Chapter 36
Reyna Cruz:
I didn’t want to share the same car as Hunter because he was furious. However, I hoped our driver would trail behind his car so that if he reconsidered, I could dissuade him from going back. But Hunter had different intentions.
“Get in the car,” he bellowed, holding the passenger side door ajar. His eyes indicated that refusal wasn’t an option, but I still wanted to test it out, aiming to avoid proximity in that tense moment.
“Samuel lent me his car-, I began, but Hunter grunted, cutting me off.
“Do you want to cause a delay?” he hissed, emphasizing that I was the one causing the holdup. Quickly, I shook my head and slid into his car. The door slammed shut so forcefully that it startled me. I knew I was up for a heated argument even in a situation like this.
He took the driver’s seat and headed straight to the hospital. I sat in silence, fervently hoping everything was okay there. I had rushed out of the hospital so hastily that I forgot to bring my phone. Asking him for his phone felt like picking another fight.
“I can’t believe you did this to me,” he muttered so softly that his words were barely audible until I focused intently. When I grasped what he was saying. I turned my face to the window, staring outside.
“How could you keep it from me?” He likely anticipated a response after his initial comment. When I didn’t react, he raised his voice, making it clear he was addressing me and expecting a reply.
I remained silent. I knew that speaking up would only escalate the situation. I didn’t want to risk upsetting him further.
“I’m bloody well asking you something!” he screamed, and I flinched, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.
“I already told you that Turner was your child. You didn’t believe me,” I said in a soft but resolute tone, refusing to sound defeated.
“And you insisted on waiting for the DNA test for a few months. But then you changed your mind and said you had a miscarriage. So, why did you lie?” he continued to yell, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
“Because you got engaged to Tara, remember?” I turned to face him, noting a slight gulp in his throat. He couldn’t deny that he moved on remarkably quickly.
“You expected me to stick around even after that? My lips quivered as memories of that difficult night flooded back. That night was a struggle, and I couldn’t help but wonder why he abruptly ruined everything.
“If you had proven your innocence, I would have called off the engagement,” he asserted. The audacity of making it all about himself was astonishing,
“Really? What made you think I’d accept you after you got engaged to my ex–friend?” I laughed at his words. Did he genuinely believe I was desperate for his acceptance again?
“Huh! I was betrayed and angry. I did whatever I thought was right to make you feel the same pain I felt. Cut me some slack,” he hissed, but his justification wasn’t satisfactory. Betrayal is betrayal, whether fueled by anger or jealousy.
“Huh? Causing pain to your pregnant máte? You didn’t even entertain the possibility that the baby might be yours,” I recalled: how composed he appeared upon learning about the loss of the baby.
“I was damn fucking angry. I had evidence of your cheating in front of me,” he yelled again.
“Well, I suppose then we were destined to part ways. It’s not like you would have believed in my innocence after the DNA
179
Chapter 36
test results. You made it clear you still thought I cheated on you,” I muttered, catching him off guard as he reconsidered his past statements.
The remainder of the journey was marked by silence. I wasn’t emotionally prepared for these discussions, especially with my son’s life hanging in the balance.
Upon our arrival, Polline picked us up from the main gate. She must have come out to ensure we had arrived, and seeing Hunter made her release a sigh of relief. Gently, she pressed her hand against my back, understanding the ordeal I had likely gone through to bring him here.
Hunter, eager to meet the doctor waiting for him, hurriedly proceeded. “Your highness,” Ram gasped, then promptly bowed. his head in deference to the alpha king. The rogues respected the rogue king, but they wouldn’t dare show any less respect to the alpha king. After all, he was the one funding most activities in the rogue community, including the construction of this new hospital.
“Turner needs the blood of his father. We first need to run some tests, Ram explained, prompting Hunter to glare at me. Polline and I took our seats while Samuel and Hunter dealt with the necessary arrangements.
“I can only imagine what you must have gone through.” Polline patted my back, resting her head on my shoulder to share her warmth.
“It was so weird calling him the father of my child. Life is so strange, Polline. I was so confident that I could hide this secret forever,” I chuckled at my own naivety, realizing I couldn’t do anything without the interference of the Moon goddess.
“How did that snake react to it?” Polline inquired, raising her head and gently running her fingers through my hair, displaying a motherly touch.
Just as expected. She made it all about me wanting to steal Hunter from her. But it’s not her reaction that stunned me, I sighed, recalling Mrs. Sparrow.
“Hunter’s mother showed so much concern for Turner even before I told them that he was their blood, I noted, finding it odd.
“Hmm, maybe she liked Turner. He mentioned comforting a lady he met. I bet she found a liking for him. Who wouldn’t? He’s such a nice kid,” Polline spoke positively about him, lifting my spirits.
“His father! He didn’t think like that. He thinks Turner is a spoiled brat,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
“Forget about it- Polline was in the process of comforting me when Hunter interjected. I hadn’t even realized he was listening-
“Because you failed to teach my son any manners,” he hissed, leaning against the wall, causing me to close my eyes and groan in frustration.
“Hey! She was a single mother doing her best in a rogue community. Why don’t you shut up and not make it seem like you. cared anyway? To my surprise, his friend stepped in. I turned to Samuel, smiling weakly.
“Dude, you don’t know anything,” Hunter gestured at him to stay out of it, but Samuel shook his head to dismiss him.
“I know enough. Instead of giving her credit for an amazing upbringing of the child in a community where teenage girls get caten alive, you’re accusing her? What were you doing all this time? How could you not have felt any connection to him?” Samuel spoke the truth. Even Hunter seemed angry but speechless.
He was accustomed to silencing me, but since his own friend was now supporting my side, Hunter refrained from arguing back. Additionally, the doctor had returned with the test results.
“It’s a perfect match, the doctor announced, intending to proceed with the procedure. Hunter, however, seemed to freeze for a moment. I suppose, no matter how many times he hears the news, it still shocks him.
