Title: Bound by Blood, Broken by Pride
*Chapter 19 - Betrayals and Bruises*
Charles sat in the living room, restless. His mind wasn't still. The thoughts he'd tried to suppress for days now came rushing back like an angry tide - *Princess Soma*, the money, the silence, the uncertainty. He paced, whispering to himself.
*"What if she duped me? No… she wouldn't. But what if I was wrong?"*
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. He picked up his phone and called out.
"Hey!" he shouted.
I came out from the kitchen. "Yes, sir?"
"Did Nancy and Ekene leave?"
"Yes. They left yesterday morning," I replied.
He nodded. "Right. He told me that... I forgot."
There was a long pause before he sighed and turned to me. "I'll be back."
And just like that, he was gone.
***
Charles drove straight to queen preshido's place. As he turned into the compound, he murmured to himself, "If only she'll hear me out… forgive me… maybe we can fix things."
He pushed open the gate and made his way to the front door. It was unlocked. He stepped in and immediately noticed Queen Preshido in the sitting room, lounging with a drink in one hand and her phone in the other.
She looked up and smiled. "Well, well… look who's here," she said smoothly.
He walked to her and pecked her cheek. "You look beautiful."
"It's been a while. You've been ignoring my calls," she said playfully.
"I wasn't in the country," he replied quickly. "I just came back yesterday. I had to see you."
They talked, laughed a little. She played with her glass and tilted her head. "So… you missed me?"
He smiled. "Always. You're… everything. Your smile, your beauty - it's all I think about."
Her smile deepened - but this time, it didn't reach her eyes.
Suddenly, the front door creaked open. Two large men in dark clothing stepped in. Charles turned, confused.
"Who are they?" he asked.
Queen Preshido slowly stood up, pointed at Charles and said coldly, "He's the one. Deal with him."
Charles froze. "What? Preshido - it's me you're talking to."
"I know," she said bitterly. "Do you think you could just use me and walk away because your little girlfriend came back?"
"That's not what happened!" he snapped.
But then, another figure entered. *Michael.*
He walked over and slipped an arm around Preshido's waist. Charles stared at him, confused.
"Who the hell is this?" he asked.
Preshido turned toward Charles with a triumphant smirk. "Michael… my fiancé. And if you must know, I'm pregnant for him. We're getting married."
Charles stood, stunned, his heart shattered. But there was no time to respond.
Preshido gave a small wave. "Take him for a ride."
The two men dragged Charles out. His shouts and struggles were in vain. They beat him - badly - bruises blooming across his body like dark flowers.
***
Hours later, I heard the gate creak. I looked out the window and gasped. Charles was limping toward the door, his face swollen, shirt torn, blood trailing from his mouth.
"Oh my God!" I rushed to him. "What happened?!"
He didn't speak - just grunted.
I helped him inside, laid him gently on the couch, and ran for the first aid kit. Carefully, I cleaned his wounds, my hands shaking as I dabbed antiseptic on his bruises.
"It's okay… you'll be okay," I whispered, even though I wasn't sure.
He didn't speak much. Just nodded.
Later, I took him to his room, helped him eat a little, and made sure he was resting. I was exhausted. Without even realizing it, I fell asleep beside him.
***
When I woke up, the sun had just begun to rise. The room was quiet. I turned - and he was no longer beside me.
Panic hit me like a wave.
I sat up quickly, my head spinning. I felt… strange. Dizzy. Weak. There was a weird, unsettling feeling inside of me. Something felt off. I tried to shake the feeling and rushed to my room.
My heart was pounding.
Something had changed - but I didn't know what.
Not yet.
Let me know if you want to continue with Chapter 20.