30. Ella

30

ELLA

A Month later

I settle into the soft embrace of my new couch, sinking into the deep blue cushions with a contented sigh. The apartment is finally mine. Warm, cream-colored walls and gleaming hardwood floors surround me.. Sunlight pours through the large bay window, casting a golden glow that dances across the room. A gentle breeze carries the scents of fresh paint and newly sanded wood, mingling with the aroma of the sweet milk tea in my hands.

The kitchen, with its polished granite countertops and white cabinets, issmall but well-equipped, perfect for the simple meals I'll prepare for myself and the baby once they cross six months. I take a sip of my tea, savoring the blend of cardamom and cloves.

The nursery, just off the living room, is a haven of soft pastels and whimsical animal decals. I've left enough space for a floor bed and a crib, whichever seems right at the time.. I rub my belly. There's nothing yet, but a few days ago, I heard my little one's heart beat like trains running through fields at night. Nothing has ever sounded so perfect. I'm ready for them.

Balancing my cup of tea, I move to my work desk—a sturdy oak piece that once belonged to my father. It's cluttered with papers, photos, and my laptop, which hums softly, its screen filled with documents and surveillance footage. I push aside a stack of notes to make room for my tea, my mind already shifting gears.

My phone buzzes, drawing my attention. Vanessa's taunting text lights up the screen. " Tick tock, Ella. Don't forget our little deal ." I clench my jaw, anger bubbling up inside me. I can't let her win. Not now.

I open the folder marked Vanessa , my fingers trembling slightly. It's packed with incriminating evidence. Photos of her cozying up to unsuspecting men, financial records of her siphoning off their money, and the sham marriage certificate from Vegas. She was still married to Marcus when she pulled that stunt, and now I have the proof.

"One last asshole," I mutter, flipping through the pages. "Then I can finally put Verity Vixen to rest." My alter ego, the fierce protector of families, has been my armor, my outlet. But with my baby on the way, it's time to pull the plug. Vanessa's threats have pushed me to the edge, but they won't break me.

I scan the notes I've gathered on Vanessa's latest target—a wealthy businessman with a penchant for young, exotic women. The pattern is all too familiar. She woos them, wins their trust, then drains them dry. But this time, she's slipped up. I have a recording of her boasting about her fake Vegas wedding, a critical piece of evidence that could expose her and save her latest victim.

I lean back in my chair, my mind whirling with plans. I have to be careful. Vanessa is dangerous, and she's already proven she won't hesitate to use my secret against me. But I have the upper hand now. This is the final piece of the puzzle. I just need to play it right.

My fingers dance over the keyboard, organizing the evidence, compiling it into a damning report. The adrenaline courses through me, a familiar rush that sharpens my focus. This is what I was born to do—unravel lies, protect the innocent, and bring justice to those who think they can get away with anything.

As I finish, I take another sip of my tea, savoring the calm before the storm. I touch my stomach once more, reminding myself of what is truly important. "Almost done, sweetheart," I whisper. "Just one last mission, and then it's you and me against the world."

I glance at the clock. Time is running out, but I'm ready. Vanessa's reign of deceit is about to crumble, and Verity Vixen will have her final victory. With a deep breath, I close the folder, resolve hardening in my chest. It's time to end this once and for all.

But maybe I will take a nap first. While I'm still functional,the first trimester blues are pretty hard. I'm having the sweetest time waiting for my baby's arrival, and while I've missed Lily and the boys terribly, it's been… good knowing that I'll never be alone.

I have a feeling she's a girl. I almost know it in my bones.

Part of me is still convinced the men should know. I don't care about having a specific dad for my baby, but if they choose to be involved, it'll be amazing. The more love there is, the more a child flourishes. I've made up my mind that once I've left Vanessa inhaling dust, I will tell the men about my pregnancy.

Lazy thoughts swirl in my head as I make my way to the couch. I settle back, adjusting a pillow behind my head. I sigh, closing my eyes. Every last ounce of energy will matter tonight.

I lie there, trying to find a comfortable position, which is easier said than done with my belly leading the way. Finally, I find a spot that feels just right. I smile and let sleep take over.

When I wake up, it's with a start. I glance at the clock, heart pounding. "Oh, no, how long was I out?" I mutter to myself, rubbing my eyes. The nap, though brief, seems to have done wonders. I swing my legs over the side of the couch and stand, a little wobbly at first but quickly regaining my balance.

I head to the bedroom and pull out the outfit I had picked out for tonight, a sleek, black dress that hugs my curves just right, paired with a statement necklace and comfortable yet elegant flats. As I slip into the dress, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. "Not bad for a pregnant woman about to take down a con artist," I muse, giving my reflection a wry smile.

With a final glance at the clock, I grab my bag and head out the door. The restaurant where Vanessa is meeting her newest victim isn't far. As I walk, the warm evening air wraps around me like a blanket, and I feel a strange mix of nerves and determination. This is it. My last mission.

The restaurant is bustling when I arrive. Soft lighting, the clink of glasses, and low conversations create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. I spot Vanessa almost immediately, seated at a table near the back, her laughter floating through the air as she flirts with her latest prey—a wealthy businessman, by the looks of it. I take a seat at a table with a clear view of them and order a water and a small appetizer to keep up appearances.

I watch them from a distance, my eyes never straying far from Vanessa. She's in her element, all charm and deceit. As I nibble on my salad, my mind races through the plan. When Vanessa eventually excuses herself and heads to the bar, I know it's my moment.

I signal the bartender as I approach the bar. "A glass of lime juice, please," I order, flashing a polite smile. The bartender nods and gets to work. I sidle up next to Vanessa, who is too engrossed in her phone to notice me at first.

"Vanessa," I say, my voice steady. She looks up, eyes widening in surprise and then narrowing in recognition.

"Ella," she replies, a cold smile spreading across her face. "What brings you here?"

"I think you know why I'm here," I say, pulling the folder from my bag and placing it on the bar between us. "You need to leave town, Vanessa. Now."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And why would I do that?"

I open the folder, revealing the incriminating photos, financial records, and the fake marriage certificate from Vegas. Her eyes dart over the evidence, her confident demeanor faltering for the first time.

"You've been busy," she mutters, flipping through the pages. "But this doesn't change anything. You know what will happen if you cross me."

"Actually, it changes everything," I counter. "This is enough to expose you for the fraud you are. Your latest victim? He's a powerful man with connections. Once he sees this, you're done. So, leave now, while you still can."

The bartender places my lime juice on the bar, and I take a sip, hoping to calm my racing heart. Vanessa's face contorts with anger, but there's fear in her eyes too. She knows she's cornered.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" she hisses. "But you have no idea what you're dealing with."

"Maybe not," I reply, meeting her gaze steadily. "But I do know I'm not letting you ruin any more lives. This is your last chance. Leave, and don't come back."

She stands abruptly, gathering her things. "You'll regret this, Ella," she snaps, her voice low and venomous. "I promise you that."

As she storms out of the bar, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. It's done. I've won.

I take another sip of my lime juice, savoring the victory, but suddenly, the world starts to spin. The edges of my vision blur, and I feel a cold sweat break out on my forehead.

"What…" I manage to whisper, my hand gripping the bar for support.

The bartender looks at me with concern. "Ma'am, are you alright?"

But I can't respond. The room tilts violently, and my knees buckle. I feel myself falling. The last thing I hear is the clatter of the glass hitting the floor. Then, everything goes black.

When I come to, my head is throbbing and my vision blurry. As I blink, trying to clear the fog from my mind, I realize I'm bound to the seat of a car. The rough texture of the ropes digs into my wrists, and I can barely move.

Panic starts to rise in my chest as the events of the evening rush back to me. Vanessa. The bar. The lime juice. I try to twist and turn, but the bindings are too tight. My heart races, and my breathing quickens.

"Welcome back," a chillingly familiar voice coos beside me. Vanessa. I turn my head slowly, vision still swimming, and see her sitting next to me, a triumphant smirk on her face.

"Did you really think I wasn't keeping tabs on you too, Ella?" she asks, her tone mocking. She laughs bitterly. "You might be clever, but you're not the only one who can gather information."

I struggle to form words, my mouth dry and my voice barely a whisper. "What… what did you do?"

Vanessa's smile widens, her eyes gleaming with a twisted satisfaction. "I told the bartender to mix a sedative into your drink. A little something to make sure you wouldn't be a problem anymore."

She leans in closer, her face inches from mine. "You've made things very difficult for me, Ella. I can't let you get away with that."

Her fingers trail lightly over my arm. "Go to sleep," she whispers. "I promise I'll leave you somewhere no one will ever find you."

Panic surges through me. I can't let this happen. I think of my baby, of the life growing inside me. I can't give up now. But my body feels heavy, my eyelids drooping despite my best efforts to stay awake.

"Don't worry," Vanessa continues, her voice almost soothing. "It won't take long. You'll drift off, and then… well, then, you'll be nothing but a memory."

I struggle against the ropes, but it's no use. The sedative still courses through my veins, making my movements sluggish and weak. Desperation claws at me, but my strength is fading fast.

Vanessa leans back, satisfied. "Sleep well, Verity Vixen," she murmurs, her voice the last thing I hear as the darkness closes in.

As my vision fades, I feel a single tear slide down my cheek. My mind races with thoughts of the baby, of the life we might have had together. And then, there is nothing but the cold, empty void.