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 now-departed 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, ivy-covered 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 soon-to-be 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 soon-to-be 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 Alpha-director 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.