Beta's Unwanted Wife And The Curse

Chapter 38

"I'm scared." I rubbed my palms on my pants, trying to wipe off the cold sweat that had accumulated on my hands.

My heart was pounding against my chest as I stood in front of my mother's home in London. Our flight had landed an hour ago, and we had made our way home, but my nerves were getting the best of me.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine," Riya assured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. Blake nodded in agreement, silently lending me his support.

I heard footsteps coming from inside the house. Panic started to bubble up in my throat, making it hard to breathe. "I can't do this," I whispered, turning around to make my way back to the car.

Cedric grabbed my shoulder and turned me around to face the door. His hot breath fanned on my ear as he whispered in a low, husky voice, "You can do this, Niya. I'm here for you, and I know you can do this, Kitten."

I felt a shiver run down my spine, and my surroundings seemed to turn to mist. Did he just call me "Kitten?" The pet name, along with Cedric's proximity, sent a flush of warmth through my body.

I was about to turn around to give him peace of mind when the front door opened, and my breath hitched.

"Hello, Riya," my mother's winter-cold blue eyes held so much warmth for my sister that it exploded a different kind of warmth in my chest. Not the kind that feels good, but the one of jealousy.

How could my mother show such different emotions to her own children?

We entered the house and stood in the hall. "Hey Mom, it's so nice to see you after such a long time," Riya hugged our mother, and I tried to calm my racing heart.

"Same here, baby," my mother broke the hug and looked at my sister, her eyes filled with warmth.

But as she glanced behind Riya, the winter cold blues eyes filled with warmth found my warm brown orbs staring at her and begging for the same affection, her expression turned cold. Something broke inside my already-broken heart, and my throat closed up on me.

Feeling my distress, Cedric snaked his hand around my waist and pulled me against his hard chest. "Don't be upset, Kitten," he whispered in my ear, and I turned my face to look at him. I found a small, assuring smile on his face, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for him.

"I'm not a kitten," I huffed, trying to hide my discomfort.

Cedric chuckled. "Oh, but for me, you're a kitten," he smirked, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I was about to answer him when someone cleared their throat, making us turn towards the source of the sound.

As I turned back to look at my mother, I felt Cedric's hand on my waist tighten. I looked up at him to find a gentle smile on his face.

However, my mother narrowed her gaze and shook her head showing her disappointment. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited for her reaction.

"Niya," my mother spoke in a low voice with a smile on her face. For others, it's a sweet gesture of love for my mother but I can recognize the meaning behind that tone. I braced myself for the worst.

"Mom," I smiled nervously, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Mom, meet Blake and Cedric," Riya cleared her throat to get Mom's attention and erase the awkwardness. She was always the peacemaker in our family.