Chapter 8 WHO IS DRAKE ? ( Demilia’s POV)
“He said the deal Drake made with him wasn’t just about debt. That ‘the night Drake sold me’ was more complicated.”
Lena’s brows shot up. “Then what did Ethan have to do with that night?”
“I don’t know, and that's bothering me. He didn’t finish. Someone called his name from behind us.”
Lena’s eyes widened. “So Ethan knows more than he told you?”
“Yes.”
“And he stopped himself from talking.”
“Yes.”
A beat of silence passed, making us all go deep in thought.
Then Lena said slowly, “Demilia… what if Ethan was there that night?”
My heart dropped the moment she said that, as I couldn't think he could be in such place. He might be everything, buying me from my brother to pay off his debt, but I don't think he could stoop so low to visiting such clubs and taking advantage of vulnerable girls
“No,” I whispered. “No, that’s...that’s impossible.”
“Is it?”
“He didn’t act like he recognized anything.”
“Ethan hides everything,” she reminded me. “From his emotions, his secrets, his ugly scars. For God’s sake, the man probably hides the fact that he breathes.”
I shook my head. “He would have told me if he was...”
“Demilia,” she cut in gently, “your husband can barely tell you when he’s hungry.”
I sighed, shoulders tense. “I just… I don’t want to imagine that possibility.”
“But you have to,” she said. “Think about it. Drake owed Ethan. Ethan is a monster in business., and Drake is stupid. Put those things together...”
“No,” I whispered again, but this time it sounded weaker.
Lena rubbed my arm. “Demilia… I need you to tell me something honestly.”
“What?”
“Are you scared that Ethan might be the father?”
My eyes snapped to hers, wondering if that will be possible.
The air around us froze, including my breathing paused.
“Lena…” I whispered.
“That wasn’t a no.”
I looked away, I didn’t want to say it aloud. I didn’t even want to even think it.
But she whispered, “Do you remember anything… any scent, any sound, anything from the man that night?”
My throat tightened as I tried to figure that out.
“There was…” I swallowed, “…a whisper.”
“What whisper was that?”
“He said…” I hesitated, “…‘Look at me.’”
Lena blinked, his eyes glowing with something, but unreadable.
“Oh no.”
“What?” I asked nervously.
“Demilia… Ethan says that every time he’s angry at you.”
“That doesn’t mean...”
“And every time you avoid his eyes.”
“That’s not...”
“And every time you argue with him.”
I clenched my fists. “No. I won’t accept that. There's no way that is going to be true ”
Lena didn’t argue further. She just stared at me with a sadness that scared me more than her earlier panic.
“Okay,” she finally said. “Let’s put that thought aside for now.”
I nodded, even though it didn’t leave my mind. Not even a little.
“We need a plan,” Lena declared. “First...hide the pregnancy from Ethan.”
“He’ll definitely notice soon.”
“Then we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Second...find out what happened that night. Third...figure out what Adrian wants. Because that man does not pop into someone’s life without a motive.”
I remembered the way Adrian’s eyes lingered on me. Like he knew something that I have been searching for. Maybe answers to questions, and with evidences.
“What if the key he gave me…” I whispered.
“Yes?” Lena asked.
“What if it unlocks something about that night?” Lena lifted a brow. “Then open it.”
“I can’t. Ethan is already suspicious.”
“Then do it when he’s not watching.”
“He watches everything,” I muttered. “Even my breath, he's also in charge.”
“Then breathe quietly, let him not notice your presence.” I glared hard at her...and she smiled.
“Better,” she said. “You’re starting to look alive again.” I exhaled shakily. “I hate this, as it wasn't what I bargained for. All of it.”
“I know.”
“I hate Drake so much.”
“That's a good start. We’ll hate him together.”
“I hate Adrian for dragging me into this.”
“He has always been a walking mystery box.”
“And I hate Ethan.”
“No, you don’t.”
I stiffened. “…What do you mean?”
Lena tilted her head. “When you talk about Ethan, your voice shakes like you want to punch him and kiss him at the same time.”
“I do not.”
“You do, my darling.”
“I really don’t.”
“Demilia.” She touched my arm. “The way you say his name alone could power a whole city.”
I swallowed hard, looking down at my fingers.“It’s really complicated,” I whispered.
“Of course it is. You’re married to a man who would raze an entire continent if someone touched your hair.”
“I don’t want that.”
“Yes, you do.” I didn’t argue again, as having strength to do that with her was far from me. Because deep down… she was right. I hated Ethan, I feared him, and I resented him.
But a small, twisted part of me still yearned for something...something dangerous, something forbidden, something that felt like drowning and breathing at the same time.
Lena stood. “Okay, I have to ask you another question.”
“What now?”
“Do you want to keep the baby?” there was a huge silence, though very painful, heavy, suffocating silence.
Finally, I whispered: “I don’t know. I just know that it’s mine. And… I can’t be the one to destroy something innocent.”
Lena pulled me into a hug. “Then we protect it.” I leaned into her, as she smelled like vanilla and safety.
After a moment, she pulled back. “You should rest. You look like someone who fought with a demon.”
“I did.”
“Ah.” She nodded. “Ethan.”
I sighed dramatically. “I don’t know what to do about him.”
“Start by not melting every time he touches you.”
I threw a pillow at her as she laughed.
“Okay, okay. I’m leaving now. But promise me something.”
“What?”
“If anything strange happens...anything at all...you tell me first. Not Drake. Not Adrian. And definitely not Mr. ‘Trust-is-for-people-who-haven’t-shed-blood.’ Me.”
I nodded. “I promise.”
She smiled and pressed her forehead gently against mine. “Good. Because something tells me… this is only the beginning of your nightmare.”
I paused as she said that.
“What do you mean?” Lena opened the door, her eyes were dark, serious and scared.
“The kind of pregnancy you’re carrying…” she whispered, “has the power to destroy every single person connected to that night...starting with you.”
My stomach dropped, my zeal to survive dropping to zero.
“What are you saying?” I asked breathlessly. But she didn’t answer me, and I knew she had no intention of doing that. She just stepped out…
And closed the door behind her.
