Revenge Novel 16

? Views, Released on January 14, 2025

Chapter 16

Should I feel relief or sadness?

I didn’t know.

Even after confirming the results, I still repeated the other two tests just to be sure. Both came out negative. My chest felt hollow as I crumpled up the packaging and test strips, stulling them into the plastic bag before tying a tight knot. Tossing it in the bathroom trash, I consoled myself with the thought that no one would know who they belonged to even if they checked the trash for some reason.

1 made my way to class, but the rest of the day passed in a blur. Numbness spread through me, seeping into my bones. Why did I feel so… hollow!

By the time my last class ended, Marcelene was already waiting outside to drive me home. The ride was quiet, save for the faint hum of the engine. I could feel her glancing at me, the weight of her gaze heavy.

“You okay?” she asked eventually, her tone softer than usual.

I forced a smile and nodded. “I’m fine.”

But Marcelene wasn’t one to let things slide. “Did it come out positive?”

I shook my head, trying to keep my voice steady. “No.”

Her frown deepened. “And that’s a bad thing?”

I shook my head again, this time with a shaky smile. “No, it’s not

Marcelene muttered something under her breath before abruptly pulling over right outside the mansion gates. She hit the brakes hard enough to jolt me forward slightly.

“Mar, what-?” I started, but when I reached for the door handle, it wouldn’t budge. The doors were locked.

She turned to me, her icy blue eyes blazing. “Will you just say what the hell is wrong with you? Stop holding it all in. Valencia. Your constant smiling is creepy, you know?”

Her words cracked something inside me. The dam burst, and tears began streaming down my face before I even realized I was crying.

“Ah-“I choked on a sob, covering my face with my hands. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying.”

“Of course, you don’t,” Marcelene said, her tone exasperated but not unkind. “What’s going on? And don’t give half–baked answer.”

Did I even know what was wrong? My emotions were a tangled mess. The past, the present, the future–I didn’t know where to begin. I’d managed to fend off one calamity by keeping Jaxon at bay, but everything else felt like it was spiraling out of control.

“…” My voice trembled as I tried to explain. “I always dreamed of having children. But maybe… maybe I really am infertile.” Marcelene’s brows furrowed. “And why would you think that?”

The words tumbled out of me in a rush, my lips trembling. “I’ve never been able to-“I stopped myself short. No, I can’t tell

her.

I couldn’t tell her about my past life, about the miscarriages that haunted me. About the guilt that weighed on me,

14

Chapter 16

whispering that I was incapable of protecting my own children

Marcelene reached over and flicked my forehead with her finge making me flinch.

“Hey!”

“You’re an idiot,” she said bluntly “Do you have any proof you’re infertde? Did an actual doctor give you a report?”

I shook my head, sniffling.

“Did you have sex with anyone recently?” She asked and I blush, nodding as explained the encounter.

“So,” she huffed. “You’re telling me you lost your virginity to a hot guy, had protected sex once, and because you’ve been feeling a little off, you thought you were pregnant? And now that you know you’re not, you’re sad?”

I looked away, shame heating my cheeks. “It sounds stupid when you say it like that

“It is stupid,” Marcelene deadpanned. “You’re wasting my time here, you know that? Tell me again–he used protection, right?”

I nodded reluctantly.

“Then obviously the test came out negative.” She threw her hands up in exasperation.

Her words made sense, but the lingering doubts in my chest refused to leave.

“As for the morning sickness,” she continued, “how much junk have you been eating lately?”

I froze.

Exactly Marcelene shot me a knowing look. “You’ve been stuffing your face with candy, ramen, and junk every other night. Your stomach’s just upset. You look all hubby already-

WHAT?!” I yelped, horrified. I pushed down the mirror on the sun visor, frantically examining my reflection. “I’m getting

fat

Marcelene burst into laughter. “No, no! I didn’t mean it like that meant it in a good way. You’re still skin and bones by my standards, but your cheeks don’t look so gaunt anymore. It’s an improvement

I slumped back in my seat, a mix of relief and indignation swirling inside me. “Still, I’ll need to cut back on the late–night snacks,” I muttered, rubbing my stomach absentmindedly.

The sound of the dinner bell echoed through the air, pulling us both back to the present. Marcelene unlocked the doors, motioning for me to get out.

“Here,” she said, pulling a tissue from her pocket afd dabbing at my cheeks. “You look less constipated now.”

I scoffed, swatting her hand away.

Marcelene smiled–a rare, genuine smile that made her eyes crinkle at the corners. Her red hair was tied back in a updo, loose strands framing her face.

“Want to sleep over tonight?” I asked, hopeful for her company.

half-

Her smile faltered, and she shook her head. “Can’t. I’m visiting Mom at the hospital tomorrow, She paused, her voice softening. “You’d probably keep me up all night watching those booktok videos anyway.”

I snickered but couldn’t ignore the sadness lurking beneath her words. “Is it… okay if I come with you?”

2/3

Chapter 16

Her eyes widened in surprise: “Are you sure? It’s not exactly a sliepping center”

I rolled my eyes. “What kind of person do you take me for?

After a moment of hesitation, she nodded. “Alright. We’ll leave early–7am sharp

“Deal”

I sighed as I watched her drive off, the heaviness in my chest easg ever so slightly.

But reality came crashing back as I hurried to my room. Dinner etiquette demanded my attendance now that Father and the Pack Alphas were back.

I changed quickly, swapping my black dress for a plain brown one with a collared neckline and full sleeves. Pulling my hair into a neat French updo, 1 secured it with a crystal butterfly clip discovered in the same bag as the red silk dress from yesterday.

By the time I

Nered the master dining room, all eyes were on me. Glares from my brothers, indifference from my stepmother, and the faintest hint of curiosity from Celeste.

I smiled politely, bowing my head. “Good evening.”

Taking my seat at the far corner of the table, I avoided looking directly at anyone. The Alpha, Roman Wolfe, st at the head. flanked by his second and third–in–command,

On their sides sat their respective families, with Celeste perched next to Lethia, and the twins, her curls bouncing as she whispered to Ana.

Opposite them were Jaxon, Jason, Sebastian, and my brothers–iden, Ash, and August.

Eighteen chairs lined the table in total, but two were left empty a mark of respect for the deceased Luna and Armani Alpha’s

mate.

I tuned into the conversation just as Rorhan’s voice cut through the murmurs.

“The Steele Alpha has agreed to the alliance.” he announced, his tone measured. “Drogo, I have decided that your daughter will be the perfect candidate.”