Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

“Alright.” I nodded, taking Colin’s hand and leading him away. “You sneaked out; how are you going to get home? The babysitter told me Samuel’s been looking for you. If he catches you, you’re in for it again.”

Colin instantly put on a pitiful face, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “They hit me, it really hurts.

I let out a sigh, looking at him with a mix of frustration and pity. What am I supposed to do with this guy?

Just as I was about to find a place for him to crash, the Langley family’s sleek black car pulled up to the curb.

Stepping out was Brendan’s assistant. He gave Colin a meaningful look and bowed his head politely. “Young Master Colin, it’s time to go home.”

I couldn’t help but smirk internally. Outside, these people sure knew how to play their parts.

Young Master Colin? Does anyone in the Langley family actually treat him like a young master? “Eric, is Brendan mad? It wasn’t his idea to run away; he did it to protect me. Can you maybe put in a good word for him?” I asked cautiously, trying to advocate for Colin.

Though I knew he was likely to face a harsh reception back home.

“Master Samuel has made a mistake in his work, and Brendan has sent him to handle a project overseas. He left at three this afternoon for three months,” Eric said, his face unreadable.

But I breathed a sigh of relief.

Well, at least the next three months might be easier.

“As for Brendan, he’s getting on in years, not as sturdy as he used to be. He’s off to the Sea City Sanatorium for some rest and recuperation,” Eric added. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I paused, suspicious.

Why would Eric be reporting to me? He has no reason to. But why make a point of telling me all this?

I glanced back at Colin. He was looking at me innocently, clearly not the intended audience.

Was this all just to pacify Colin so he’ll go back without a fuss?

Maybe.

“Tomorrow’s the day for the family memorial service. Mr. Brendan has already gone ahead to the estate. It’s a three–and–a–half–hour drive; let’s get going.” The assistant Eric opened the car doors for Colin and me, a little too courteously.

This politeness was unusual.

Lifting my chin, I mustered the airs of a lady of the house, taking advantage of the little one in my belly to throw my weight around for once.

Colin watched me, his smile disarmingly charming.

–

For the first time, I truly understood what a bewitching smile was like and I was seeing it on a

man’s face.

“Returning to the family estate for the memorial service is also a way of seeking the blessings of the Langley ancestors for your child to ensure a safe and healthy delivery,” Eric explained

once we were in the car.

I was still surprised. The Langley family was this concerned about my unborn child?

But then, the Langleys were known for their eccentric ways, and I was not in the mood to puzzle over their motives.

Resting against the car window, I watched the city lights blur past, my mind replaying the scene of Dexter defending Melody. In the past, such a sight would have pained my heart, but now, it just made me sick.

Let him protect her. I want to see how long he can keep it up.

I couldn’t understand what I ever saw in a man like him. Was it really because he saved me from a burning car that year?

My headache flared up again, the memory of the accident haunting me, the face of my rescuer… It didn’t seem like Dexter.

Can memories deceive?

Perhaps it’s the silence in the car or the pain in my head, but drowsiness takes over.

In a haze, I felt Colin’s hand carefully

against the car window.

support my head, cradling it as if to prevent any jolts

“Master Colin, it’s about time,” I faintly hear Eric saying.

“Okay.”

In the edge of consciousness, I heard their voices but could no longer make out the words, falling into a heavy sleep.