My Convicted Wife is My Mate (Bella and Kane) novel Chapter 9

chapter 9
BELLA’S POV

Work went smoothly that day.

It went by pretty fast. Maybe it was because I hadn’t been to work in a whole or maybe…it was because I couldn’t concentrate too much because my mind was filled with thoughts of Kane.

I had no idea why but the thought of him waiting for me when I got home made me feel all warm inside.

While working, I used a scarf to cover my neck to hide the bruises. I was sure people could still see them anyway but I tried my best.

When it was time to go home, I took my things and left. On the walk home, my phone buzzed.

I took it out and looked at it. The name flashing on the screen made my heart stop. Father.

I stared at it for a long moment. I hadn’t heard from him in a while, not since I went to jail and not since before the wedding, not since I became Kane’s wife. I thought he’d erased me from the family altogether. They were so quick to sell me out so Kathy could be with Damien.

What did he wants?

Finally, I answered. “Hello?”

His voice came through coldly “You’ll come to the pack house today.”

I was confused “Why?”

“It’s a family matter.”

“Why_”

“Don’t make me repeat myself. You should come pay respects to your mother”

How could I forget? It was my mother’s death anniversary today. I was surprised he remembered. It seemed like he didn’t care anymore.

And then he hung up. Just like that. There was no greeting. No warmth. No hint of a father’s care.

I sat there staring at the dead screen. It wasn’t new, his tone, the command, but it still managed to hurt every time.

I thought about going. Maybe I was curious. Maybe because, despite everything, a small part of me still wanted to believe that he cared. Maybe he wanted us to be together on the anniversary of my mom’s death.

I thought about everything. My mom died when I was seven years old. My dad got married to my step mom only a few months after her death. Then, she gave birth to Kathy.

I always felt like the outsider in their new family. They never made efforts to make me feel welcome. Growing up, he never gave me attention. One day, my grandparents came to pick me up to live with them. My dad only told me goodbye then he turned around.

Now, he wants me to come home. That place was never my home.

I looked right. The road here was the way to my old pack.

I looked left. That road was the way to the bus stop that would lead me to my apartment.

I let out a sigh. I’d do this for my mom.

I made my way to my dad’s place. On my way there, I thought of all the resentments I had. He never called me in prison, not once. He never wrote me a single letter. None of them did. It wasn’t till Damien and I realized we were mates that my dad started to warm up to me a little.

That ended when I went to prison. I guessed it was because I wasn’t useful to him anymore.

Before I go to my dad’s place, I stop by a florist to get some new flowers. From there, I go to the cemetery to see my mom’s grave. I brush away the dust there and place the new flowers on it.

I touched the tombstone and whispered a prayer. Tears fell from my eyes but I brushed them away.

I needed to be strong, just like she taught me.

I ignored her, turning to my father. “She’s Damien’s Luna. Why would she still need an acting career?”

Silence. The air in the room shifted. My stepmother’s fork scraped against her plate before she spoke smoothly, “A Luna still deserves her passions, doesn’t she?”

My father continued. “Damien supports her ambitions. He’s helping her the best he can. He’s pulled every connection he has.”

I couldn’t help it. I scoffed. “I’m sure he did. Considering she’s never had much talent, I suppose she needs all the help she can get.”

Kathy’s smirk fell just for a second. But my father didn’t react. He just clasped his hands on the table.

“And what does that have to do with me?” I asked, folding my arms.

He exchanged a small look with my stepmother. That silent look between them was enough to tell me I wouldn’t like what came next.

He finally spoke. “How about you borrow your sister some money? While you were with Damien, he took good care of you before you went to prison. Why don’t you give your savings to her? She’ll pay you back when she becomes a star. The money could go a long way in the project. She’ll be her own boss and produce the movie herself”

My stomach dropped.

“What?” I whispered.

“Yes,” my stepmother said. “Consider this a small favor.”

I stared at her. “You want me to give Kathy money?”

She smiled. “It’s the least you can do for your sister after everything she’s endured.”

The words hit like a slap. After everything she’s endured.

What?