturb me right now, you know how intense these meetings can be. Is there anything you need?”

From the background, I could hear a muffled female voice, who sounded like she had something in her mouth.

The phone fell from my hand and I clutched at my waist. A searing pain tore through me. My water had broken.

A maid rushed in when I screamed. I was rushed to the hospital. There, I gave birth to a boy. I told the doctor not to call Dimitri yet. I was filled with fear as I imagined what would happen if Dimitri set eyes on my baby.

I was discharged three days later. The same day Dimitri returned from the “conference”.

To my horror, he didn't come alone. When I went to welcome him, I saw Vera clinging by his side, her dress mere strips of fabric that barely covered her body.

“What is she doing here?” I whispered to Dimitri, my heart beat doubling.

He offered me a winning smile. “She decided to move into our pack, and since getting a decent apartment is pretty difficult, I figured she could stay here with us.”

“Here?” I almost screamed. “I have a free duplex a few miles from here. She can stay there for—”

Dimitri's eyes flashed in anger. “Don't be so heartless, Andrea!”

“I can leave if she doesn't want me around her,” Vera moaned.

“Don't be too kind, Vera. There are hundreds of rooms here, why is Andrea making a big deal out of it?”

Then my baby's cry rang out, making Dimitri's eyes go wide in horror. “What the hell was that?” he barked, and I could see unease in his eyes.

“My child.”

“You have a child? Who's the father?”

I could barely hear my own thoughts over my heartbeat. I was about to give a response when Dimitri, overwhelmed by wrath, grabbed me by the neck.

“How dare you give birth to a baby without telling me? How… how dare you?” he stammered as rage tore through his words.

He wheeled around and ran upstairs. With tears streaming down, I ran after him.

But Vera suddenly grabbed my wrist. “And where do you think you're going, Andrea?”

Chapter 2

“Are you insane? Let me go!” I screamed but her grip only got tighter. Her face was set like the devil's.

“Of course I'll let you go now, but this would be the last chance you get from me. I have come to stay, Andrea. Let that sink in.”

With my whole body screaming in horror, I pulled from her clutch and ran upstairs. There I saw Dimitri glaring down at the baby. His expression was unreadable.

I realized with pain that this was his biggest nightmare. He didn't want me to have a child just so he could drive me from his pack and bring in another woman.

I clutched my hands together and begged him not to hurt my child. “Please, Dimitri, take my life instead.”

“Who says I was going to hurt it yet?” he asked nonchalantly and mysteriously left the room.

The air was filled with a cloud of tension as I stared at my baby. The room’s atmosphere was so intense I almost passed out. Sobbing, I realized that my baby didn't know he wasn't welcome by his father.

Dimitri's actions got worse by the day. With Vera, they smoked the life out of me.

Vera came to my room one day and asked why I hadn't made dinner.

“Dinner? There are chefs for that. Besides, I'm nursing a child!”

I tried to keep my voice calm but Vera's insolence was growing each day.

The next day I overheard her complaining loudly to Dimitri. “She can't just sit around while the poor maids do her work for her! She's the socalled Luna of this pack, why does she act like a goddess just because she's got a child?”

Dimitri tried to keep things controlled. “I shall, um, talk to her. Hey, you look so tense.”

I would cry all night as I heard my mate making love to another woman just next to my bedroom, their moans unrestrained and shameless.

I once begged Dimitri to at least take the baby in his arms, so the child would have the warmth of a father.

But as long as Vera was nearby, he would come up with an excuse. Mercilessly, he threw all we had built at Vera's feet so she trample upon them.

Before my eyes, I saw the years I had spent loving Dimitri crashing down. He had never loved me. I realized why he always wanted me to dye my hair red before we made love. Vera was a redhead! He was only aroused if he imagined me to be her.

I returned home one day to find my bedroom door sealed up. Asking a maid, she told me Vera had locked it up.

A shiver ran down my spine. “What? Did she say why?”

The maid lowered her head. “She says the child makes a lot of noise. She has already moved your things to the… one of the Omega cribs.”

I exploded in rage. “And where's my baby?”

The maid's face fell again. “A wet nurse was hired to —”

A wet nurse!

Unable to take it any longer, a cry of shock quivered through my mouth. With trembling hands, I reached for my phone to call Dimitri.

Luckily he answered on the third ring. “What is it?”

I flinched at the impatience and coldness in his voice. The moisture dried from my tongue, so I stammered:

“Vera's moved my things to the crib. Are you aware of that?”

Uncontrolled, the tears flowed from my eyes. The insult was glaring and painful.

“What's wrong with you?” Dimitri snapped. “Didn't you know how much noise that thing makes all night?”

His words felt like a hot iron running through my heart. He referred to his child as “That thing”.

How could everything be falling apart for me and the only man who could stop it, harbored deep hatred for me and his own child?

“Dimitri, please save me. I can't take this anymore,” I whimpered, my heart breaking.

“You make it look like anyone's forcing you to stay around. I've been so nice to you that you forget how ruthless I can be.”

He ended the call. He didn't bother to hide it anymore that he needed me to leave.

The passageway door opened and Vera barged in. Behind her were three guards, ready to attack me there and then.

“Are you fucking questioning my decision, you loser?” she asked.

I locked eyes with her, my fingers twitching in rage. “If my child gets hurt, you'll regret the day you were born.”

My burst of boldness was aroused by the need to protect my baby against these devils.

“You're such a loser,” Vera sneered. “I actually thought you could counter my decision. Now get out of here before I lock you up!”

There was no need to fight a lost battle. Walking to the crib, I was sweating and shaking from the shame and pain. Dimitri's words breathed hot within me, his deep hatred eating me up like a plague.

The crib was made for the lowliest Omegas. It was where slaves and palace underground servants were packed.

“You thought you could escape your root because the Alpha called you mate?” someone shouted, hurling rotten tomatoes at me.

“You're back to where you started off, fool!”

I was supposed to be the Luna, feared and respected second to the Alpha, yet due to my mate's public disrespect for me, I was reduced to rags.

Silently, I found the room where the wet nurse sat, my baby in her arms. Seeing my baby's innocent face, I broke down again. I couldn't give him the life he deserved. My mate's lover had taken control and my mate was solidly behind her.

That night, I wiped my tears and vowed to leave Dimitri's pack for good. And not just leave, I would make them suffer the way I did.

First, I sold all my shares in Dimitri's companies, which I had bought under a different name.

The next morning, I bathed and fed my baby, assigned him to a private child nanny and left for the airport.

I was signing some papers, when panicstricken notifications buzzed into my phone. It was from the company group chat.

“One of our major investors suddenly pulled out his shares last night!” “Our stocks are crashing!” “We need to trace him and strike an urgent deal or we're out of the market in the matter of days.”

Smirking in triumph, I collected my flight documents, confirmed the date — two weeks’ time — and returned to pick my baby.

But when I got down from the car, I suddenly froze. My heartbeat doubled and my blood ran cold.

The facility I had placed my child in was in disarray. The steel doors were ripped off and on the floor were bloodstains. I reeled back, panic striking me.

Bloodstains?

Where was my child?

Chapter 3

I began to scream like a lunatic, grabbing at random people on the streets.

“Where's my baby? What the hell happened here?”

But instead of answering, they turned up their noses in disgust and pushed back at me.

“Isn't she the Luna who was sent from her Mate's penthouse to the slaves’ crib?”

I swirled around, in search of who said that, but I was soon drowned by similar voices which fired at me. I covered my ears and eyes as these words lashed at me.

Before I knew what was happening, I was slapped across the face. “How dare you speak to us like that? You who are lower than a slave?”

The warm trickle of blood down my nose did little to curb the pain that breathed down my neck. I was gasping for breath just as their cameras flashed in my face.

I didn't know what to focus on: this unexpected attack, or my baby's whereabouts. My heart suffered terribly as I tried to process what I should do.

I raised my eyes, staring into the mean faces of the people I was supposed to lord over.

“I just want to know what happened here,” I whimpered, pointing at the dilapidated ruins. “My child was here. I…”

“The same child the Alpha rejected?” someone countered, breaking into laughter.

Another said, “I think he made an Instagram video that you're a whore, he doesn't know how you got pregnant.”

My lips hung apart as these searing words were layered on me. Then there was a sudden hush.

The crowd moved apart in an instant, forming an aisle in the center. Then I caught his unmistakable scent, even before I saw him.

Alpha Dimitri.

I was attacked by mixed feelings. I didn't know what to feel — anger, relief, fear. What did you do to my child? I wanted to ask him.

I read his face and to my surprise, he had a comely smile. And when he seemed to “notice” the crowd, his face turned sore.

“Did they hurt you?” he asked even after seeing the blood and bruises on my face. The subtle mockery in his voice was barely hidden.

He didn't stretch his hand to me, only stood at a convenient distance, as though he couldn't risk being seen close to me.

“Did they hurt me?” I repeated, narrowing my eyes.

The tiny smirk on his face disappeared for a moment as he saw the deep pain stemming from my soul.

“Come, let me get you out of here,” he mumbled.

“Dimitri, I am looking for my child!” I finally exploded, tears rolling down my eyes. “I… I left him here and…”

The words choked me as I stared into Dimitri's expressionless face. He was fighting not to laugh.

He took one glance at the ruined building, squinted his eyes a bit and sighed. “He was in there? Oh. Come let's get you home, my dear. There are better things to talk about.”

My emotions exploded. I jumped to my feet, my wolf uncorking. My talons shot out, but he sidestepped and caught me. Several guards came from nowhere and held me against his car.

“What did you do to my child?” I wailed. “You monster! You devil, where's my baby?”

“I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. You must be going crazy, my love. But I still love you,” Dimitri said.

He had a sweet smile on his face, meant to paint him as the indulgent lover, but only me knew his true evil color.

I was bound with fetters behind my back and bundled into the car like I was a criminal. I kept shouting to Dimitri about my lost child while he

amused himself by taking a picture with the excited pack passersby, assuring them he'd keep leading them right, “and eliminating the bad eggs amongst us.”

I shut my eyes as everything came pressing down on me. My position was so uncomfortable I had multiple muscle cramps, but the guards pressed hard on me.

Dimitri entered the driver's seat, turned and said, “You lost a child, not a life. I'd appreciate it if you stopped making a big deal out of it.”

“A big deal about my baby, Dimitri?” I yelled, my heart tearing apart. “Are you that heartless? Your own child and—”

Duct tape was slapped to my mouth and the car drove off. I'd never imagined that my mate would be heartless enough to treat me like a criminal. Being partly an introvert, the embarrassment burnt me more than I imagined.

A weak flicker of hope flashed through my mind when we arrived at the pack house. Maybe my baby was still alive. Perhaps…

“Get the fuck down,” Dimitri said through his teeth as he tore off the tape and fetters. Away from the public cameras, Dimitri was once more a monster.

By himself he dragged me by the hair into the large hall where the board of directors sat, their faces tense.

Dimitri threw me at their feet and said: “Last night, a huge amount of money was stolen from the stocks of my companies. It was traced to you. Where did you keep the money, you thief?”

I sneered. “I sold my shares in your damn companies!”

The directors broke into laughter. Sniding comments flickered about.

Dimitri glared at me. “Over a hundred million dollars? From you alone? Are you stupid? Or you think we are? How the hell did you steal such an amount of money?”

I lowered my head, clenching my fists as rage tore through me. After doing away with my child, this monster had the guts to ask me about his shares? This was why he came to fetch me by himself.

Slowly I stood. But Dimitri had another brutal surprise for me.

Vera walked in with my baby in her arms, a bitter smile on her face.

Dimitri touched my shoulder. “Return the money you stole or…” — a nod towards my child — “you know what I mean.”

CHAPTER 4

My eyes teared up as I stared into the eyes of my helpless child, clutched in Vera’s merciless grasp.

“Please,” I choked, tears streaming down my face, “I will return the money. Just give me back my son.”

Vera hissed, her voice laced with venom. “You have two days to return every last penny. Until then, your child stays with me, Leave!”

I ran out and with hands trembling from fear and rage, I booked a ride that would take me to the bank. Of course, I would do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my son, even if it meant giving up all my fortune.

Standing on the walkway, frustrated and sad, waiting for my ride, a black limousine stopped in front of me. Without a second guess, I stepped into the dark interior of the limousine.

“Starlight Bank, please,” I managed to say, my voice hoarse and dry.

The driver’s eyes widened. “That’s not… That was not the deal,” He hesitated, clearly trying to make sense of the situation. “The deal was I would come and pick you up and take you to dinner where I would brief you on our fake engagement plans for Thanksgiving dinner with my pack.”

My mouth went dry as I realized my mistake. “I’m sorry, I must have gotten into the wrong limo.”

“Oh?” the driver murmured, his eyes lingering on me for a brief moment. “Really? That’s a shame. I was hoping it was you. You are beautiful enough.” He winked.

At that moment, a plan came to my mind, and my eyes lit up. “I have an idea,” I said. “I’m proposing we strike a deal.”

The driver smiled. “It depends on what you’re asking for.”

“My child has been taken from me, and I’m being blamed for stealing my own money. If I do this for you, if I pretend to be your fiancée and go to this thanksgiving dinner, you will use my fake name and pretend to be the owner of my shares.” I said, my eyes meeting the driver’s eyes.

The driver thought for a moment and let out a deep sigh, “Very well,” he said, his voice steady. “I’ll help you.”

“Thank you so much. I am Andrea Silverstone.” I said and extended my hand for a handshake.

“I am Nathan Dan, and I am a lawyer.” He replied and shook my hand.

“let’s go to dinner and then we can discuss our plan.” I suggested.

And so he drove us off to a fine restaurant tucked away in a secluded part of the city.

The morning of the deadline dawned, and with the plan in motion, Nathan arrived at the mansion in his limousine and pulled up to the grand entrance.

With a beating heart, I hid somewhere in the mansion so I could watch the scene.

Dimitri, flanked by two bodyguards, strode out to greet the visitor.

“Who are you?” he asked, his voice dripping with authority.

Nathan stepped out of the limo, his expression unreadable.

“I am an investor in your company and I am here on account of a recent problem with the shares in your company.” he said, his eyes locked onto Dimitri’s. “Can I know the problem?”

“Well, A major investor under the name ‘Charles Peter’ sold shares and our stocks crashed after that, But, I have traced the funds to Miss Andrea.” Dimitri admitted.

Nathan shook his head, his gaze unwavering. “I’m Charles Peter,” he confirmed. “I sold my shares from your company, and sent the money to Andrea’s account.”

Dimitri’s expression darkened. “Mr Peter?, So you sold your shares and sent Andrea the money?”

“Yes,” Nathan said, offering Dimitri a document. “This is proof of the share withdrawal, in my name. And this,” he added, producing a second document, “is proof of the transfer to Miss Andrea’s account.”

Dimitri accepted the documents, his eyes rapidly scanning the text. “Why did you send her the money?”

“The reason is confidential, and not your concern, so I have filed a lawsuit that will hold you accountable if you harass or question Miss Andrea about the money,” Nathan’s voice was firm, his eyes drilling into Dimitri’s.

“I promise never to ask her about the money again, But, Mr Peter, please, we need to strike a deal.” Dimitri suggested. “Immediately you sold your shares our stocks crashed. What can I do to make you buy back your shares?”

“You have to return her child to her.” Nathan replied, his face mean and focused.

Dimitri couldn't hide his shock. “What? So she reported me to you?” He asked. “Mr Peter, the child is mine too and it is none of your business. What does that have to do with the shares?”

“It has everything to do with the shares. She didn't steal your money, And if you do not return her child to her this instant, I will add kidnapping and child trafficking charges to the suit.”

Dimitri’s face drained color in shock. “Alright,” Dimitri said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I will return the child. But you still have to buy back your shares please. Our stocks crashed.” He begged.

I have never seen Dimitri this humbled.

Nathan nodded, satisfied. “You will do so within an hour,” he replied, his tone making it clear that this was an order. “Then we will discuss the shares.” He turned and left.

From where I was hiding, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude and happiness for this stranger who had come to my aid when I needed it most. I was very thankful to Nathan for standing up for me. And I felt happy for the first time in a long time.

CHAPTER 5

“Andrea, Andrea!” Dimitri cried out, his voice harsh and urgent.

My heart leapt in my chest as I approached him. “Yes?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“Charles, Your Lawyer boyfriend,” Dimitri blew hot, gesturing towards the nowdeparted Nathan. “He pulled his shares, gave it to you, and now I can’t even ask why, thanks to this lawsuit.”

I held my ground. “He can do what he wants with his shares,” I replied, “Now you know I didn’t steal your money, Where is my son?”

“You reported to him that I kidnapped your son. How dare you?” Dimitri blew hot.

“I didn't report to him. I only told him what happened. If I don't see my son, then I will report to him.” I warned. “Say goodbye to your stocks.”

“Vera is on her way with your child as we speak. But I promise, I will deal with you.” Dimitri replied, his words dripping with malice.

I felt a chill run through my body, but I refused to back down. “I have done nothing wrong,” I declared, almost tearing up. “You are the one who has been deceiving me since day one.”

Few minutes later, My heart leapt for joy as I saw Vera approaching with my baby in her arms. But as I took the child from Vera, my joy turned to horror. The child had a high temperature, his little body limp and shivering.

I let out a scream of rage. “He’s sick!” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “You couldn’t even take him to a hospital. You’re a monster!” I hissed as I rushed out to take him to the hospital only to discover that Vera had seized the car keys.

As my baby started to convulse in my arms, his body writhing in agony, I started running to the gate. “Dimitri please help me book a ride!” I screamed.

He ignored me and Vera smiled. “This is what it means to be a monster,” she whispered, her voice low. “You’re going to watch your son die, right here in front of your eyes.”

I gasped, my eyes wide with terror as Vera commanded, “Guards, Don’t let her leave the house!”

The guards blocked the gate as Vera and Dimitri turned to leave.

I stumbled back, my face white with shock and fear. “Let me go,” I begged, my voice pleading. “I need to get my son to a hospital!

My heart pounded as I helplessly watched his little body convulse. I cried and prayed for a miracle, but he kept convulsing.

I decided to call the only savior I could think of. Gripping my phone, I punched in Nathan’s number with trembling fingers, my voice shaking as I begged for his help.

“Nathan,” I pleaded, my voice breaking. “I need your help. They won’t let me out of the house, my son is sick!”

“Andrea,” Nathan replied, his tone comforting. “I am going to come and get you, but you need to get out of the house. Is there a window you can escape from?”

I glanced around, my eyes landed on the large French windows that overlooked the garden. “There is a window,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“Good,” Nathan said, his voice even and focused. “Get your son and get out through that window. I’ll meet you in 10 minutes.

I took a deep breath, and looked at the guards, they were not paying attention to me, so I swept my son into my arms and made for the French windows, praying that I could make it out before my child died.

I burst through the French windows, the sharp grass scratching my feet as I passed through the garden gate to the main road and there, Nathan stood, like an angel, waiting for me. So I stumbled towards the waiting car.

Nathan, his expression full of concern, rushed to meet me, gently lifting me and my son into the backseat of his car.

“Hold on, Andrea,” he comforted. “I will get you to the hospital as fast as I can.”

The car sped through the city streets and screeched to a halt outside the emergency room, and I rushed inside with my son in my arms, screamed for help.

With immediate attention from the doctors, my son was revived foew hours later and we were discharged with medications.

Nathan, a stranger, comforted me through it all. He turned to me, his eyes filled with concern.

“Andrea,” he began, his voice gentle but persistent. “Who is Dimitri to you? Why is he treating you like this?”

I swallowed. And began to narrate.

Nathan’s face darkened as I continued to recount my story, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Have you forgotten the daughter of who you are? How could you let them treat you and your son this way?” he demanded, his voice trembling with indignation. “What if your son died? What if you die?

My shoulders slumped.

“Why don’t you leave or fight back?” He asked.

My eyes filled with tears. “Soon” I whispered.

CHAPTER 6

The crisp fall air hung heavy with anticipation as I approached the grand, ivycovered mansion where Nathan’s pack would be gathering for Thanksgiving.

Beta Nathan was the prince of the moonlight pack. He needed to present a lady to the pack as his soontobe wife, in order to preserve his path to the throne.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the part I had promised to play. Nathan played his part well for me and it went well, I have to do the same for him.

“Remember,” Nathan whispered, squeezing my hand gently. “You are my fiancée. Just be yourself. I need to keep my position in my pack and according to the rules, I need a wife.”

I smiled, my eyes shining with a newfound strength. I had been through so much already, what is a little pretense compared to that?

Smells of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie filled the air, mingling with the fragrant aroma of autumn leaves.

Nathan’s family, their faces warm and welcoming, swarmed around me, offering hugs and congratulations.

We did the usual introductions and we shared our different packs' histories and traditions.

As the cozy atmosphere of the living room buzzed, Nathan’s father, Alpha James Dan, turned to me with a twinkle in his eye.

“So,” he said smiling. “How did you two lovebirds meet?”

I laughed, my eyes darting to Nathan, who gave me an encouraging nod.

“Well,” I said, “It was a cold winter’s day, and I was stuck in the snow. Nathan was kind enough to stop his Limo and save me.” I lied. Or maybe I didn't. Nathan indeed stopped his Limo and saved me when I was stuck in Dimitri's snow.

A chorus of “awws” echoed around the room as Nathan’s mother, Luna Sandra Dan, turned to us with an affectionate smile.

“Well, we absolutely adore you already! When are you two planning to tie the knot?”

I laughed, my cheeks flushed with warmth. “We are still figuring that out, but rest assured, we will let you know as soon as we do!”

As the last strains of laughter faded away and the hosts retired for the night, I and Nathan found ourselves alone, sitting outside, enjoying the cool night air.

Nathan sighed contentedly, a smile playing at his lips. “Well, that went pretty smoothly, what do you think?”

I nodded, my eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think they bought it, I’m a good actress!” I declared as we both burst into laughter.

Then, my smile faltered, my eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It has been a long time since I have felt so…accepted,” I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion. “Your family was so welcoming, so genuine.”

Nathan reached out, placing his hand gently over mine. “You deserve so much more than what you have been through, Andrea,” he said, his eyes holding me captive. “You deserve to fight for your rights, for your son’s future.”

I bit my lip, tears blurring my vision. “I’m afraid,” I confessed. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“You are,” Nathan assured me. “You have been through hell and back, Andrea. You are stronger than you know. And I will be here with you every step of the way.”

“You barely know me Nathan, why would you want to be with me every step of the way?” I asked suspiciously.

“Well, I am a lawyer and a human rights activist. I hate seeing people oppressed. Especially innocent people like you” he explained. “And I know you very well, Andrea, you told me everything about you.”

My heart skipped a beat as his words washed over me, filling me with hope and courage.

“What about my son?” I asked, my voice thick with concern. “I don’t want him to be in danger again.”

Nathan nodded in understanding, his mind already churning with a solution. “What if we asked my parents to take care of him for you?” he suggested.

“That won’t work,” I said, shaking my head. “They don’t know about my son yet and I would not want to burden anyone.” I explained but Nathan only smiled in reply.

Morning of our departure, bags packed and ready to depart, we stepped out onto the porch where Nathan’s parents awaited us.

“Thank you again for the wonderful hospitality,” I said, my voice genuine and sincere.

Nathan’s mother smiled warmly. “It was our pleasure. You’re family now, dear, our soontobe Luna, we want to see you again soon!”

“Dad, Mom,” Nathan said, his voice clear and steady. “There’s something I need to tell you about Andrea. She has a son.”

Shocked and expecting the worst, I looked at Nathan’s parents as they exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise in their expressions but it was quickly replaced by understanding and acceptance.

“Well, there is no problem.” His Dad replied. “Children are a blessing from our maker.”

My heart melted. How could they be so perfect and accommodating. Since my parents died, I have never felt this level of love from anyone. I almost shed tears.

“Andrea and I have decided that we want to bring him here,” Nathan continued. “We need your help to take care of him while we…figure things out, please.”

Nathan’s parents shared a knowing look.

“We would love to have a child in our home again,” Nathan’s mother said, a bright smile illuminating her face. “We have been feeling a little lonely lately. Having him here would lift our spirits.”

My chest swelled with gratitude, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. Was I dreaming? Everything is just happening too fast and all at once.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“It is our pleasure, Andrea.” We waved our goodbyes.

As the autumn leaves rustled beneath the wheels of Nathan’s car on our drive back home, my eyes gazing out the window at the passing scenery, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions.

I felt lighter, as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Nathan’s support, his family’s acceptance, it all added up to an overwhelming feeling of peace, joy, and love. It was like my eyes opened.

I had been beaten down, time and time again, but, now I have just tasted a type of love I forgot existed and I no longer wanted to endure. I wanted to fight back, to show Dimitri that I was not someone to be trifled with. I was done being a victim, done being pushed around.

“I am ready,” I said, my voice low and determined. “I’m ready to bring Dimitri to his knees.”

“Finally!” Nathan screamed in excitement. “That is my girl!”

CHAPTER 7

Days later, I had just stepped into the salon, the smell of perm and nail polish filled the air. My eyes drifted over the sea of hairdryers and mirrors, when I heard a voice, cold and venomous, behind me

“Well, if it isn’t Ms. Perfect,” Vera purred, her painted lips curling into a sinister smile. “And here I thought you only showed up when there was a camera nearby.”

I tensed, feeling the sting of Vera’s words as I turned to face my rival, my eyes meeting Vera.

“Vera,” I said, my voice low and calm, “I am not here to argue with you.”

Vera’s eyebrows arched as she laughed loudly like a cat. “Oh, please. Spare me the platitudes. Everyone knows you only care about yourself.”

I started to get angry, my jaw tightening. “Careful, Vera. Your jealousy is showing.”

Vera rolled her eyes, a scoff escaping her lips. “Jealousy? Hardly.

My patience snapped, my voice rising as I faced my nemesis. “You have been jealous of me since the beginning,” I said, my anger flaring. “Always trying to tear me down, to steal my spotlight. But it won’t work. I’m better than you, stronger than you. And I won’t let you drag me down.”

I was not done yet. “The truth, Vera? Let’s talk about the truth. The truth is, you’re nothing more than a cheap imitation of me. You copy my style, my mannerisms, even my career moves. But you will always be second best, a pale shadow of the woman I am.”

Vera’s cheeks flushed, a mixture of fury and humiliation washing over her. She stepped forward, and raised her hands in threatening gesture. “How dare you! I am my own woman…”

I shot out my hand, slapping Vera across the face with a resounding crack. “You thought you knew me, Vera? I didn’t leave you alone out of fear. I left you alone out of love for him. But now that I have crossed that line, don’t dare me!”

I walked out and in that moment, I knew I was done with the whole nonsense.

I went to another salon and got my hair done. After that, I swept into Dimitri’s lavish mansion like a vengeful queen, my heels clicking on the polished marble floor as I made my way through the hallways to the lounge where Dimitri was cuddling with Vera. The look in my eyes was cold as ice, and it sent shivers down Dimitri’s spine as he turned to face me.

“Andrea?” he said, looking at me with disgust. “What can I do for you?”

I smirked. “Nothing. There is absolutely nothing you can do for me. You are useless!” I retorted.

“I can see you have grown wings. You coward!” He replied.

“I am just here to inform you,” I continued, my eyes red with anger. “You have been living a lie. You have been taking credit for my investments, my accomplishments, my hard work. And I let you. Why? Because I loved you. But I am done with the lie. I am done with you.”

Dimitri and Vera’s laughter echoed. “Andrea, I was done with you a long time ago.” Dimitri replied. “But, wait, What do you mean by I have been taking credit for your investments?”

“My name is Andrea Silverstone, and I am the heir to the Silverstone fortune.” I said, my voice laced with fire. “Luna Andrea, CEO of Silverstone Enterprises.”

I watched as Vera and Dimitri’s jaw dropped, their eyes wide with shock. “You?” he stammered.

“Oh yes,” I said, my smile a wicked delight. “And now that you know who I am, you should also know that Charles Paul is the fake name I used to buy the shares in your company, I am the real owner.”

Dimitri’s shock transformed into a smoldering rage, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to contain his fury.

“Why?” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Why the pretense?”

My tone filled with disdain. “I wanted to submit to you, to see if you could love me for who I really am, not just for my money. And thankfully, your behavior has confirmed everything I needed to know.”

“Wow, so you are the anonymous CEO, who chose to work from underground?” Dimitri asked, still in disbelief.

“And you are the most lousy, criminal Alphadirector whom I overlooked because of love!” I said raising my Silverstone gem passed from generations as proof.

“And now, I am done with you.” my voice was like a dagger, piercing through the thick tension in the room. “I am going to leave, You and your puppet Vera better watch your backs.”

Vera, annoyed at my words, stepped forward, her hand raised in a threatening gesture. “How dare you call me a puppet!” she snarled, her eyes flashing.

But before she could finish her sentence, I struck my palm, connecting with Vera’s cheek with a resounding smack.

“You?” I hissed, my voice low and dangerous. “Oh, I think you forgot, Vera,” I snarled. “You don’t mess with me. Not after what happened last time.”

Vera’s face was a picture of rage and humiliation, her hand rising to touch the red mark on her cheek. “Dimitri will never love you!” she declared.

“You are nothing more than a pathetic little lapdog, desperate for a bone from Dimitri. You can have him.” I replied as I pushed their glass picture frame from the table. It hit the floor and shattered into pieces.

As the sound of shattering glass echoed, the staff of the mansion came rushing in, their eyes wide with alarm.

My expression a mask of calm determination, I turned to face them, my gaze sweeping over the room.

“you all,” I said, pointing at the maid and guards. “You allowed yourselves to be used to humiliate me because you thought I was nobody. But you were wrong.”

“I’m not just Andrea the rejected mate, or Andrea the housewife, or Andrea the victim or Andrea the babymama.” I laughed.

“This is a lesson to you all,” I continued, my voice stern but compassionate. “Never look down on someone, for you never know what power they may hold.”

With those final words, I turned took my son and my belongings and left the house, leaving the stunned gathering in my wake.