Chapter 14%
“Katherine, you have another visitor.”
I sighed, already knowing who it was before I even looked up from the book I was pretending to read.”
“Let me guess,” I muttered, closing the pages, “Jeron?“}
Sister Beatrice hesitated before nodding. “He’s been waiting outside for a while now. Would you like me to send him away?”
I wanted to say yes. I wanted to tell her that I didn’t want to see him, that I was tired of his persistence. But the truth was–I didn’t know what I wanted anymore.
So instead, I simply said, “I’ll stay here.“}
Jeron had been relentless these past few days. Texts. Calls. Flowers. Gifts. Visits. Every single day. I told him not to do these things because I know that if he continued, then I wouldn’t be able to control myself.
I love him. That was it–no one could take away that. He hurt me–well, it wasn’t true. I knew deep down it wasn’t true but it was hard for me to just accept it right now. My mind was telling me not to trust him because I didn’t want to get hurt.”
I just wanted to know the truth–for Sasha to confess because Jeron could manipulate things. I know I should trust him but I learned to love myself now before anyone else.
I hadn’t even told him about the baby. I didn’t see the point–not yet. Not until I knew for certain that he was telling the truth. I didn’t want this baby to be used to his advantage, for him to force me to come back to him.
His investigation on Sasha was still ongoing. She had gone into hiding–rumors suggested she had left the country, but nothing was confirmed.
And until she was found, I wouldn’t make any decisions. Not about Jeron. Not about us. Not about this child growing inside of me.§
So, I continued living my days at the orphanage in peace, keeping my distance from the chaos outside.}
And then, one afternoon, while playing with the children, my fate changed again.
“Miss Katherine!” One of the little boys ran toward me, holding a small box. “A nice lady gave me this and I think we will like it! It’s a special treat just for you because you are sad. It should be mine but we can just share!“}
I took the box with a small smile, not thinking much of it. The orphanage often received gifts and donations. The kids cheered as I opened the package–a neatly wrapped slice of chocolate cake.
It was one of my favorites. I didn’t even hesitate before taking a bite. But the moment the taste hit my tongue–I knew something was
wrong.
“No- don’t take it…” I warned the kids. A sharp bitterness spread through my mouth, a strange burning sensation following as it traveled down my throat.”
“Don’t…” I threw it away as my stomach twisted in agony.
And then- I started vomiting before I collapsed.}
I woke up to beeping machines and the sterile scent of antiseptic. I groaned, my body weak, my head pounding.”
Someone squeezed my hand.
“You’re awake.“}
I turned my head and saw Jeron sitting beside me, his eyes dark with worry.”
For a second, I almost forgot why I was mad at him. Then, it all came crashing back.
I tried to sit up, but Jeron gently pushed me down. “Don’t move too much,” he said. “You were poisoned.“}
My blood ran cold.
“W–what?” My voice was hoarse.>
Jeron’s jaw clenched. “The cake you ate–it was laced with poison.“}
I tried to process his words.
“It was meant to kill you,” he continued, voice tight. “They used the kids for you to eat it. Thankfully, none of the kids had eaten it.“}
I sighed in relief. Luckily, I had only eaten a few–and was able to taste it before the kids. It would be much more painful if they were the one who had eaten it but wait–A sharp panic gripped my chest.
The baby. I placed a trembling hand on my stomach, fear surging through me.
Jeron caught the movement immediately.”
His expression softened. “The doctors managed to save the baby. But they said your pregnancy will be delicate from now on. You need to be careful, Katherine.”
Relief flooded my body so fast that I nearly sobbed.}
My baby was safe.
“You didn’t tell me,” he whispered, feeling sad.
“I didn’t want to tell it yet, Jeron. You know why.”
“I understand, but I’m really glad about it… our baby.”@
I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. And then, another realization struck me.
Sasha.
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12:05 PM
“It was her,” I whispered. “It had to be Sasha.”
Jeron’s expression turned deadly serious. “I think so too. But she’s still in hiding. My men are searching for her-“B
“Not fast enough,” I snapped, my voice stronger now. “She’s trying to kill me, Jeron. And if she’s desperate enough to do this, she won’t stop. Not until one of us is dead.“}
Jeron’s eyes darkened. “Then we make sure she goes first.”
Jeron left me for a while to talk to the doctor. While waiting, my phone rang.}
I frowned. My new number was private. Only a few people had access to it. I hesitated before answering but felt like it was important…”
And then-
A voice I never expected to hear again. How did he learn my number?}
“Hello, Katherine.“}
Keith. A chill shot through my spine.M
I froze, my grip tightening around the phone.
I was about to hang up when he said something that stopped me cold.
“I know where Sasha is.“>
12:05 PM
“You’re lying.”
