Page 33 of Pastel Kisses

The breath leaves my lungs in a sharp exhale.

“I’ll need to get one of those silicone bellies since you’re already showing.” Her nose wrinkles in disgust before she scoffs. “No wonder I thought you were fat.”

And with that, she saunters toward the door, locking it behind her, leaving me motionless—paralyzed—not just by the drugs still in my system, but by the storm raging inside me.

I don’t know how much time passes.

It could be hours.

But the drugs finally start to loosen their grip, the numbing fog lifting just enough for me to move my fingers, then my arms.

Eventually, I force my sluggish body upright, my head heavy, pounding with every heartbeat.

She’s trying to steal my baby.

The thought alone is enough to slam pure rage into my bloodstream, snapping my broken pieces back into place.

Jaxton might have chosenher.

Maybe he really did fall for her bullshit.

But that doesn’t matter anymore.

I won’t let her win.

I will not let her steal my baby.

The reminder of the tiny life growing inside me centers me, gives me focus.

With trembling hands, I reach down, brushing my fingertips over my stomach. The last time I was trulyawareof my body, there was nothing.

Now, there’s a slight curve—a tiny, precious bump.

And then… Ifeel it.

Another flutter.

The lightest brush of movement.

My little bean.

Tears blur my vision, but I don’t let them fall. Instead, I whisper, voice hoarse and determined, “I’m with you, bean. We’ll get out of here somehow.”

A vow.

Apromise.

I won’t wait around like some helpless damsel. There is no Prince Charming coming to save me.

I finish the food and water Sarah left, knowing I need my strength. Then I force my weak limbs into motion, pacing the small space, stretching my muscles, doing anything to keep my body from deteriorating.

Every second I grow stronger is a second closer to my escape. Every bite of food I force down, every sip of water I take, every push-up, every stretch, every moment I stay awake despite the bone-deep exhaustion—it all brings me one step closer to the door. Closer to freedom. Closer tothem.

Except… the drugs are still swimming in my veins, dulling the fire burning inside me.

I canfeelthem, thick and sluggish, polluting my bloodstream like poison. My limbs are heavy, my muscles unresponsive. My eyelids drag with an unnatural weight, fighting to close, to pull me under again. My mind fogs at the edges, trying to lull me into submission, but I won’t let it. Ican’tlet it.

I bite the inside of my cheek, the sharp sting slicing through the drowsiness, momentarily clearing my head. A weak attempt, but it’s all I have right now.

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