FATAL CLAIM

Chapter 22

MIA

Oh my god.

This has turned into the second worst day of my life after Liam's death.

Not only does Ryan's betrayal feel like a thousand stabs in my back, I feel so humiliated. They must think I'm pathetic, oh god, I'll never forgive father for putting me through this.

"Hey, have some water," Jade handed me a glass of water but I shook my head. Even though my throat felt like a dry piece of parchment, I wasn't in the mood to soothe it.

I overheard my mother telling aunt Madison that a few guests were badmouthing me. Even though this whole situation was created cause of Ryan's abuse, yet people were saying I'm cursed; first a dead mate, now a failed wedding. I did my best to not let that affect me but it did.

Maybe they're right, I'm not meant for happiness but I can't deal with this. Ryan had left several voicemails and texts on my phone as I kept ignoring his calls. I had changed out of that stupid wedding gown I wore into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, there was no way I was going to wear that for one more minute and let it remind me of the humiliation I just suffered.

"Just a sip, please," Jade pleaded but I just shook my head.

"Hey," I looked up, hearing the familiar voice and I smiled at him.

"Dylan," I swallowed painfully, realizing just how dry my throat felt. I led him into the kitchen as I did not want to speak to him around my mother or aunt.

"Mason let me in, I hope that's fine," he said and I nodded.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"What do you think?"

"I think it's good you got to know the truth before it was too late," he replied.

"Yeah, I guess I should think of that side but I just feel so embarrassed in front of everyone," I shut my eyes, counting to three to hold back the fresh round of tears about to fall.

Before I could open my eyes, I felt his arms around me, caging me in a hug.

"I'm sorry," he whispered into my ear and that's how I ended up crying again.

"Why would you apologize? It's not your fault," I sniffed, clenching his shirt tightly.

"I know but I still am," he held me tightly and I felt a little better.

"Thank you for coming, I know you stay busy so it means a lot to me that you're here," I felt so ashamed though. He came here for my wedding, and look at what he ended up witnessing.

"Hey," he cupped my face with both his hands, staring down at me, "I may not be able to hear your thoughts but I can see them in your face. You're a great girl Mia, any man would be lucky to have you in their life and it definitely wasn't that asshole, you didn't deserve that and I'm happy you got out of being trapped with such a person before he marked you. Stop beating yourself up over it," he looked like he meant every single word he just said.

I smile at him halfheartedly, knowing damn well that I'm not as lucky as he thinks I am.

"Will you have water if I ask you to?" He smiled knowingly and I nodded. He walked around me, towards the fridge to grab a water bottle.

"Here," he opened the lid before handing me the bottle, our fingers brushed against and I inhaled sharply. Okay, there's something wrong with me. Why am I reacting towards him in this way? I mentally face palmed myself.

I took a sip from the water bottle, I'm glad I actually listened to him because this feels damn good. I feel dehydrated, I really should have listened to Jade.

I handed him the bottle after drinking some more and he closed the lid over it before keeping it aside. I looked past his shoulder towards the window, the sky had become dark, I can't believe the day is over, but it's good. I'm done with this horrible day.

"I'm going to go upstairs to sleep for a while," I said, biting my lip. I felt bad for wanting to go upstairs but I really wanted to be alone for a while. Plus, I could feel the headache coming on, after crying for so long, I just felt drained.

"Alright, take care of yourself Mia," he smiled at me.

"You too," I replied, trying my best to return his smile.

"Goodnight," He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. I wonder if the special treatment is only because he feels sorry for me. I pushed the thought back to where it came from.

"Goodnight Dylan," it came out barely above a whisper.

I walked him out, but as soon as he got into his car, I rushed upstairs to throw myself under my blanket and just forget this whole day ever happened.

"Mia!" I halted in my step halfway up the stairs and turned around to face my father.

"Father," I swallowed, trying my best not to continue up the stairs.

"Can we speak in my office?" He asked, I internally sighed but nodded at him. I followed him into his office and took a seat on the couch he had in there.

"Mia, I don't know what to say to you after everything that happened but I want you to know I'm sorry," he said, I could tell he meant it but I was still hurt that he would marry me off to someone without even finding out all this about them. I clenched my fists but remained silent.

"You have every right to be mad at me," he sighed and I took a deep breath.

"I really don't want to talk about it," it came out as barely above a whisper and my father nodded. He had a helpless look in his eyes and I couldn't help but hate myself for making my father feel that way. He has to worry about me all the time, about my life, who I'll spend it with or that I shouldn't end up alone. I understand he means well but he could at least find out more information about a man before betrothing me to him.

It's been two days since the disaster that was my wedding day, I've received texts from Dylan since the moment I walked him that day. I've just given him vague replies because I'm mentally exhausted. Last night, Mason suggested I go back to work to divert my attention, and it's the best advice he has given.

I came into work a few hours ago and I have to say, I haven't thought about the humiliation I felt as much as I was thinking about it at home.

It was lunch time so I decided to go grab lunch from a restaurant down the street. I walked towards it, but I felt some grab my arm and I felt myself go rigid, getting reading to attack.

I came face to face with Ryan as I turned around, I felt all the progress I made today disappear.

"What do you want?" I growled.

"Easy there, I'm not here to hurt you," he said raising his arms defensively.

I scoffed at that. "Like you could."

"I just want to apologize, and I was hoping you'd hear me out," he explained and I felt my blood boil.

"You mean you want to lie some more?"

"I'm sorry, Mia I can't let you go l, please you have to understand," he said helplessly as he grabbed my hand and I flinched backwards.

"Don't touch me, and stay away from me," I hissed pulling myself away from him. I rushed into the restaurant before he could say anything more. I didn't even bother ordering any food, I called Mason to come and pick me up, I didn't want to risk Ryan getting a hold of me alone again.