OBSESSIVE LUST

CHAPTER 20

She looked at me with such intensity that I could feel the weight of her stare grounding me in place. Her eyes searched mine, searching for truth, for reassurance.

I could feel my heart pounding harder and faster, and my hands trembled slightly as I quickly ended the call, a surge of panic rising within me. I didn’t want her to see me like this, to witness my rising fear, but the moment was impossible to hide.

Then Zeph asked, her voice firm, “His baby? Your baby?” Her words echoed sharply, cutting through the tense silence. There was a clarity to her voice that made my stomach twist. Her expression was a mixture of anger and confusion, battling hard within her. Her eyes flashed with betrayal and hurt, and I could see her fists clench slightly as she processed what she had just heard. It was clear she was struggling to hold herself together, to not explode with questions or accusations. The confusion in her eyes was deep, as if she was trying to reconcile what she’d just learned with everything she thought she knew. I knew she needed answers, but none of us were ready to speak them yet.

My mother hesitated, her face carefully guarded, and spoke slowly and carefully, as if choosing each word with great caution. “Zephaniahana,” she began softly, “Valerie didn’t want to lie. She was actually about to tell you the real truth. That was the plan, the moment she had a chance to speak freely. But then everything changed when your brother suddenly claimed the baby as his. We didn’t expect that. It caught us all off guard.” She paused briefly, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “That’s why things got so complicated so quickly. None of us intended for you to find out like this.”

Zeph’s sharp turn of her head toward my mother showed her disbelief. Her voice now came out sharper, more upset. “All this time… you knew? You knew the truth, and you didn’t tell me? Not even once?” Her eyes searched their faces, desperate to find some answer, some justification, but instead she found only silence and regret. Her fists clenched even tighter, her knuckles white. It was as if she was holding back an explosion of emotions, trying desperately to keep her anger at bay. “How could you keep this from me?”

My mother looked down for a moment, shoulders slumping as if weighed down by guilt. She finally managed to say, “Z-Zeph… I wanted to tell you. I really did. But I was scared..... scared of how you’d react, scared of how this might change everything.” Her voice was barely above a whisper now. “I thought if I told you, it would only cause pain. I never wanted to hurt you.”

Zeph didn’t let her finish. Her voice rang out sharply, cutting through the air with raw emotion. “I don’t want to hear any excuses or explanations right now, Valerie,” she snapped. Her voice trembled, but still carried a firm edge. “Right now, I just need to understand. Do you have any idea how excited I was when I thought my brother was going to be a father? I was so happy, so proud. I booked a flight, canceled my meetings just to be there for my family, for my nephew. I imagined all the moments we’d share, all the memories I’d make with him. And now… I find out this child isn’t even my brother’s? That he belongs to another man? Do you have any idea how that feels?”

Her voice cracked slightly at the end, but she kept her composure as best she could. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tighter, knuckles turning white. I saw her fight to stay calm, to keep her rage beneath the surface, and I knew she’d practiced this moment more times than she cared to admit. But beneath that calm exterior, I could see the hurt. The overwhelming sense of betrayal and confusion was plain on her face.

Her eyes flicked away for a moment, and she took a deep breath, trying to gather herself. She knew she’d have to process everything slowly. But right now, her mind was racing, trying to fit the pieces together, wondering what this revelation meant for her family. I wondered how much longer she could hold herself back before the emotions flooded out. She had handled so much already and the shock, the disappointment, the sense of betrayal..... all while trying to maintain a facade of control. But I could tell she was reaching her limit, her heart pounding harder with each passing second. This wasn't just about a secret anymore. It was about trust, family, and everything she thought she knew about her loved ones.

“Valerie,” she said, her voice calmer but still cold, “I know you're a good person. You’re someone genuine. But that doesn’t justify lying. It doesn’t make faking something right. Do you understand?”

She gave me a smile.

“Y-you’re not mad?”

“Oh, I’m mad. But we can’t fix anything or understand the situation if I let my emotions take over.”

“S-sorry. And… thank you for understanding me.”

“I still need to talk to Liam about this. I know how much he loves you. From the moment he saw you five years ago. At the museum.” She smiled faintly and started the engine.

Museum? Five years ago?

How come I don’t remember anything?

On the way back, I kept thinking about what Zeph said.

The moment we arrived at the building, we went to Liam’s office. Mom had to leave because of something with my sister.

“He’s not here,” Zeph said, scanning the room. “He’s probably helping the staff with the event.”

She turned to go, but I held her arm. She looked at me curiously. “What is it?”

“You’re still going to continue with the event?”

She gently took my hand. “A baby is a gift, Valerie. No matter the reason for its arrival... it deserves the world. That’s something we never got to experience as kids. So as long as we can, we want to give that chance to someone else. Someone who deserves it.”

She looked at me meaningfully.

“You may have lied to me... but the baby has nothing to do with that.”

Then she turned away. “I’ll be going now. Stay here.”

I deserve it? Even though I lied?

Not long after, five women entered the office, carrying trays of jewelry and makeup kits.

“Good day, ma’am,” the one who looked like the leader greeted me. “We’re here to prepare you for the event.”

I just nodded and let them do their work.

After a few hours, they were finally done. I turned to the mirror.

I couldn’t believe it. My makeup was simple but transformed me completely. I barely recognized myself. The last time I looked at my reflection, it was with disgust. But now—I admired what I saw. The way the dress hugged my body, the way it showed off my curves... Nice pick. Zeph really is a model.

“You’re ready?” a voice said behind me. It was Zeph.

“I-I look...”

“Beautifully stunning,” she finished for me. “No words can describe how beautiful you are, Valerie. The moment you step into that room, wear your confidence like a crown. Shut them up with your beauty and your aura.”

“I’ll take note of that,” I said, smiling shyly.

“Valerie, are you—” Then Liam entered. His words caught in his throat.

“Ready...?” he breathed. “F*ck, you’re so beautiful.”