Page 124 of Ruthless God

I laugh. A sharp, humorless sound. “That’s not your choice to make.”

“It is when knowing could get you killed.”

I don’t flinch. I won’t.

“Newsflash, Claudius. Gabriel already found me. He already got into this house, into your bed, into your damn security system. And you still think keeping me in the dark is going to keep me safe?”

His breathing is even, controlled, but I see the cracks. The way his fingers twitch. The way his lips press into a thin, hard line. I step closer, refusing to let him escape behind whatever cold, detached armor he’s trying to pull back up.

“I deserve to know who he really is. Who you both really are. And why you’re so afraid of him.”

Claudius exhales sharply, his hands dragging through his hair.

For the first time since I’ve known him, he looks uncertain. Like he’s debating whether to tell me the truth… or keep lying to protect me.

“Please, just tell me.”

“No.”

“Claudius—”

“I said no.” He takes a step from me. “Perhaps you should move your things back in to your old room.”

His words settle over me like cold ice.

“No.”

His eyebrow lifts. “No?”

“No. Do you want to know why?” I don’t give him a chance to respond. “I’m not moving back to my old room because that’s not what people in a relationship do!”

“Funny. I wasn’t aware that we were in a relationship.” He moves closer. “In fact, I didn’t think of you once when I left yesterday.”

His words hit like a slap. Cold. Calculated. Designed to cut deep. But I don’t let him see it. Instead, I lift my chin, refusing to give him the reaction he wants.

“I’m not going to engage with you when you’re being like this.”

His eyes flash, but I don’t give him a chance to speak. I push past him, heading straight for the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind me.

Let him have his little fit.

Let him push me away.

It doesn’t matter.

Because I meant what I said. I’m not going anywhere. And whether or not he likes it, neither is this.

By the time I step out of the bathroom, he’s gone. No note. No lingering presence or even the scent of his cologne. Just empty space where he used to be.

I refuse to let it bother me.

Instead, I move to my closet, sifting through the clothes Claudius bought me. What does one even wear to meet the father who abandoned them? I’m not dressing up for him. But I don’t want to look like a mess, either. Finally, I settle on a flared black skirt and a deep purple top. Flattering, but comfortable.

And most importantly? It hides the slight curve of my belly. I hesitate. Then, before I can stop myself, my hand presses lightly over my stomach. A part of me is still trying to process the reality of it. This tiny life inside me. Something that’s mine. Something that’s already changing everything.

I exhale, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m going to have to figure out what to do about you.”

The words hang in the air. I can’t keep you a secret forever. And I shouldn’t. I know that. But it’s not safe. And the thought claws at me, sharp and unforgiving. I haven’t been to a doctor yet. What kind of mother does that make me?

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