Zara

After that, my family stayed by my side, helping me recover. Dad didn’t mention my pregnancy, and the topic never came up in front of him, but I knew he’d explode with indignation sooner or later.

But he made sure to let me know he hated Alpha, so I didn’t let Alpha visit me again. Chan and Miranda came to visit, bringing flowers and fruit.

"Everyone in the office is thinking about you, Zara," Chan said, hugging me, and Miranda placed the flowers in a vase and nodded.

"Yes, we miss you, girl. We can’t wait for you to come back." Miranda came over and gently stroked my hand.

The bandages were removed from my face, leaving only the scars. I could only hope this wouldn’t disgust everyone around me.

"Thanks, guys, but I don’t think I’m going back there. I’m going back to my family’s house."

They exchanged sad glances.

"We understand, we never thought Marcus would turn out to be such a disgraceful man," Chan said, shaking his head.

"Yes, Mr. Kane made an official statement and announced that we had severed all ties with him, and his actions have only disgraced him and the company," Miranda added, handing me a bowl of strawberries to munch on.

"I hope he gets caught and held accountable for his actions," I said simply, not feeling the slightest desire to talk about the man who had left me so many scars for life. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

I took the strawberry and began to eat it.

They chatted for a while longer. Chan, as usual, told his jokes, wrapped in gossip, and Miranda played along, making me laugh and lifting my spirits.

After they left, the door opened again, and this time Govinda walked in carrying a bouquet of red roses.

"Hello!" he said shyly, his cheeks flushing the same color as the flowers in his hand.

"Hello! Govinda, it’s good to see you." He slowly approached and handed me the bouquet.

"How are you? Sorry it took so long. But Holly said she’d take a couple of days off so I could come."

Holy had talked to me on the phone many times, but because of work, she couldn’t come. We’d be back soon and see her again. I hoped the bruises would have healed by then. I didn’t want Holly to see me like this.

"Thank you! Govinda, I look great as always..." I brought the bouquet closer to my nose and inhaled deeply. The scent was invigorating.

He smiled at my words, small dimples appearing in his cheeks. He sat down in the chair next to me and made himself comfortable. His gaze flickered to my head, but Sophia had been kind enough to bring me a woolen hat so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed when meeting others.

My self-esteem had taken a hit, but I was recovering.

"I’m sorry I shared information about Alpha with the others. I never would have, but the situation required it," he said, crossing his arms, and I smiled slowly at him.

"I shouldn’t have burdened you with such a secret. But it’s okay; he told me everything."

He shifted uncomfortably. "He’s the Alpha King of the largest Sterling Empire now. No wonder he looked at me like he wanted to see me burn alive when I walked into your room with the flowers."

I had to close my eyes and bite my lower lip. Jealousy and possessiveness had always been strong traits in Kane’s character, and now he was displaying them so openly.

I could only imagine how the waiting room hadn’t yet turned into a fighting arena. Both Dad and Kane refused to leave or talk.

Like two jilted exes, they remained there, avoiding each other, but not quite.

"He has no rights over me, so relax," I replied, but my own words stung; my heart felt that ringing pain deep within.

"So, it didn’t work out?" He tried to ask casually, but I knew he was trying to probe me.

I stroked the velvety flowers; my hands felt them now, though my wrists were still badly bruised.

"I don’t know, Govinda... I’ve never been so indecisive. I guess time will tell." I stole a glance at him and realized I shouldn’t discuss this with him.

"So much has happened between us, so much shared history. But I’ll figure it all out."

He nodded knowingly. Anyone else would have fallen in love with someone like him. But sometimes I felt like I was crazy for not being able to fall in love with a decent guy.

Alpha’s dark side drew me. Even with all his flaws, my heart still beat faster at the mere mention of his name. No matter how much I denied it, no matter how much I lied to myself, I could never forget him.

Interrupting my thoughts, another figure walked through the door.

Loudly and shamelessly.

"Zara! What a sweet, sweet girl you are!" Brandon rushed forward, carrying a huge teddy bear, flowers, chocolates, and everything else—as if he’d wandered haphazardly into a Valentine’s Day store before rushing here.

Govinda quickly stood up, seeing the whirlwind of gifts and the hubbub of conversation.

Brandon effortlessly shoved half the things into Govinda’s unextended hands... and hit him in the stomach with a huge teddy bear.

"Be a sweetheart and hold them, will you?" he said casually, and poor Govinda nodded quickly. I watched this utter madness until Brandon finally came over and leaned over to hug me.

"How are you? I was so worried." he placed a bouquet of blue roses right above Govinda’s, and I knew all too well it wasn’t from him.

"Not so bad. How about you?"

Brandon pulled out a chair, Govinda had just stood up, and plopped down on it as if he’d just run a marathon. His expensive fur coat clung tightly to his tall, slender frame.

"I’m so glad to see you, Zara. We were so worried." He blinked innocently, and my gaze shifted to poor Govinda...