HIDING 26

Posted by admin, ? Views, Released on October 25, 2024

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ISABELLA’S POV

The whole world seemed to stop as I caught sight of my daughter standing just a few feet away from us. I could hear the loud pounding of my heart due to the shock and nervousness, drowning out every other sound.

Lily stared up at us, her wide eyes full of curiosity. When I saw her taking a step closer, that’s

when I finally jolted out of my chaotic thoughts.

I immediately wrenched myself free out of Xavier’s grip, every part of me trembling as I rushed

towards Lily. But it was too late, she already recognized Xavier behind me.

“Uncle?” Her lips formed a small O shape. She tilted her head as her curious gaze flickered from me and Xavier. Her tone even lightened with recognition. “You’re here too! Do you know

my mommy?”

Panic clawed at my chest. I didn’t dare to look at Xavier’s reaction, though I could feel his gaze following me, focused intently on us as I finally reached Lily.

I stood in front her, blocking her from Xavier’s sight. The raging emotions in my chest refused to calm down. I need to protect her. I need to get her away from here before everything fell apart, though it already felt like it was crashing down around me at this point.

“Lily…” I managed to say, gently grasping her shoulders and pulling her close to me. My voice trembled with fear and desperation as I stared at her face. “What are you doing here,

sweetheart?”

“Mommy, I…” Just as she began to answer, another voice cut through the air.

“Lily!”

Hailey came rushing towards us, her breath labored from running. A wave of dread mingled with fear surged through me as I saw her approaching. I was terrified she’d come with Liam by her side too. Thankfully, she came alone or else I don’t know what I would do if Xavier also sees Liam.

“Oh dear, why did you run so fast just now?” She finally reached us, panting. I sent her a panicked, warning glance, and her eyes quickly darted behind us. The moment she spotted Xavier behind, her face paled with horror.

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared back at me in panic. I shook my head at her, pressing my lips tightly as I stood up.

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“Could you take her to the packhouse first?” I spoke in a hard tone, hiding the terror rolling

inside me. “Please.”

Hailey’s face turned serious as she quickly nodded, understanding the urgency.

“Let’s go, dear.” She took Lily’s hand.

Lily looked hesitant, still confused as she looked back at me. I gently caressed her cheek, nodding in encouragement for her to follow her aunt. She didn’t resist as Hailey finally led her away. I watched them walk away, my heart turning cold as realization hit me.

I wanted to go after them, to protect Lily from the man who had caused me so much pain. From the man I was desperately trying to hide her from. But I knew I couldn’t leave. Xavier had

witnessed her call me “Mommy,” and I knew another storm was awaiting me.

Now, it was just me and Xavier standing alone in the area. The weight of his stare was too

heavy, almost to the point that it was suffocating. Then he stepped closer with slow and

deliberate steps, as if a predator closing in on its prey.

“That child…” His voice was cold and dangerously low as he finally stopped in front of me.

She called you mommy.”

“1

I swallowed hard. I couldn’t deny it. He had witnessed it himself, and I had no way out.

“Tell me, Isabella,” I could hear him gritting his teeth as he demanded, trying to take a closer

step towards me again. “Is she ours?”

The question hit me like a punch to the gut, but I wasn’t the same weak, broken woman he had

left behind. Recalling our past, the betrayal and every pain he inflicted on me, I could feel my anger flaring up, burning away the fear as I met his gaze head–on.

“No,” I spat as I spoke in a harsh and unyielding tone. “She’s my daughter, but she isn’t yours.”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed at me, suspicion and anger flaring up in them.

“Tell me the truth.” He demanded in a sharp tone. His gaze was telling me he wasn’t believing

my words. But I couldn’t back down now.

Just as I was about to speak again, Alexander’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Lily is my child with Isabella.”

I turned to see Alexander stride towards us. He had a grave look on his face as he sharply

stared at Xavier.

“You want the truth, right?” His tone was provocative as he pulled me towards him. “She’s our

daughter.”

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Alexander’s arrival sent me a relief. But even if we’ve already talked about the plan, his sudden words still caught me off guard, leaving me conflicted. Yet I know that I had to play along, to make this lie as convincing as possible. To keep Xavier from probing further.

But I know it wouldn’t be easy.

“That’s right.” I managed to say in agreement afterwards, trying to sound as convincing as possible even though an unknown ache was starting to form in my chest.

“Oh yeah?” Xavier’s gaze snapped between the two of us, his face darkened with anger. “I don’t

believe it.”

“You don’t have to.” I stared straight at him, staring at him with a hard look. “It’s the truth. I

don’t need you to believe it.”

Xavier’s clenched his fists on his side, staring at me with disbelief and fury as his jaw

tightened. “I can see through your lies.”

My heart pounded heavily on my chest. I was trying to mask the turmoil inside me. The weight

of the situation was crushing me. But I couldn’t let him win. I couldn’t let him unravel

everything.

“Just back off and leave her alone.” Alexander pulled me behind him, stepping between me

and Xavier.

“Stay the f**k out of our business!” Xavier growled at him, fury evident in his face. “She’s my

mate.”

His words cut through me like a knife. Here he goes again staking his claim on me, yet I could

only feel the raging emotions in my chest growing.

“Does she bear your mark?” Alexander sneered, snapping back with a voice full of

provocation.

His words hit a sore spot in me too. I don’t bear Xavier’s mark. In the past, I would’ve continued feeling devstated. Now, the pain still came crashing back but only left me a void, numbing feeling. However, Xavier looked even more fuming.

“She is the future Luna of my pack. We already have a child together. You have no right over her anymore.”

Alexander’s words only made Xavier’s anger boil over. In a flash, I saw him lunging towards Alexander. The two were ready to fight again. But I couldn’t let another chaos occur. Before they could make contact, I immediately stepped between them, my own anger flaring to life.

“That’s enough!” I shouted with a hint of growl, before whirling my eyes towards Xavier, my

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gaze blazing with hidden pain and hatred.

“Just leave me alone, Xavier!” I shot him stares full of daggers. “You gave up any claim you had on me the moment you decided to choose another woman over me. Everything between

us has long been over!”

I could see the pain and slight shock in his eyes. His lips parted as he stared at me with an unreadable look in his face, perhaps it was guilt flickering in his gaze, yet I couldn’t confirm. He looked like he wanted to say something, but ended up just staring at me with a dark look.

At the moment, I couldn’t care less about his reaction. He had hurt me more than anyone had ever had, and I wasn’t about to let him hurt me again. I turned to Alexander, desperate to get

out of the situation as I took a sharp breath.

“Let’s go.”

Alexander nodded, his hand resting protectively on my back as he began to lead me away. But

then, Xavier’s voice rang out, stopping us in our tracks.

“I know that child is mine.”

I clenched my fists, refusing to face him once more as he continued speaking.

“We have the same eyes. Do you take me for a fool?”

A wave of anger and frustration rose and collided in my chest. I knew he would notice it. I knew fooling him wouldn’t be easy. His statement only made me feel even more conflicted.