Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Emilia’s POV

“How are you feeling now, Emy?” Kiara’s words sounded, pulling me out of my thoughts. I stared at her blankly for a moment before responding with a nod. My fingers curled around my comforter and I let out a deep sigh.

Why was this so difficult? I had already accepted Nivaan’s rejection and the bond was already severed. Yet, the thought of him being with another woman was tearing me apart.

Kiara sat beside me and took my hand in hers. Her eyes shone with gratefulness as she spoke, “Do you have any idea how stupid you are? You could have been killed, your baby could have been killed.”

“That would have been better,” the words slipped out of my tongue inadvertently. Kiara’s expression changed instantly, “Don’t tell me that my brother is still not ready to see the good in you.” Her eyes darted around the room, “Where is he by the way?”

“He was right here with me and then… someone came and..,” my voice trailed off as her face flashed in my mind. I could understand why Nivaan loved her so much but still… It hurt.

Kiara squeezed my hand, “What exactly happened, Emilia? You look so pale.”

“The one who came to meet Nivaan was Valence.”

“Impossible! Valence died five years ago when…. She can’t be here.”

“I saw her with my own eyes, Kiara.”

“How can you be so sure? You have never met her before. Maybe, she is just another girl by the name Valence.”

“The way Nivaan looked at her… It had to be her.”

“Oh, Emy!” Kiara said as she pulled me into a hug, “I am so sorry.” She held me like that for a very long time but I couldn’t feel any warmth or comfort. My insides had been frozen with the appearance of my love rival. No, she wasn’t even my rival. I stood no chance in front of her.

The sound of approaching footsteps caused Kiara to pull away. My eyes darted to the fluttering flaps of the tent. A few moments later, Nivaan walked inside with Valence. Her hand was laced through his arm. But, when Nivaan’s eyes met mine, he extracted his arm carefully and walked up to me.

Guilt and regret flashed across his eyes. For a moment I thought there was concern but I shook off the thought. It was probably just pity. It was better not to delude myself.

“Kiara, I never thought I would see you again,” Valence’s cheerful voice sounded as he all but dragged Kiara to her feet and pulled her into a tight hug.

“How did you make it out alive?”

Valence pulled away and spoke with honeyed sweetness, “If I didn’t know you better, I would think you wanted to see me dead.”

“Vally, you know Kiara didn’t mean it like that.”

“Of course, I was just kidding….” Her voice returned to normal and she took Nivaan’s hand in hers, “It’s been five long years, Niv. I was just trying to make this less awkward but I guess I failed.”

“Don’t worry too much. You have done a lot for my brother, for me…. I wouldn’t be offended by some meaningless words.”

Valence beamed as she grabbed Kiara’s hand with her left hand. “Let us go someplace where we can chat in privacy.” She cast a judging look at me and led them out of the tent.

I was gripping the comforter so tightly that my knuckles had turned white. I burst out in a peal of soft, dry laughter. Tears formed at the corners of my eyes as a fresh wave of despair gripped me.

Emilia, Oh, Emilia; Had you ever thought that you would be cast aside as an outsider by every single person who knows in this world?

My hands went to my abdomen and I caressed it lovingly. I still had him… My eyes lit up with grim determination and I said, “Mommy will never endanger your life again. I promise. You will be the most important person in my life; today and forever”

My wayward mind veered to the scene when Nivaan had kissed me. My breath hitched and my chest became stuffy. It was like the air had been sucked out of this room. I needed some fresh air.

With a soft groan, I got to my feet and walked outside. The night had fallen. The moon shone brightly casting a faint glow over the entire region. The cold breeze struck my face and filled my lungs. They still burned but it was a bit bearable now.

The corners of my lips lifted and I sighed. I had to find contentment in what I had. Having one person to love, one person to care was enough. The leaves crunched softly as I waddled along the path strewn with dried leaves.

The sound of distant chatter and crackling fire fell on my ears. Despite knowing that I was unwelcome, my feet moved in the direction of the noise; almost as if they had a mind of their own.

I had barely reached them when a sharp voice sounded, “Hasn’t anybody taught you? It is rude to listen to people secretly.”

Valence’s words stabbed me like a sharp knife. My eyes darted towards Nivaan. His face was expressionless. He got up from his chair and walked towards me,” You shouldn’t have come here.”

I staggered but Nivaan was quick to support me. A gasp escaped my lips as I was suddenly lifted into the air. Our eyes met but I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. It was like he had hidden behind a mask of indifference.

He carried me close to the bonfire, his eyes sweeping across the region, probably looking for a chair. There were none. So, Nivaan sat on the chair with me on his lap.

I looked at Kiara awkwardly but she only smiled at me. Nivaan adjusted me to a more comfortable position before wrapping his arms around me, “Why did you leave the tent? You are still unwell. You will catch a cold.”

The responding glare from Valence was so fierce that I thought I would burn, “You have already rejected her. Why do you still care?”

I held my breath, waiting for Nivaan to respond. His fingers dug slightly into my arms, “It’s been such a long time, valence. So much has happened since you left. I still love you with equal devotion but I can’t ignore the fact that Emilia is pregnant with my child.” His voice was heavy and hoarse like it pained him to speak such words to Valence.

A drip of warm liquid on my arm startled me. F***! Was Nivaan crying? I regret the moment, I raised my head to look at him. His eyes were bloodshot. Tears brimmed in them spilling over as a small trickle.

Why Moon Goddess? Why? Why did you have to make our lives so complicated?

“I should have never come here,” Valence’s icy voice sounded. I turned around but she had already teleported.

I closed my eyes letting myself bask in Nivaan’s embrace for a moment. Then, getting out of his lap, I said, “You must go and find her. She sounded pretty upset.”

I walked away as fast as I could without waiting to see his reaction; afraid that I won’t be able to bear what I see…