Chrystabliss

Chapter 48 - FORTY EIGHT: Careful As You Are Pregnant

Chapter 48: Chapter FORTY EIGHT: Careful As You Are Pregnant


Christy’s POV


The days after I came back home blurred together in a haze of tenderness and suffocation.


Every morning, my mother slipped into my room before I even opened my eyes, smoothing the blankets over me, brushing my hair back from my face, and murmuring prayers under her breath.


My father brought trays of food, bowls of soup, fruit cut so neatly they looked like works of art, glasses of milk warmed just the way I liked it.


He hovered in the doorway with his broad shoulders filling the frame, pretending he wasn’t watching me breathe as though I might vanish if he blinked.


I understood their feelings because I was also scared of waking up one day and finding out that it was all just a dream.


So seeing them like this gave me a lot of comfort.


And my brothers, Mason and Kelvin were no different.


Mason never let me forget I was fragile. He shadowed me through the house, barking at servants who carried trays too close, snapping at Kelvin if he laughed too loud, glaring at my father if he suggested I try standing a little longer on my own.


He was a storm contained in a man’s body, and I knew if anyone looked at me wrong, he’d break their jaw without hesitation.


He made me feel secure and protected, something I could have never dreamt of a few months back.


Kelvin, though, was different. He teased me softly, joking about how I was being spoiled, sneaking chocolates into my room when our mother insisted I stick to light food. His laughter was the one thing that made me feel human again instead of some fragile porcelain doll.


Even with all of this love and protection, I still felt a strong pain in my heart.


How could I ever forget Kendrick, he had pulled me out of the abyss I had lived in for years, despite everything he made me go through, I still feel very grateful to him because I would have never found my real family if he hadn’t taken me out of that abyss.


"Christy," my mother said one morning, breaking me from the spiral of my thoughts. She was seated beside me, her hand wrapped around mine, her eyes shining in a way that made me uneasy.


"Your father and I have been talking. We have decided that it’s time." she said then paused to look at me.


"Time for what?" I asked her with a frown.


"For the world to see you again." Her smile widened, triumphant and proud.


"We’re going to host a party to announce your return." she said excitedly.


"A party?"I stiffened instantly.


"Yes, a party." She squeezed my hand.


"The invitations have already gone out and by tomorrow night, every council member, every noble family, every name that matters will be here...and the Black family will also be in attendance" she said the last part with a hesitant tone.


The name hit me like a blow.


I pulled my hand back before I could stop myself, my stomach tightening painfully.


No... No, this couldn’t be happening.


I wasn’t ready.


"Mother, isn’t that... too much?" I whispered, my voice shaky.


"I’m still recovering and I don’t think... "II was about to come up with an excuse to have the party canceled.


"Enough." Her tone hardened, though her smile never faded.


"You’re not a ghost, Christy, You’re my daughter and tomorrow, you will shine in front of them all. They need to see you radiant, not hidden away like you are ashamed." she said with an emotional tone.


Ashamed?


It was more like I was scared of what people will say when they see me, what they will say about my past after seeing the video that Celeste had released at the engagement banquet.


"If... if that’s what you think is best." I forced a nod.


Later that afternoon, she returned to my room carrying a long velvet box. Kelvin trailed behind her, curiosity written on their faces. Mira, too, stood in the corner, her arms crossed and her expression blank.


"Open it," my mother said, setting the box on my lap.


I lifted the lid, and gasped when I saw its content.


A gown lay inside, shimmering silver-blue silk that seemed to ripple like water. Intricate beadwork traced along the bodice in patterns that glimmered like starlight, catching the light with every movement. It was breathtaking, more beautiful than anything I had ever seen.


"Mother... It is beautiful." I whispered to her.


"It’s yours, custom-made, designed only for you. Tomorrow, when you walk into that hall, no one will question who you are. You will look like the daughter of this family and they will all know that you are my daughter." she said proudly.


I couldn’t stop the tears from blurring my eyes. The dress wasn’t just fabric, it was a statement.


A declaration to the world that I belonged to this family.


But when I turned my head, I caught Mira’s expression. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, her fists clenched at her sides. She clutched the simple dress she had been given earlier, the plainness of it now glaring compared to the masterpiece in my hands.


Jealousy radiated off her and though she forced a smile, her eyes told the truth.


"It’s... lovely, Christy," she said, her voice laced with an usual sweetness.


Before I could answer, the door opened, and Mira’s mother came in.


Aunt Lydia, my uncle’s second wife.


The fragrance of her perfume was choking and she looked at me with unconcealed hatred.


"Well... Quite the effort for a girl who’s already... compromised."she said, her gaze sliding over the gown.


My stomach dropped as soon as her words entered my ears.


"Careful, Lydia, watch your tongue in my house! ." my mother yelled at her angrily.


"I only meant that parading Christy in front of so many guests while she’s expecting... It’s risky, isn’t it? And considering the fact that everyone has seen her shameful video, what if something happens? The whispers and mockery will be merciless" She said, feigning innocence


I froze and felt a sudden chill down my spine.


What if I dragged everyone down because of my past?.


But my mother didn’t falter.


"The only thing risky is underestimating my daughter. She will stand tomorrow, radiant and strong. Unlike some people, she doesn’t need to cling to gossip or slander to be noticed." she said with a proud expression while gently rubbing my hands.


Lydia’s smirk faltered, her expression immediately darkened.


Mira shifted uncomfortably beside her, her eyes darting toward me with barely concealed hatred.


"Come, Mira, we won’t intrude anymore since we are not welcomed" Lydia snapped, tugging her daughter’s arm


They walked out, the door slamming behind them.


For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room.


"That woman is poisonous, I am only keeping quiet because of my grandfather." Mason muttered under his breath.


"And Mira’s not much better." Kelvin snorted.


I stayed quiet, my fingers brushing over the beaded gown, my heart pounding with fear of the unknown.


By evening, the mansion was unrecognizable. Chandeliers blazed with light, casting golden halos across the marble floors.


Musicians played violins, their notes mingling with the laughter and chatter of arriving guests while servants glided between groups, carrying trays of champagne and wine.


Everywhere I looked, eyes sparkled with curiosity, whispers trailing behind me like shadows.


And when my grandfather finally stood, his aura silenced the hall immediately.


"Tonight, we celebrate the return of my granddaughter, Eva Lancaster. As many of you know, she went missing more than a decade ago and now we have finally found her" he announced with a proud expression.


Gasps rippled through the crowd as I stepped forward. The silver-blue gown shimmered under the chandeliers, catching the light with every step. Heads turned, whispers rose, and for a moment all eyes were on me.


Until I saw them.


The Blacks.


Raymond’s face hardened into stone, his eyes widening in shock while Celeste’s smirk faltered, disbelief flashing in her expression.


And Kendrick, his gaze was on me.


My breath caught in my throat, and I quickly lowered my eyes, focusing on the floor as I couldn’t meet his gaze.


I couldn’t let him see anything that would make him realize that I remembered, if he guessed the truth... everything would be revealed.


So I smiled and continued greeting the guests.


Mira suddenly walked towards me, her steps graceful with a wide smile. She bumped into me with an exaggerated clumsiness, nearly falling the glass of wine from my hand.


"oh! Sister, I’m so sorry, you must be careful as you are pregnant."she cried, her voice pitched high and loud enough for the entire hall to hear.


The hall went deathly silent.


Gasps echoed, followed by whispers and every pair of eyes snapped toward me.


I froze in place and it felt like I was back to the moment my video were played on the big screen at the engagement party.


And when I dared to lift my gaze, Kendrick was staring straight at me.