EIRA POV:
I sat on my bed, hugging a pillow to my chest, and all I could think about was how to kill him. Yes, murder him. That arrogant, crazy monster. Who the hell does Adrain think he is? How dare he tie me up like an animal? Does he think I'm his pet to play with?? I hate him. I swear I hate him.
My phone buzzed, dragging me out of my storm.
It was a notification—an invitation for Tessy and Peter's engagement party. Tomorrow. 7 pm. Their photo was attached, Tessy smiling brightly in Peter's arms.
My chest clenched painfully. Tessy had no idea what was coming. No idea how brutally her heart was about to break when the truth hit her.
I was about to toss the phone aside when another message popped up.
Tessy:"It's for the whole college, not you. Please don't ruin my special day by showing your face. Let me be happy. Please!!"
It was like someone stabbed a knife straight into me and twisted it. My throat burned, but I forced myself not to cry.
RRRRRIIINNNNGGG…
Claira's name flashed across my screen. I quickly picked up.
"Hi, how are you? Are you okay? Have you eaten anything?" I fired off.
"Please! One question at a time," she giggled softly. "I'm fine. And yes, I've eaten."
"How's your baby? What did the doctor say?"
"He—or she—is perfectly fine. Nothing to worry about."
"And the test?"
"It went well. Adrain was there, so everything went smoothly."
My stomach twisted at his name, but I pushed it aside. "When will the report come?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. We've decided… we'll expose him at the engagement party."
"Oh… okay."
"Eira… thank you. For everything. For standing with me."
"There's no need to thank me. Just take care of yourself—and the baby. If you ever need help, I'll always be there."
Her voice softened. "Thanks… bye."
The call ended, leaving me staring at the ceiling. God, please. Please protect Tessy from that monster. Please keep Claira and her baby safe tomorrow.
"Have you decided what to wear to Tessy's engagement?" someone asked.
"I'm thinking a golden gown. Still not sure about heels."
"Silver would look amazing on you."
"Guys, how about this gift?"
Laughter broke out. "That's a baby shower gift, you idiot!"
The whole college was wrapped in balloons, garlands, photo banners of Tessy and Peter—shiny, happy, fake. I buried myself in file work, pretending not to care.
"Wow!! Thanks so much, guys," Tessy's cheerful voice rang out.
My pen stopped moving.
I looked up. She was glowing—hugging friends, smiling, her eyes sparkling with joy. But when her gaze flickered to me, just for a second, I saw something else. Pain.
"You know," she said loudly, "some people just can't stand to see others happy."
"They're always jealous," Victoria added sweetly, venom dripping from every word. She smirked at me like a snake. "I can't believe how some people sink so low in friendship. But, Tessy, don't let dirtbags ruin your happiness."
The whole class turned to me, eyes full of disgust, judgment. My chest tightened, my throat closing in. I couldn't take it anymore. I just couldn't. I stood and walked out, ignoring the whispers.
I didn't care what they thought. Tessy's life was all that mattered now.
The corridor was silent… until an angry voice sliced through it.
"I don't care what you do. I don't want any drama at the engagement."
I froze. It was Peter.
"I know she'll come to the party," he hissed into his phone. "She wants to expose me. She thinks some stupid DNA paper can reveal me."
He laughed—a low, cruel laugh that made my blood run cold.
"Let her come. She won't walk out alive."
My heart stopped.
"You just do what I told you," he snapped, then cut the call.
I pressed myself against the wall, barely breathing, as he smirked to himself.
"Come, baby. Come." His voice was a whisper meant for the shadows. "Let's play your little game."
And then he walked away, leaving me trembling in place.