Chapter 0044
There was clear sadness in my father’s eyes as he listened to me plead for my mother.
I knew it was breaking his heart that he couldn’t be there for her—to hold her, to comfort her.
He used to tell me stories about the first time he ever saw her, about how he had fallen in love instantly. He knew she was his fated mate before his wolf even told him. Their love had always been undeniable, something I had witnessed every day growing up.
Now, they were being torn apart.
He lifted his hands, showing me the heavy silver cuffs around his wrists. My stomach twisted at the sight of the raw, burned skin underneath. The silver was eating into his flesh, cutting him off from his wolf.
“I can’t feel your mother,” he said, his voice thick with pain. “Mates aren’t meant to be apart like this. Her wolf is in agony, and it’s dragging her down with it.” He exhaled shakily. “I wish there was something I could do, but there isn’t. Not while I’m in here.”
Tears burned my eyes.
“The only thing you can do,” he continued gently, “is be there for her. Remind her that you love her. That she still has you.”
I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat.
But I didn’t tell him the truth.
I didn’t tell him that every time I tried to talk to my mother, all she wanted to discuss was Ethan—how disrespectful I was to him, how I should be grateful. I didn’t tell him that my so-called fated mate was engaged to another woman. That Ethan wanted me to be his mistress. That in exchange for his help, I had to drop out of school and throw away my future.
The thought alone made bile rise in my throat.
My father was already suffering. I couldn’t add more weight to his shoulders.
“I love you, Dad,” I said instead, forcing a sad smile. “And I miss you every day.”
His expression softened. “I love you too, Judy.”
He reached toward me, his fingers barely brushing the table—
A guard cleared his throat. “No touching.”
My father sighed and leaned back in his chair, his eyes weary.
“How have you been? How’s school going?”
I hesitated.
I wanted to tell him. I wanted to tell someone about my new job, about everything Gavin was making me do. But I couldn’t—not with that contract hanging over my head.
Instead, I forced another smile. “School’s going great,” I lied. “I even got a tutoring job. It pays well. I’m saving up so I can get you out of here.”
His face fell slightly, and he let out a heavy sigh.
“Don’t waste your money on me, Judy,” he murmured. “Besides… I don’t think a tutoring job will be enough to pay the debt I owe.”
If only you knew how much I was really making…
But I couldn’t tell him. Because then he would ask why. And I couldn’t answer.
A guard suddenly stepped forward. “Time’s up.”
My father stood, wincing slightly. “Tell your mother I love her. Tell her I’ll see her soon.” His voice was heavy with regret. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.”
Tears spilled down my cheeks as I wiped them away with the back of my hand.
“I will,” I whispered. “Take care of yourself.”
He nodded, giving me one last, sad smile before the guard led him away.
A few moments later, another guard appeared to escort me to the entrance. I thanked him for allowing me to visit, but he barely even looked at me.
I sighed and stepped outside—
And froze.
A familiar figure stood at the bottom of the steps, leaning casually against a sleek pink Porsche 718 Boxster.
My stomach twisted.
I wasn’t an expert on cars, but even I knew this was the newest model. The custom license plate made it even more obvious.
IRENE.
Irene smirked as I descended the stairs. “Hey,” she said, nodding toward the car. “What do you think? Just picked it up from the dealership a couple of hours ago.”
“It’s beautiful,” I admitted.
And it was.
It was sleek, polished, and undoubtedly expensive. It screamed luxury, just like Irene herself.
I had no doubt in my mind that Gavin had bought it for her.
“What are you still doing here?” I asked, surprised she hadn’t left already.
She shrugged. “You have tutoring today, right?”
I nodded slowly.
“Let me give you a ride.” She motioned toward the car. “It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other better.”
I frowned.
The idea of getting closer to the woman my mate was about to marry made something sour settle in my stomach.
But I also knew there was no getting out of this.
Besides… an Uber would cost money. Money I couldn’t afford to waste.
I forced a small smile. “That would be nice. Thank you, Irene.”
She nodded, slipping into the driver’s seat.
I exhaled sharply before opening the passenger door and sliding in.
Even the seats had custom covers. Everything about this car screamed Irene.
And all I could think about was how much money Gavin must have spent to make sure she had it.
