Page 22 of Mercy Lake

Why the fuck did I believe her? How was I so easily taken advantage of?

Embarrassed by my own stupidity, I couldn’t help the bitterness from seeping out. “I just made it so easy for you, huh? I was so deep in my grief I was barely conversing with my own family, let alone in my right mind enough to question you and your intentions. Why? Why did you do this to me?”

“Because I was jealous.” Everly sighed, then looked at me—really looked at me. “I saw what you and Alexis had, and I wanted that for myself. For my girl. You were hard-working, reliable and honourable. I knew that in whatever scenario, you would always care for a child who was yours. You would always take responsibility. You’re a good guy, Owen.”

I had never wanted to hit a woman. Not ever in my life. But in that moment, newborn mother or not, I would have paid to see her demon soul drain from her eyes.

I shook my head, steering away from that dangerous thought process.

“And the real father?” I required all the facts to try to come to terms with whatever the fuck was happening, to learn the extent of her betrayal. I needed to know everything… And finally, she gave it to me.

“For years, I’ve had an on-and-off relationship with Barry. The main source of our issues always stems from his not wanting to commit. He is regularly deployed to different locations, which means he is always on the move. Away for long periods of time, sometimes several months.” Everly gulped, eyes regretful.

“When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. When he left that last time, I vowed that it was over, that I was going to put a stop to our toxic relationship. Barry was gone, and I had no idea where he was or how to get in contact with him. He was unreliable. And now I had a baby to think of. That’s where you came in.”

“You used me?”Fuck, maybe I can’t handle the truth.I felt sick, almost like I was going to pass out.

Everly sighed. “Yes, I seduced you, but you went along with it, Owen. You accepted my flirting, never shut down my advances. You left yourself open.”

Crack.My heart splintered from each statement, each revelation.

“Lies,” I vowed. “So, you planned to baby-trap me… with a child who isn’t even mine?”

Everly began to tear up, which made resentment spike through my system. “I’m sorry, Owen. I was blinded by fear. But I only wanted what was best for my baby. That’s all I ever wanted. A safe space for my baby to come into this world.”

“And now what? You think everything is magically taken care of? Barry is back to claim his daughter, and you can all run away and pretend you didn’t just fuck over everyone in your path?”

Everly averted her eyes in guilt before nodding. “I will be leaving with Barry for a fresh start. He spoke with his supervisor and has received a permanent position on the other side of the country.”

God, the audacity of this woman.I was being sarcastic, but she really was a conniving witch. Full of absolute shit.

“And what ofme, Everly? Where does that leave me in your grand plans?”

She flinched at my scathing tone, and I didn’t care. She deserved far worse for what she had done.

Everly began to cry. “I only did what I thought was best for me. Best for my baby—”

“At what cost?!”

As soon as the scream was out, the baby started squawking alongside me.Fuck, could this get any worse?

What a stupid notion. Of course it could.

Macho Man Barry chose that moment to stampede into the room like the perfect father protecting his family. Except he proceeded to shove me up against the wall with all manner of threats leaving his mouth.

I let him. I didn’t have the energy anyway.

Everly jolted out of bed, pulling on his shoulder, begging him to let go. I didn’t know why she bothered. What was the point?

As soon as he released me, I slumped down the wall, my ass hitting the ground with a thud.

“You destroyed my life, Everly,” I muttered, all monotone and dead. I didn’t feel a thing. “You’ve destroyed multiple lives… all for your own selfishness.”

She was practically hysterical by that point, sputtering “sorry” over and over. As if that would make up for her deplorable actions.

In that moment all I wanted—needed—was to make her feel as miniscule and tiny as I felt. I didn’t care that she had just given birth less than twenty-four hours before. I didn’t care that a newborn baby cried out for its poisonous mother. I just didn’t care.

“I feel sorry for your child,” I said. “Stuck with a cruel mother to be raised in a house full of lies and manipulation. Your daughter deserves better than you. She deserves better than both of you. I hope youneverfind happiness, Everly. Itrulywish that upon you… And I’m going to make sure I try my damned hardest to make sure that wish comes true.”

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