Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Elena’s POV:

He didn’t come over

Even though I could feel his gaze like a brand against my skin–burning, crawling under the fabric of my hoodie, prying into my sand—he didn’t approach the car instead, after a moment that felt like it stretched too long, he turned away

Nikolai gave the chi one final look, and then slipped into the back of his black, the door shutting with a muted thur.

I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until I saw his convoy drive off, tres crunching against the asphalt. The tension that had but up in my chest didn’t release though,

Malakai exhaled beside me, his hand still on the steering wheel, lingers s drumming lightly. “Alright. Alright. Don’t worry. I get it.”

His tone was calm, easy even–but there was something behind the words that made my skin itch.

I glanced sideways at him, uncertain. Did he really get it? Or was he just saying that to pacify me? He didn’t posh, and for that I was grateful, but something about the way his eyes lingered on me made it clear, he didn’t buy my explanation. Not completely

And somehow, that made me even more irritated,

Ughh.

The rest of the ride passed in a quiet blur of traffic lights and shifting shadows. I leaned my head against the cool glass window, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my sleeve. The ache in my abdomen pulsed steadily, a low, throbbing reminder of everything I was trying not to think about.

Eventually, we pulled up in front of my house.

“I really appreciate this, I said softly, pulling the strap of my rucksack over my shoulder. “Thanks for driving me. Really.”

Malakai glanced at me and smiled. “It’s no problem. You don’t look like you should be commuting alone right now.”

I gave him a weak smile and unlocked my phone. “Here. I’ll add you on WhatsApp. Just… if you ever need anything, feel free to reach out, alright?”

His brow lifted in mild amusement. “You sure? I might take you up on that offer.”

“Totally” I mean, he really did help me a lot today.

A few taps later, his contact was saved: I moved to get out, but paused. “Oh–and tell Seraphina I’m sorry I missed her, I’d be happy to meet up later. She can call me whenever she’s free.”

Malaksi nodded, “Don’t worry, I’m sure she won’t mind. I’ll give her your number. You two can connect.”

We exchanged a few more polite words–nothing too deep, just surface level niceties–and then he rolled up the window, offering a casual wave as his

car pulled away.

I stood there a moment longer than necessary, staring at the retreating taillights until they disappeared around the corner

Then I turned toward the building and made my way up the steps. My legs felt heavier with each one I climbed. The ache in my pelvis flared again, sharp and biting this time, and I winced, pressing a pain against my lower abdomen.

Inside, the moment the door creaked open, I heard her voice.

“Elena?”

The sound of my mother’s voice sliced through the house like a blade.

1/4

Chapter 29

She was in the living room, her tone sharp and filled with something I couldn’t quite place imitation? Concern? Maybe both?

throwned and quickened my steps despite the pain.

“I’m here,” I called back, tossing my bag onto the bench by the entrance

When I stepped into the living rooms, Fraze.

She was standing, arms crossed over her chest, eyes scanning me with laser precision. She looked me up and down like I’d grown another head.

“What happened?” Lasked, trying to sound casual

“Where were you?” she shot back immediately. “Wend who was that dropping you oft

Her tone wasn’t just stern–it was cold. Suspicious,

I hesitated. My fingers cubed around the hem of my hoodie, Was she looking out through the window?

“Mom….. he was just a friend,”

The words came out rushed, and even to my own ears, they sounded weak. Half–baked. But what else could I say? Telling her the full truth felt… impossible.

She raised one elegant brow. “Another older rich guy?”

The accusation was sharp, laced with unspoken implications. I blinked at her. The words hit me with a dull thud, and for a moment, I just stood there- dumbfounded.

Then realization crept in like a cold tide, and my chest tightened.

“No–God, no. Mom“I sighed, running a hand down my face. “His name is Malakai. I was meeting with him because his sister–Seraphina wanted to

meet me”

Her expression didn’t solen.

“Seraphina,” Temphasized again, my tone firmer now. “As in Seraphina Legacy. Matakai Legacy is her brother”

That made her pause. Her brow furrowed slightly, lips pressing together. I could see her running the name through her mental files. But then-

“You met with Nikolai?” she asked.

Her voice was calm, but the accusation underneath it nearly made me finch

She hadn’t even registered the Seraphina part.

My heart stuttered.

Yeah, Mom. I met with him. Right after finding out I’m pregnant. Right after my life fell apart again.

“But I couldn’t say that

Should I be? Should I keep this from her too?

Was about to repeat the same cycle of silence, and secrets all over again?

“I didn’t meet him, okay?” I said quickly, cutting her off before the disappointment in her face became too much to bear. “I was going to meet Seraphina only. Even her brother was supposed to leave, but she got held up. So we had coffee, and he dropped me off because I was…”

Thesitated.

2/4

lesling sick.

She straightened instantly, “you were sick?” Her gaze snapped down my body again, this time not with suspicion, but concert –

that I see it you do look pale

Texhaled hard and threw my arms out. “Exactly. Do you think I’d wear this “I gestured to my hoodie and flared jeans,” I were going on a da some older rich guy?”

My tone was laced with sarcasın, but Mom didn’t laugh.

• Her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Winght,” she said slowly. “I was wrong. How are you feeling now?”

Ishrugged. “Just peachy, Mom. Heel wonderful?

I turned to leave, but her voice rang out behind me, sharp,

“Llena,

I paused at the base of the stairs

“I’m alright, okay?” I said without tu round. “Don’t worry, I didn’t eat breakfast, that’s all. I got dizzy. Now’t need to go study. Exams start

tomorrow.

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