NovelOnlineChapter 18 Chapter 18 Brooklyn I am the last to arrive.
"Brooklyn," Jolie gasps, and my head snaps directly to look at her. She's seated on a plush couch, her clothing torn and her face smeared with makeup.
At least whatever damage Davis did to her wasn't permanent and she was able to heal quickly.
I take a few steps towards her but Aden, standing by the fireplace, clears his throat. I hold myself back, knowing I have a part to play.
I look between Jolie and my dad, who is seated next to her.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Brooklyn," my dad gasps, taking in my gorgeous dress, my polished countenance. "Are you..." "I'm fine," I say, setting my shoulders back.
"Please," my father says, turning his attention to Aden. "Let them go. Take me. I'll take whatever punishment "No," Aden cuts in, not even looking at him, just staring at me. His green eyes slice into me, his wolf flashing with an emotion I can't place. "You're worthless to me." "Stephen," I say, internally cringing at hearing myself use my father's given name. "I can't forgive you for your betrayal." His mouth falls open.
Jolie, next to him, is baffled. "Brooklyn, what are you talking about?" I turn my attention to her. "Didn't you hear? Dad's been keepingaway from my real life. I'm the daughter of an Alpha, a mafia boss, someone who can giveeverything I deserve. While we've been scraping by, I could have had yachts, private planes, diamonds. Everything a girl wants." Everything inscreams to tell them the truth, to stop with these lies, but Aden's gaze sits heavy on my shoulders. This is the only way I can save them. Aden Kenwood is too powerful -if I cross him, there will be hell to pay. I know it in my bones, and Lena affirms it.
I can only hope my lies convince them.
Jolie's mouth falls open in shock and disgust.
"Please, Brooklyn," my dad says, devastated. "We can call the police! Kiddo...don't give in." My heart breaks, but I paint a sneer on my face.
"I just want to go back to my real family. What's it going to take to leavealone? Fifty grand? A hundred? Whatever you want, I'm sure it can be arranged." I suddenly realize that Hudson madea similar offer only a few days ago. I know exactly the disgust that my dad and Jolie must feel.
Jolie shakes her head at me. "No, this isn't you, baby B." I turn on her and say the cruelest thing I can think of. "Why would I want to go back to living in that shack with you, a stripper and a deadbeat, when I could haveall this raise my arms to indicate everything that Aden's house represents.
Then, the nail in the coffin, I slowly cross the room and stand next to Aden. "By the way, have you met my father-in-law?" My family's faces go pale.
"Aden is my boyfriend's father. Did I forget to mention that Hudson and I are engaged to be mated?" Aden, emotionless, puts an arm around my shoulders, claimingas part of his family now. "We're finished here," he says.
My dad and sister stand up. Hesitant, Dad takes a few steps towards me.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNo one stops him, so he takes my face in his hands and then pullsclose in a hug that brings tears to my eyes that I struggle to hold back, Must. Keep. Up. The. Lie.
"You're my daughter," he whispers in my ear. "Nothing will ever change that." He givesone last look and heads for the door.
Jolie comes forward next. Before I
can register what she's going to do, she snaps her hand up, slappingacross the face as hard as she can. I gasp.
"How dare you," she growls. "That slap is not enough. But it's the last thing I'll ever give you. Then, pride Writ written in the straight line of her back, she follows my father out. As soon as the door closes behind them, I collapse at Aden's feet, sobs wracking my body.
He stands patiently byfor a moment and then moves to the door.
"You did the right thing, little one," he says with approval in his voice before walking out.
But, alone in the room, I know I've lost everything that has ever mattered to me.
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