Chapter 42: Familiar Faces

Words : 1668 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 42: Familiar Faces Natalie~ The night carried a chill, but not the bone-deep kind—just enough to make me pull my arms tighter around myself. I moved through the bustling streets, my breath rising in soft, ghostly swirls. City lights smeared like watercolor through the haze of unshed tears, and the world around me—voices, laughter, life—faded into nothing more than a distant hum. I didn’t care where I was going. I didn’t care that my feet ached from walking. I didn’t care about anything at all. I tilted my head toward the sky, the stars barely visible through the haze of city lights. "What did I ever do to deserve this?" My voice cracked as I spoke, barely louder than a whisper. But I knew the goddess could hear me. She always could. "Was my father’s crime so horrible that I have to pay for it until the day I die?" I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. "Is that it? Is that why you insist on punishing me?" There was no answer, of course. There never was. My chest ached as I thought of Alexander. His little face, his bright smile, the way he clung to me like I was the only safe place in his world. And I had left him. I had broken my promise to him. I had no choice. And then there was Zane. I had truly, foolishly believed my life was finally going smoothly. That I had found a place where I didn’t have to be afraid. But that illusion had shattered the moment he looked at me the way everyone else did—like I was a curse. Like I was worthless. My legs trembled as I walked, exhaustion creeping in. Just when I had passed my exams, when I had been so close to finally getting the education I had always dreamed of, everything crumbled into smoke and slipped through my fingers. I swallowed the lump in my throat and kept walking. Ahead, I spotted the road that lead to the homeless shelter. I had seen it many times before whenever Roland drove me to pick up Alex from school. I figured I could stay there for the night and find a better solution tomorrow. I just prayed they had room. Just as I was about to turn the corner toward the shelter, a sleek red car pulled up in front of me, the tires hissing against the pavement. The sharp honk startled me, making me jump back a step. I froze, staring at the car in confusion. I wasn’t exactly an expert on cars, but even I could tell this was one of those ridiculously expensive ones—the kind you only saw in movies or parked in front of high-end hotels. The polished red surface gleamed under the streetlights, and the tinted windows gave away nothing about who was inside. Then the engine cut off. The driver’s door opened. And out stepped Jacob. I gasped, my shock rendering me motionless for a moment. "Jacob?" A grin spread across his face just as I bolted toward him. I flung my arms around his neck, holding him so tightly I felt his laughter rumble through his chest. "Where have you been?" I demanded, pulling back just enough to look at him. "Do you have any idea how much I missed you?" Jacob chuckled, running a hand through his black hair. "I know, I know, I’m an awful friend. But I had no choice—I had to leave." I frowned. "Why?" Jacob’s smile faltered—just for a split second—before he masked it with his usual charm. "That’s a long story. But more importantly, what the hell are you doing out here alone at night?" I hesitated, then shrugged. "Nothing. Just heading home." His brow lifted. "Home? But this isn’t the way to Mr. Lucky’s house?" I forced a smile. "No. I’m not living there anymore." His expression darkened instantly. "What happened?" "Nothing," I said quickly. "I just thought it was time to move on." Jacob didn’t buy it. His gaze sharpened. "And where exactly is this new home of yours?" I hesitated, then pointed ahead towards the road leading to the shelter. "There." My voice was filled with shame but I hoped he wouldn’t notice or pry more into it and just take my word for it. Jacob followed my gaze to the long road. His jaw tightened more but he said nothing. "It’s a good place I got recently," I lied, my stomach twisting. I couldn’t understand the look on his face so I tried to make it seem I was living in a decent place so he wouldn’t pry. He still didn’t say a word. Instead, he sighed, ran a hand through his hair, and turned toward his car. I frowned. "Jacob?" Before I could react, he was back at my side, and in one smooth motion, he opened the passenger door. "Get in." "I don’t—" "Natalie." His voice was firm but gentle. "I’m driving you." I shook my head. "I’m fine. My place isn’t that far." He exhaled sharply, then, with surprising ease, guided me into the seat and shut the door before I could protest. The engine rumbled to life, and he pulled away from the curb. After a few minutes of driving down the road leading to the shelter, he asked, "Where’s your place?" Sighing in defeat and deciding it was better not to drag this out, I reluctantly pointed toward the shelter. Jacob slowed the car, his fingers tightening around the wheel. For a moment, he just sat there, staring at the building. Then, without a word, he pressed the gas and kept driving. "Jacob," I said warily. "You missed my drop. Turn back." "I know." "Jacob." He glanced at me, his voice steady. "You’re not sleeping in a shelter. Not on my watch." I groaned, throwing my hands up in frustration. "Jacob! Stop the car!" He didn’t. I sighed, sinking into the seat. I stared out the window as the city blurred past us. If Jacob knew what I really was, would he still be this kind? Probably not. His kindness would vanish the moment he found out the truth—just like Zane’s had. I shook my head. I wouldn’t rely on anyone ever again. "Where are we going?" I asked. Jacob smirked. "You’ll see." After a few minutes, the car pulled up in front of a massive hotel. I gawked at the towering building, its grand glass windows reflecting the city lights. The golden glow from inside made it look warm, inviting, and absurdly expensive. I turned to Jacob. "No. Absolutely not." Jacob opened his door and got out. "Yes. Absolutely yes." "I can’t accept this." "Well, too bad." He grinned, walking around to my side and opening the door for me. "Get out." I sighed but stepped out, hugging myself against the cold. Jacob led me inside, the luxurious lobby making me feel entirely out of place. Plush seating, golden chandeliers, and an air of quiet sophistication surrounded us. "Go sit down," Jacob ordered, pointing to a chair in the waiting area. "I’ll book a room for you. And one for me, just in case you need me." I frowned. "Jacob, you don’t have to do all this—" "Shhh," he cut me off with a finger to his lips. "Let me be a good friend, okay?" I let out a quiet sigh and sank into the chair, my muscles tense with reluctance. Fine. It looked like I wasn’t escaping Jacob tonight. But tomorrow? Tomorrow, I’d leave him a note and slip away before he even had a chance to stop me. I refused to be a burden to anyone ever again. But just when I thought my night couldn’t get any worse—Griffin walked into the hotel lobby. My breath hitched. And he wasn’t alone. The same woman from the art exhibition clung to his arm, her laughter was soft and sweet as she whispered something to him. He smiled—actually smiled—before leading her toward the waiting area. I shrank into my seat, willing myself to disappear. What if he saw me and decided to capture me for Alpha Darius? What if he succeeded in taking me? Would anyone care that I was gone? My mind reeled as I shrank deeper into my seat. But it was too late. Griffin’s gaze flickered toward me, lingering for only a fraction of a second. And then—he looked away. Like he didn’t even know me. My fingers curled into fists. Of course. Of course, he wouldn’t acknowledge me. What was I even thinking? This was Griffin we were talking about, he had never acknowledged my presence before because to Griffin Blackthorn, I was only a worthless whore that carried his uncle’s scent. Griffin guided the girl he was with to a seat directly across from me, murmured something in her ear, and then walked off—probably to book their room. I kept my head down, my heart pounding in my chest, a dull, relentless thrum in my ears. Stay calm, I told myself. This was fine. If I just kept quiet, kept my head low, and waited for Jacob to return, nothing bad would happen. I would be safe. But then— A sharp gasp sliced through the air, and every muscle in my body locked. "Oh my goddess—is this not Natalie Cross?" A familiar woman’s voice, high-pitched, dripping with mockery echoed through the room. My stomach dropped, a heavy, sickening twist that curled all the way to my throat. I knew exactly who that was and where this was going. And sure enough— She burst into laughter, her voice like knives against my skin. The sound vibrated in my skull, unbearable, as if the entire room was closing in on me. My breath came too fast, too shallow. I wanted to sink through the floor, disappear, anything to escape the humiliation that I was sure would follow but I knew it was too late, I had to face this head on.

Chapter 42: Familiar Faces

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