Chapter 172:

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Kelly’s POV

The shooting at the mall had made its way to national television, and a clip showing me running away with Klay was exposed to the public. People who knew our family started spreading rumors that I had a secret relationship with my stepbrother and that my daughter was his child. These speculations were not new. They had come up before, and now, they were resurfacing. Many were convinced that Klay was the father of my little girl, especially since Pierce and I hadn’t communicated for several years.

“Don’t let this affect your relationship,” my mom, Pierce’s mom, said gently as she sat beside me on the lanai. Pierce and Snow were in the pool area with Dad and Phoebe.

“Mom, I don’t know what to do,” I admitted, feeling overwhelmed.

She shook her head. “Don’t let this affect you. My son loves you, and he knows what happened. That’s what matters.”

I looked at her, feeling conflicted. “Can I really ignore this, Mom? Pierce says it’s okay and that he’s just glad I’m safe, but I know him. He’ll feel like he’s failed me because he wasn’t the one who protected me.”

She sighed softly. “You can talk to him again about this, Kelly. But don’t let this ruin your relationship. You’re a mother now, and you need to protect your family.”

I nodded, shifting my gaze back to Pierce and Snow. They were enjoying their time together. Later that night, I would talk to Pierce about everything. I had explained why I was with Klay yesterday, and he said he understood, but I knew I needed to reassure him further.

After dinner, I received a call from Emily. I excused myself and went to the pool area to talk to her.

“Hello, Emily?”

[Are you going home tonight?]

“No—”

gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸оm hosts thrilling adventures

[Why did you order food? I said I’m cooking!]

My brow furrowed when I heard the voice. I was sure that was Matt.

“You’re with Matt?”

[Kelly, why do you have a retard cousin?]

I chuckled, still processing the unexpected message. “So, you two are together now?”

[We’re not—She’s my girlfriend now, Kelly—What girlfriend are you talking about?]

I shook my head and smiled. “Goodnight, Emily.”

[Wait… Walt, Kelly—]

I ended the call after my goodnight. A pair of arms slipped around my waist, and a hand rested on my stomach. I felt soft kisses on the back of my neck, making me smile. His scent filled my senses, calming me instantly.

“You’re staying tonight, right?” he asked, his voice low and steady.

I turned toward him, not removing his arms from around my waist. I met his eyes and nodded. “Yes, of course.”

I lifted my chin, glancing at Pierce. The caller was Lexi.

Pierce’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening. “There’s nothing to talk about—”

[There is! I’m pregnant!]

I quickly grabbed the phone from Pierce and looked at the screen. “Say that again?”

There was a long pause before her voice came through again.

[Kelly… You heard it, right? I’m pregnant. I’m carrying Pierce’s baby.]

I laughed bitterly. “You forced yourself on him, and now you’re pregnant? Honestly, I don’t care. Raise your child alone. Don’t mess with our lives anymore.”

I ended the call angrily and turned to Pierce. He looked both angry and worried as his gaze met mine. I saw him swallow hard as I clenched my jaw.

“That bitch is trying to tear us apart again, Pierce,” I said through gritted teeth, my fists trembling in rage.

He nodded, his expression filled with frustration. “I know. I don’t believe her either.”

I exhaled deeply, feeling slightly relieved. Despite everything, I felt comforted when Pierce wrapped his arms around me and kissed my hair.

I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the storm of emotions inside. “I’m going to find her and pull her hair out,” I muttered angrily. “Damn it!”

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