Nine months too late: After divorce

109

Ruby took her home to the Cheng's family mansion. It was a clear picture of what a 'family home' should look like.

The road leading to the house was very long with colorful flowers on each side. There was a gate that was well guarded, and after Ruby drove past, the rest of the road leading to the mansion was still lengthy. It looked like an estate of its own.

Sylvie, lost in the world of her mind, couldn't acknowledge the place nor it's beauty. She didn't even know where they were and was only snapped back to reality when Ruby stopped the car. "Come on," Ruby urged, stepping out.

Sylvie managed to do same. Her hand instinctively touched her waist, and she felt a pang of pain when she recalled she was no longer pregnant. Her bump was gone. And so were her kids. Two maids rushed out of the house, one of them attempting to take Ruby's bag, but she didn't let them.

She went into the house with Sylvie, stopping at the large living room where almost every member of the family gathered.

Right.

Two weeks ago when Ruby found Sylvie at the hospital, she told her parents the truth about Sylvie's paternity. It came as a shock, of course, and a DNA test even had to be conducted between Sylvie and Galen. It was only when the result came out positive that they believed her. And while Galen Cheng might be a hard man, he could never turn his own blood away. Besides, Ruby wasn't going to let them. Despite being fourty-one, she was Galen's last child and had her way around him. But she didn't need to do much convincing as Galen was already prepared to take Sylvie in since she was Miller's blood. Ruby's mother, however, shared a different opinion. She had kicked against the idea of letting an illegitimate child into the family, but Galen had the final say. Sylvie was surprised by the number of eyes she found staring at her in the living room. In the car, Ruby had told her 'the family was waiting! She had no idea they'd be that much.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

She suddenly felt uncomfortable being under the scrutiny of so many people.

So.

this is her." Ruby's mother-Natalie-said as she stood up, going towards Sylvie. "Miller's illegitimate child."""

She circled Sylvie, sweeping

her with with her gaze.

Sylvie shifted uncomfortably under the woman's scrutiny.

Natale was an aged woman who took good care of her skin and didn't like to accept the fact that she was old. Even there, she wore a jean pants and a black top, and had her lips tainted with red. Sylvie couldn't bring her eyes to look at the rest of the people in the room.

In her head, they were up to a hundred. But in reality, they were just seven Miller's wife and her daughter, Galen's second daughter-Francesca- and her two children - both girls.

The family had more of the female gene.

Sylvie's stomach flipped from the knowledge that too many people were staring at her. She needed to go away. She wanted to be alone.

"What's your name?" Natalie asked in a stern voice.

Ruby

rolled

her eyes. "Mum, not now. I already told you, she's-

"Let her speak, Ruby!" Natalie glared at her, then dragged her gaze back to Sylvie. "I can't believe Floria still found a way to leave something behind." "That's

Natalis enough!" Ruby snapped, taking Sylvie's hand, came here or introduce her to you, but if you won't speak nicely, we'll gladly take our leave." glowered at at her, but Ruby held her gaze defiantly.

forced her gaze up from the floor. The first person they fell on was Galen Cheng, sitting on the couch in front of her.

Finally,

Sylvie

wobbled. The man look

The man looked frightening.

Her legs wobble

She remembered seeing him at the fundraiser. Who would've thought he was her grandfather?

The well-known Galen Cheng of the Astréa Label empire.

He stared at her with eyes of steel, but Sylvie didn't think it was just her. There was something about him that was naturally hard, like he was born that way. "Take her to to her room. She should rest up." He finally spoke to Ruby, dragging his eyes from Sylvie.

Still holding her hand, Ruby began leading her towards the staircase.

But they came towards a family member who intentionally stood in Sylvie's way.

"Remember me?"

The voice sounded familiar.

Sylvie was forced to look up at her. Surprise spread through her like electricity when she recognized her as the rude girl from Silk and Satchel. Astrid.

She was Miller's child. To think they were stepsisters, yet had nearly fought at the complex.

"To be honest," she crossed her arms. "I think it's a big mistake bringing you into the family. I mean, to what end? We've been good without you in our lives. Why do we need-"

"Shut up and take a step back, Astrid, otherwise, I'll force you," Ruby cut her off, her eyes cold.

Red tinged Astrid's cheeks, but she stepped back. Apparently, Ruby wasn't someone that could be challenged in the family. Sylvie felt as if her skin was under fire and was only able to feel better the moment she reached a room with Ruby. "This will be your room for the meantime. If you don't like it, or you need anything, do not hesitate to let me know," Ruby said as she pulled up the window curtains.

didn't like it? How would Sylvie know if she liked it or not when she wasn't even looking at it? All she knew was she was she was in a room-one that shielded her from the people outside. She didn't care if it was pretty or not.

If she did

you don't have to worry, Sylvie..." Ruby went ahead to lecture her about "I know the family may seem a bit strict for now, but the members of the family, but everything she said fell on deaf ears.

Sylvie had her hands wrapped around herself as she sat on the edge of the bed. Chapter 109

"Ruby," she called softly when Ruby finished talking. "While I was unconscious, did..." she took a hard gulp. "Did anyone look for me?"

Ruby's face reflected with deepening silence. "Are you asking about Kage?"

Sylvie didn't lift her eyes from the floor, but the hard swallow she took answered Ruby's question.

She hadn't wanted to ask of him, but she's been curious. It's been two weeks. He was aware her due date was a week ago. Shouldn't he have at least, looked for her?

She understood that she'd hurt him and he was mad at her. He deserved to be mad at her. But shouldn't their kids be off-limit? Or did he hate them just as much?

She didn't have her phone anymore. She'd misplaced in-between the accident and the burnt warehouse. So, maybe he did try to reach her...

"He didn't," Ruby's reply cut deep into her chest. "I'm sorry."

Sylvie tried to swallow again, but her throat had become too dry and tight, it was impossible.

She nodded, pulling her gaze to the window beside her.