Chapter_43
Chapter 43
“What? Got nothing to say for yourself?” Alana sneered. “Emmeline, you’re exactly the same easy woman I remember.”
“She didn’t hit on me.” A voice, sharp and commanding, interrupted from behind. An imposing figure stepped into the room.
The atmosphere in the café immediately shifted. The onlookers fell silent, holding their breath.
Rumors swirled around Abel—he was said to be ruthless, cold-hearted, and not someone to mess with. His sudden appearance only intensified the tension.
“Abel!” Alana, momentarily stunned, quickly recovered and clung to him. “You’ve got to stand up for me. Everyone saw what happened! She has Adrien’s children, yet she’s living with you. Isn’t she trying to get into your bed?”
“Abel?” Adrien’s voice was laced with disbelief as he furrowed his brows. “I can’t believe you really live here. What are you up to?”
“What am I up to?” Abel scoffed, unfazed. “I’m single, and so is Ms. Louise. I don’t see how living together is against the law.”
“Abel!”
Emmeline’s heart sank. Things were complicated enough without Abel’s comment making it worse.
“I’m only renting a room to her,” Abel added, his tone cool, though his words made everything even more confusing. “There’s nothing going on between us.”
“Well, it doesn’t stop me from pursuing you.” Abel moved closer and, without warning, put his arm around Emmeline’s shoulder. “From now on, I’m declaring that you’re my girlfriend. No one has the right to question my decision to be with you.”
Emmeline froze. What was he doing? This was not the way to get her out of this mess.
She tried to push Abel away, but it felt like trying to move a mountain. Abel held her tighter, locking her in place.
Adrien wasn’t having it. His face twisted with frustration. “What’s the meaning of this, Abel? Are you trying to steal my woman?”
“Emmeline is not your woman!” Abel sneered, then turned to her. “Are you?”
“I’m not!” Emmeline blurted out, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.
“But she carried my children!” Adrien shouted, his face contorted with anger.
“That was a mistake,” Abel replied coolly. “You hurt her. Count yourself lucky she didn’t sue you for assault and take you to court.”
Adrien was silenced. It was true—he had done terrible things under the influence of alcohol, and innocent girls had paid the price. Emmeline was one of them.
“But what about me?” Alana’s voice cracked, her eyes welling with tears. She reached out to Abel, her voice filled with sorrow. “Where do I fit into your plans, Abel?”
“It was never my intention to marry you,” Abel said bluntly. “As for Timothy, I’ll figure something else out to make it up to you.”
“But what about now?” Alana pressed, her hand resting over her belly. “Why did you get me pregnant if you had no intention of marrying me?”
Pregnant? Abel’s mind went into overdrive. He had to think back…
That night at the Ryker Mansion, when Alana had stayed over. He clearly remembered stopping just in time, taking a cold shower, and leaving the room afterward. He had never touched her.
Yet now she was claiming to be pregnant with his child?
Abel let out a short laugh, his voice cold. “Is that so?”
Alana beamed with triumph. If Abel thought she was carrying his child, it would put her in a stronger position.
On the other hand, Emmeline was in shock. Abel had just declared his feelings for her, and now Alana was announcing she was pregnant. The contradiction made her stomach churn.
Abel had said one thing and now seemed to be doing another. How could she trust him?
Feeling sick, Emmeline shoved Abel away.
“Abel!” Alana cooed, pressing herself against him. “You were amazing the other night. It only took once to put a bun in the oven.”
Abel recoiled, shaking her off in disgust. “Are you sure you were with me?” He sneered. “You’re playing with fire, Alana. Do you think you can fool me?”
He was calm on the surface, but inwardly, a storm was brewing. I can overlook the last time for Timothy’s sake, but don’t think you can trap me with someone else’s child. You’ve pushed your luck too far.
“What do you mean, Abel?” Alana demanded, shock written all over her face. “Did you forget the night Timothy was kidnapped?”
Abel’s gaze turned cold. “Last chance,” he said, his voice flat. “How do you plan on dealing with this child?”
“I’m keeping it,” Alana blurted, flustered. “I wouldn’t abort your child, Abel.”
Abel’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “But I never touched you that night, so what are you talking about? How did you end up with my child?”
