Chapter 15

In the earlyhours of the day, I’ve gotten used to being alone. I like not having an overbearing mother to answer to and spending my morning how I choose.

But as time passes, I realize these quiet mornings won’t last forever.

How do I reconcile my life at this point? I’m a ghost, not existing except in the memories of very few.

My entire world is a black prison.

Even my mind.

And I’m ashamed to say I’ve never felt more free in my life.

Jade enters the room, sets my breakfast tray on my desk, and picks up the test that’s next to the plate. It’s been two months of injections, and still, I’ve yet to get pregnant.

I’m not disappointed.

I disappear into the bathroom, the only place privacy exists in my world, and go about my routine. But as I’m brushing my teeth, my morning takes an unexpected twist in the form of a pink plus sign.

My stomach twists, threatening to expel the contents within, because this isn’t just a baby announcement.

It’s Mateo’s death warrant.

Feeling dizzy, I sit down on the toilet, hoping to make sense of what happens next. I could have years with my husband, as with wealthy marks, it’s always safer to have an heir and a spare.

But with how Mateo has kept me from the outside world, The Web may not be so generous with time.

They’re going to want him dead and they’re going to want it done quickly, because if they can’t maintain contact with me, I become a liability.

But what can I do?

Nothing. I can do nothing. Unless I’d like to die too.

Because if I veer from my objective, they’ll kill us both.

Seeing no reason to stall, I exit the bathroom and hand the test to her.

“Hm.” She tilts her head to the side, squinting, then she looks at me. “You’re pregnant.”

I nod stoically.

“Aren’t you happy? You’ve secured Mateo’s inheritance while winning over some of his affection. You’re set for life.”

“It certainly doesn’t feel that way,” I snicker, turning away so she can’t see my tears.

All at once, my hatred for Jade melts away as I realize that she was never the snake. I was. I’m the one betraying Mateo’s trust when she’s been nothing but loyal to him.

If only he’d have picked her instead of me.

Tears stream down my cheeks, and a sob escapes my throat.

“Why…are you upset?” Jade asks, her voice more curious than hostile.

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“I suppose I wouldn’t, as I was nothing more than a toy for Mateo to discard when he saw fit.”

“That was his mistake.”

“That’s an odd thing for you to say.”

“Why? It’s the truth. Men with money should value loyalty above all, which you have in spades.”

“Are you saying you won’t be loyal to him?”

Knowing I can’t tell her the truth, I settle on a half-lie.

“No, but you know why I was picked. He married me out of convenience, and one day, when our children are still young, he’ll look to you again, remembering your loyalty, and you’ll be waiting for him.”

“It’s what you signed up for.” She hands me a handkerchief, and I use it to dab my eyes.

“Yes, but it was never my choice.”

“What would you have chosen?”

“Love. I would have found a man to love. Someone who wanted me for more than my ability to secure their inheritance. Sadly, Mateo is an easy man to fall for, but I will never be adored. I will never be beloved.”

“I guess we each have our own burdens to carry.”

“I’m sorry for being so bitchy,” I tell her.

She shrugs. “I suppose I earned it.”

“Let’s not hate each other anymore.”

Jade’s eyes narrow. “I’m not sure if I’m capable of that.”

“Fine, but can we agree not to make each other’s lives any harder than they have to be?”

“I’ll consider the proposal, but right now, you need to get dressed.”

“Why?”

“Mateo has requested that when you finally produce a positive result, I take you to him so that you might leave this place.”

“You mean…this isn’t where I’ll be staying?”

“Now that you’re pregnant, no.”

I throw on a sundress and apply my makeup lightly, remembering that Mateo likes seeing my freckles. The pink collar looks out of place with my sweet attire, but even if I could remove it, I wouldn’t. It’s a part of me now, though it won’t be for much longer.

When I’m done, I follow Jade from my room to the lower level where Mateo’s office is.

I should be happy.

Yet I feel hollow.

I knew what I was getting into. I said yes to the deal when my mother begged me to choose another.

And now, I have to live with my decision.

But what if I can’t?

Jade knocks on Mateo’s door, and I hear him call, “Come in.”

Without Jade saying a word, he seems to understand the implication of my presence.

“Show me.”

Jade hands the test over to him. He regards it apprehensively, until finally concluding on his own that it is indeed accurate.

His eyes lift to mine, but I see a hint of sadness where relief should be.

“You’ve done well.”

“It was a pleasure,” I reply.

He opens his drawer and pulls out a box. Inside it is a charm bracelet. “Hold out your wrist.”

I obey.

“It was my mother’s idea, but I have to admit, it’s fitting,” he says as he fastens the clasp. Its sole charm is a baby carriage. “We’ll fill up the bracelet eventually.”

“It’s gorgeous.”

“You’ll be happy to know that’s not your only reward.”

“I feel spoiled.”

He looks at his watch. “I’ll have a car come get you so that you can have lunch with your mother.”

My heart sinks. “My mother?”

“She’s been an annoying thorn in my side, threatening to file a missing person’s report on you. At least now, I’ll know some peace. While you’re away, I’ll have your stuff moved to my main penthouse, where you’ll have a proper introduction into my family and society.”

“That can all come later, can’t it?” I say, feeling panicked. “There’s no need to rush.”

“Nonsense. I’ve kept you in this dungeon far too long,” he says as he taps the screen of his phone.

I force a smile, hoping he doesn’t see through it, to my misery.

“The car is en route. Make sure you tell your mother I said hi.”

“Will do.”