Chapter 41 Chapter forty-one
She responded in a teasing manner, "I suppose the choking air in the dining room is unbearable for you since you're pregnant, and the garden must be the only place to soothe your nerves."
I rolled my eyes inwardly. "the dining room really does feel a bit stuffy; perhaps something that doesn't belong was there," I replied with the same energy she is giving.
Can't handle the choking air in the dining room, really? I knew she had picked up on my insinuation, but she instigated this first. Indirectly she's trying to pick on me but I don't have proof to confront her.
"Something stuffy in the room, huh? But what's with that expression on your face?" she pointed out.
Frowning deeply, I responded, "What expression?" raising my eyebrows.
"The one you’re wearing now, as if you’re disgusted," she smirked.
"It's nothing," I said, turning my back to her.
"Alright," she nodded.
I can’t stand her; she irritates me to my core. Everything she’s doing now is clearly meant to provoke me, but I intend to steer clear of her at all costs.
I heard the creaking sound of a swing, and I looked over to find Juliana swinging, mirroring my earlier movements on the swing.
My expression twisted into a scowl. I began to move quickly, and she mimicked my speed. When I glanced at her, I noticed the huge grin on her face. She knew that copying me was irritating me. I gradually slowed down, and she matched my pace. Each time I looked at her, I could see her victorious demeanor which fueled my anger. At this moment, I was tempted to push her off the swing. She was just so cocky.
Why would Sylvia pick someone like her as his mate? There are plenty of women out there for him to choose from, yet he chose this one. Sylvia should have remained single.
"Are you alright? You look like you're about to lose it," she inquired.
What did it matter to her if I was okay? After all, it was her presence that was making me uncomfortable. Why did she have to show up here?
"Yes, I’m fine," I forced out with a smile.
I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of knowing that what she was doing was bothering me.
"So... How's life as a Luna?" she asked, her tone dripping with malice.
The atmosphere around me grew tense; it felt like a cat had caught my tongue. Why was she asking all these questions? I swallowed hard,
“It’s fine,” I replied curtly.
With a smile, she said, “That’s sweet, having everyone respect you. One day, I want that too, especially the pack's respect and carrying Sylvia's child.”
I halted the swing, its movement gradually ceasing. When I faced her, she wore a broad smile as if she had just claimed a victory. Inside, I was seething with anger and fear, but I did my best to conceal it behind a smile.
"Oh, my apologies. I haven't had the chance to thank you for encouraging your husband to ask Sylvia to marry me. Thank you very much for that," she said with a triumphant grin.
Convince Claus? What gave her the impression that she knew anything? I didn’t blame her; if it weren’t for Roger putting me up to it, did she really think she would have a chance with Sylvia? She needed to continue daydreaming.
"You don’t need to thank me," I smiled, masking the anger brewing inside me.
She stroked her hand over her stomach, her eyes shining with dreams, "I can’t wait to get pregnant and have Sylvia's child. Soon, I’ll be the one carrying his baby." She turned to me and flashed another smile.
It felt like steam was escaping from my ears and nostrils. I bit my lip so hard that I could taste the metallic flavor of blood.
I struggled to keep myself from screaming at her; to tell her not to bear Sylvia's child, who did she think she was to carry his baby? But all of those thoughts fell silent.