43 Chapter 43 No More Control
43 Chapter 43 No More Control
That was my breaking point. My restraint shattered completely. “Show the baby proper care?” I repeated, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “It’s an innocent child. Not some charity case. And honestly, isn’t it premature to be making plans for that baby? It hasn’t even been born yet.” My eyes narrowed into slits. “And regarding my future children, if I choose to have any, life is unpredictable, isn’t it? I can promise you they will be kept far away from Roxanne. That woman is poison. A complete
catastrophe, frankly. I refuse to let her toxic influence anywhere near my potential pups.” 1
She stepped back, her smile appearing warm and sincere. “Everything smells divine, doesn’t it? What a blessing to have experienced, professional staff in the kitchen. Although I must admit,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, though it still seemed to project, “I am somewhat saddened that Roxanne will be giving us our first grandchild. I had always imagined it would be you, naturally.”
She gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her chest. Her usually composed expression cracked with shock and fury. “Seraphina! How dare you speak so disrespectfully! How dare you talk about the woman carrying my son’s first child, our first grandchild! And how dare you address me, your elder, with such insolence!” Her voice echoed through the busy kitchen, causing several staff members to freeze mid-task, their eyes darting nervously between us.
“I need to get ready, then I’ll make my way to the Fang House,” I announced, meeting his gaze directly.
Something about their smiles felt forced, their courtesy almost too polished, too flawless. Still, they remained respectful and pleasant.
Glowing? I felt like I was barely hanging on. Her words dripped sweetness, but her eyes held that familiar calculating gleam. Our previous conversation remained fresh in my memory, every manipulative word. The way she had delicately, persistently convinced me that acceptance was my only option, that being a ‘good Luna’ meant enduring everything in silence.
Seraphina’s POV
I was exhausted by her attempts to control my existence, and she had already begun dictating the fate of children I might never even have. That would never happen.
10 10
<
43 Chapter 43 No More Control
No one would control my life from this moment forward.
Following several minutes of polite exchanges, I excused myself. “Let me check on the kitchen preparations,” I said, desperate to escape the constant scrutiny. As Luna, ensuring everything ran seamlessly was my responsibility, even though I still felt like I was figuring out my role.
“Oh, but Seraphina, don’t trouble yourself,” she continued, patting my arm condescendingly. “You’ll have children eventually, I’m certain. There’s no rush.”
My breathing hitched. I stared at him with wide eyes, completely stunned. He simply gave my fingers a barely noticeable squeeze, his face remaining unreadable. My heart expanded with sudden, overwhelming happiness.
Heading toward my bedroom, I noticed the door was cracked open. Inside, chaos greeted me. Actually, not chaos exactly, but countless shopping bags covering every surface. They were heaped on my bed, scattered across the floor, even draped over my chair back. I had completely forgotten about them. He must have arranged for someone to deliver everything.
Rotating slowly, I manufactured a smile that felt like it might crack my face. Vivian, draped in rich purple fabric, glided toward me with outstretched arms. She pulled me into one of those hollow embraces, complete with air kisses that never made contact. “How wonderful to see you, dear! You look absolutely glowing tonight.”
Every muscle in my body went rigid. I didn’t need to turn around to identify the speaker. Vivian. My mother-in-law.
“Everything appears excellent,” I said, stepping deeper into the space. “The smells are amazing.”
“I simply hope you’ll show Roxanne’s baby proper care. The same way you’ll cherish your own children, when you finally have them, of course.” Her tone sharpened, becoming more pointed.
A woman with gentle eyes and her hair pulled back in a tidy bun beamed at me. “Thank you, Luna. We’re adding final touches to the roasted vegetables.”
We entered the expansive dining hall, our joined hands impossible to miss. I forced myself to appear composed, ignoring the whispered conversations and curious looks tracking our movement. He guided me to our designated table, pulling out my chair with perfect courtesy before settling into his own seat.
10.10
43 Chapter 43 No More Control
He gave a single nod.
Part of me wanted to apologize and retreat because this confrontation was spiraling beyond my intentions. But I refused. Not anymore. My chin lifted defiantly. “I have every right to my opinions, Vivian. And my children, should I ever have them, will be mine to raise. That includes protecting them from anyone I consider dangerous.” The kitchen air crackled with sudden tension, the unspoken war between us finally erupting into the open.
“Seraphina, sweetheart! I’ve been looking for you!” a sickeningly sweet voice called from behind me.
“I’ll do the same. We can walk over together,” he replied, catching me completely off guard. Together? That would mean entering as a united front, appearing like any other mated pair. My pulse quickened with an unfamiliar flutter, warmth blooming in my chest. These positive sensations were becoming more frequent lately, emotions I never anticipated experiencing.
Such a basic gesture, yet it carried enormous meaning.
The kitchen buzzed with organized activity, rich with the scents of roasting meat and fresh seasonings. The newly hired staff moved with clear purpose, their actions quiet and precise. I observed them briefly, genuinely impressed. These additions to our team were courteous and capable, their uniforms spotless, their focus unwavering.
“Thank you,” I murmured, carefully extracting myself from his embrace. Just because he had given me a brief respite didn’t mean all was forgiven. This entire nightmare, the mounting tension, the overwhelming pressure, all of it stemmed from him.
After a refreshing shower, I selected one of the new soft dresses that felt like being wrapped in silk. Meeting him at the entrance, I found him looking devastatingly handsome as usual, his signature dark attire emphasizing his commanding presence. We walked together, leaving our residence within the Fang grounds and heading toward the central Fang House.
My fake smile faltered. There it was. The barb. The cruel comment disguised as maternal concern. She wasn’t offering comfort; she was highlighting my perceived failures, what Roxanne had supposedly achieved that I hadn’t.
The warmth of his presence beside me, his palm resting steady against my spine while his gentle murmurs filled my ear, felt like breathing freely after being underwater. This solace was something I had been starving for without even knowing it, a sanctuary
10.10
43 Chapter 43 No More Control
amid the tempest raging in my mind. Yet the peace proved fleeting. Reality crashed back down because today was Friday, which meant the mandatory dinner at the Fang House. With his parents returned from their travels, skipping was impossible. We were trapped. I would have to push through this evening the way I always managed to endure everything else. This was nothing new for me.
Approaching the main building, my stomach twisted into knots. This moment was always the worst part, stepping through those doors and facing all the critical stares. Then, just before we crossed the threshold, his fingers found mine. He wove our hands together, his grip confident and reassuring. He was actually holding my hand.
Comment
O
10 10
Leave the first comment for this chapter
Send Gift
Swipe left to continue >
