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She takes a look at her father. Then at the cliffs. She knows this is her choice now - either she lives with Emilian, her living nightmare, or she dies by her own hand.
She stares into my eyes. Then she lets herself fall.
I smile in tune to Father's screams of despair.
I don't wait to see what happens next. I turn on my heel and walk back to where my husband and son are waiting. My hand hovers over my belly, and I smile to myself.
22
Pandora
My heart has never felt so full. I feel delirious as I sit at the breakfast table the next morning, watching Reign devour his breakfast.
"What's this?" he points to his food.
"It's eggs, honey," I tell him. "And some cheese and veggies. It's yummy. Why don't you try it?"
He knits his brows together, appearing uncertain, but then loads his fork up and tastes the food.
"Good," he declares, and I realize now that I have him back, my heart will be fuller every day I spend with him and Dexter.
There was no doubt in my mind when I saw Reign about who his father was. Dexter told me last night he thought the same. I watch Reign eat his breakfast just as Dexter strolls in the room, talking on his phone.
"Yes, yes, that's fine. Call me with updates," he mutters, ending the call and smiling when he sees us at the table. "That was your father."
"Is she alive?" I ask, my voice heavy. By some miracle, Lily Anna landed on a rock about a third down the cliff. The rock blocked her fall, but also broke both her legs. But the worst part was the root that pierced her body, rendering her unconscious. I don't know whether I want her dead or alive, but one thing's for sure. If she survived that fall, she'll be wishing she was dead.
"Yes," Dex nods, glancing at Reign. "In a chair, though."
I nod, knowing he doesn't want to upset Reign. "Forever?"
"Likely." Dex is about to go on when he notices Reign glancing between the two of us. "You okay there, kid?"
"Where's Mommy?" Reign asks, batting his long lashes.
I feel the words like a stab to the back. Mommy. I want to scream. Tell him she's not his Mommy, I am. But I force a smile on my lips.
"We'll explain everything, darling. She's okay."
"Will I see her again?"
My nails dig into my palms painfully. I glance at Dexter for help, and he seems as dumbfounded as me. Is it possible our son formed a bond with a monster? How long will we have to put up with it?
"Please." Reign is crying now. "I want to see Mommy again. I'm scared."
"It's okay," Dex says softly, kneeling down next to him. "We'll talk about everything. Do you want to see something?"
The boy nods, wiping the tears from his face. Dex winks at me, and I follow them down the hall, remembering the first time Dex showed me the nursery he furnished for Reign.
Since then, he has updated it every year. On Reign's birthday, like clockwork, the room was re-designed with Reign's age in mind. As if he was going to walk into the Manor any time. Sometimes I loved Dex's dedication, sometimes it unnerved me. But today, I was grateful for it. We believed he would come back, and he did. A happy, healthy boy.
Or is he?
I shake my head to get rid of the traitorous whisper in the back of my mind.
He's not a monster. Just because he spent the first years of his life with one doesn't mean he'll end up like her... I hope.
I swallow as we enter the room. The previous night, Reign slept between us in our bed. I didn't catch a wink of sleep. I was too busy counting my son's thick, heavy lashes. Admiring his rosy cheeks. I'm already as in love as I always knew I would be.
