“You’re seriously delusional.” I shake my head in disbelief. “The moment your father finds out you got pregnant by another man, he’ll understand why I divorced your ass.” And hopefully let me leave without putting a bullet in my head.
Victoria scoffs with a smug grin. “Well, good luck proving it.”
I fucking will and won’t need luck, princess.
Once the doctor tells her to take it easy for a few days and sends us on our way, we finally make it back to her place with all the bags. She demands I unload them and set everything out on the dining room table. I do as she says to keep the peace, but my mind is still reeling from the information I just learned.
I know her family is religious, and she wouldn’t want to be pregnant out of wedlock, but I can’t figure out is why she didn’t just marry the real father instead of someone she barely knew. That part doesn’t quite add up, but if I know anything about Victoria, she does what will benefit her the most.
A paternity test would easily prove it, but it won’t be easy to get one done if she fights it. However, her being farther along means this pregnancy will be over a lot sooner and she won’t be able to hide her secret for long. Now that I know the truth, I have a little more weight in this deal.
Hours pass and when I don’t see or hear from Victoria, I assume she passed out for the night.
Thank God.
I make myself dinner, then head to my room to watch meaningless TV and try to keep my mind off Maddie, which of course never works.
Just as I’m dozing off, my phone beeps with a message.
Unknown number: It’s Tyler. I’m getting Maddie out of there and have the proof you need to get your freedom. I’ll call you as soon as I can. Gimme a few days. Until then, sit tight.
Chapter Seven
MADDIE
Ty’s still here.
Thank God.
It’s been two days since I overheard Eric tell Ty he’s leaving, and I’m scared like hell that his replacement is going to somehow be worse than Eric. Ty is my only saving grace while being stuck here.
Even after that happened, Ty never acted like anything was wrong. He helped me in the gym yesterday and this morning as if things weren’t about to change. I want to ask him about it, but I’m worried I’ll set him off or something since Victoria can hear us on the cameras.
What happens after he goes? Is he put on another mission? Fired? Killed?
I can’t even stomach the thought of Ty not being here because he gives me some hope that things will be okay. And he keeps me company since he’s the only one who doesn’t seem to want to murder me.
“Ty, I have a question,” I ask him as I finish my cool-down on the treadmill.
“What is it?”
“Do you think I could text my sisters today? Just give them a little ‘I’m alive’ update?”
His eyes finally meet mine, his lips in a firm line before he speaks, “That should be fine. I’ll need to supervise you, though.”
“Of course,” I say, knowing the rules. I’m just glad I’ll get to talk to them for a couple of minutes.
“Go clean up, and I’ll get Eric on board. Meet in the kitchen when you’re done. I’ll have your phone then.”
“Okay,” I say softly. “Thank you.”
He replies with a curt nod before walking away. Once I’m done stretching, I go to my bathroom and take a quick shower. I’m anxious as hell to communicate with them. I know they’re worried to death because ignoring their texts isn’t normal for me. They’re going to know something’s up even though I chatted with them when I arrived and told them I was fine.
“Here you go.” Ty hands me my phone as soon as I step into the kitchen. “I’ll read over your shoulder so you don’t have to hand it to me every time you send a message.”
I smile wide at his generosity, and I’m surprised Eric isn’t here to supervise. “Thanks!”
But my lips turn into a frown at the numerous missed calls and unread messages. Shit.
Sophie: I talked to Joel, and he says you’re missing classes?? You don’t ever skip dance rehearsal, even when you’re dying sick. What’s going on, Mads?
Great, she’s talking to Joel. No doubt he’s worried about me now, too. But she’s right. I love it too much to miss it.
Lennon: I know you’re in hiding, but let me know if I can do anything for you. I know a thing or two about unbearable heartache.
My throat goes dry as I think about what Lennon went through when she lost Brandon. She was a mess and luckily had Hunter to pick up the pieces, but who’s going to help them all when I’m gone for good?