It had been two weeks since I left the palace and settled down in the bakery with my parents and sister, Salie. Life had taken a drastic turn, and while I missed Rueben dearly, I knew that leaving was the right decision. The weight of tradition and duty had become too heavy to bear, and I needed time and space to sort through my emotions.But lately, something unusual has been happening to me. I had been feeling nauseous in the mornings, and my appetite had changed. The thought crossed my mind that I might be pregnant, but it seemed impossible. Rueben and I had never been intimate more than once, and I couldn't fathom how it could have happened quickly.The morning sickness persisted, and I couldn't shake off the worry that gnawed at the back of my mind. I confided in Salie. She listened attentively and offered her support."Naomi, it's possible that it's just a stomach bug or something you ate," Salie reassured me, her voice filled with concern. "But if you're really worried, maybe y
Jade pleaded with me to reconsider my decision, I could feel my resolve weakening. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the love and happiness I had shared with Reuben. But deep down, I knew that returning to the palace was not the right path for me or my child."Jade, please understand," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "I can't go back. I can't live a life that isn't true to myself. And I can't bear to grow up in a world of duty and tradition."Jade's eyes filled with tears, and he reached out to gently touch my arm. "Naomi, I can't force you to do anything you don't want to do. But please, consider the consequences of your decision. Reuben loves you, and he wants to be a part of your life."I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of my choices. "I understand, Jade. But for now, I need to do what I believe is best for myself and Please, respect my decision and don't come back."Jade's expression was filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. He nodded slowly, his tears g
I woke up in a cold, dark room, disoriented and unsure of where I was. The events of the past few hours came rushing back to me, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. Demetrius had captured me once again, and I was at his mercy.Before I could gather my thoughts, the sound of the door creaking open filled the room. Demetrius stepped in, his eyes filled with a sadistic gleam. My heart pounded in my chest as he approached me, his presence filling the room with a suffocating aura."Well, well, well," Demetrius sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Look who's finally awake. Did you miss me, Naomi?"I shrank back, trying to create as much distance between us as possible. "Demetrius, please, let me go. I beg you. There's nothing between us. I want to be free."Demetrius chuckled darkly, his voice laced with contempt. "Oh, Naomi, you always did know how to make me laugh. But you see, you're mine now. And I won't let you slip away again."Tears welled up in my eyes as I pleaded with him
The weight of Demetrius's words hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart raced, and a sense of dread settled in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't believe what I had just revealed to him in my moment of desperation. I had unknowingly given him a weapon to use against me and Reuben."You can't be serious," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You wouldn't stoop so low as to deceive the Queen and claim my child as your own."Demetrius's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, but I would, Naomi. I would do anything to secure my place on the throne. And what better way than to present the Queen with an heir, one that she believes is mine."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the extent of Demetrius's wickedness. He was willing to manipulate everyone, even his own mother, just to fulfill his lust for power."But the Queen will see through your lies," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "She knows the truth, and she will never accept you as the rightful King."D
I woke up groggily, my head pounding and my body feeling heavy. As I tried to sit up, I realized that I was still in my room, lying on the bed. Confusion washed over me as I tried to remember what had happened. The last thing I remembered was Demetrius coming into my room, and then everything went black.Fear gripped my heart as I looked around the room, searching for any sign of Demetrius. But he was nowhere to be found. Panic began to rise within me as I wondered what he had done while I was unconscious.I quickly noticed that my clothes were disheveled, and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks - Demetrius had taken photos of me while I was unconscious. My mind raced with horrifying possibilities of what he planned to do with those photos.Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt violated and powerless. I had hoped that Demetrius would release me, that he would see reason and let us go. But instead, he had taken advantage of my
I stepped out of the hospital, the blinding flashes of cameras and the cacophony of reporters' voices overwhelmed me. I braced myself for the questions, expecting inquiries about my well-being or messages of support. But as the reporters crowded around me, their questions took a different turn."Do you deny sleeping with Demetrius?" one reporter shouted, a malicious glint in their eyes. "And did you post those intimate photos online after leaving Reuben and the throne?"I froze, stunned by the accusatory tone of the question. The words hung in the air, poisoning the atmosphere around me. How could they even suggest such a thing? I had endured unimaginable pain and suffering at the hands of Demetrius, and now they were twisting the narrative, casting doubt on my character and integrity.My voice trembled as I tried to find the right words to respond. "I categorically deny any involvement with Demetrius," I managed to say, my voice shaky but resolute. "He was my tormentor, and I never
I stood there frozen in disbelief as the queen's words echoed in my ears. Pregnant with Rueben's child? How could she even suggest such a thing? I had slept with Rueben but we haven't confirmed if the child was his. The accusations were baseless and I refused to let her claim my child as a royal heir.Summoning all the courage I had left, I looked the queen straight in the eye. "Your Majesty, I assure you that I have not slept with only Rueben," I said firmly, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "I am carrying a child, but we haven't confirmed the paternity. It is not a royal child. It is mine, and I will protect it with everything I have."The queen's smirk turned into a scowl, her eyes filled with anger. "You expect me to believe your lies?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "You think you can deceive us all and walk away with our legacy?"I took a step back, feeling the weight of her words crashing down on me. The queen's accusations were unfounded but I knew that
As I stood outside the airport, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision, Salie pleaded with me to have a change of heart. Tears welled up in her eyes as she grasped my hand tightly, her voice filled with desperation."Naomi, please reconsider," Salie begged, her voice trembling. "I understand that you're scared, but leaving everything behind is a drastic step. You don't have to face this alone. We can find a way to protect you and the baby here."I looked into Salie's eyes, seeing the genuine concern and love she had for me. Her words tugged at my heart, but I knew deep down that staying would only bring more danger and uncertainty. The queen's power and influence were too great, and I couldn't risk the safety of my child."I appreciate your concern, Salie," I replied, my voice filled with sadness. "But I can't take that risk. The queen will stop at nothing to control our lives. I have to do what's best for my child, even if it means leaving everything behind."Salie's grip on m