32#32

32

"Not with child, yet so audacious," Emmett sneered, his laughter cutting through the air. "You have the nerve to fake a pregnancy and trick me?"

Aliana, eyes shut tight, wept silently; her quiet sobs were the only sound as she was too shattered to utter a word.

Emmett's wrath intensified, his grin twisting with disdain. His hand, once covering her mouth, now gripped her throat, threatening to choke the life out of her.

"You seem eager to perish. Perhaps I should oblige," he snarled.

His thoughts were a whirlwind of anger and betrayal. He, a man of such pride and influence, had been fooled by this despicable woman, causing him to lose his true love. How could he not be consumed by rage?

Aliana's complexion turned an unhealthy bluish-purple as consciousness began to slip away. Just as she was about to fade, the physician returned with the medical files.

Swiftly, Emmett released her, his hands now frantically searching through the documents, desperate for clarity.