Chapter 43: Living hell
"Roderick has asked for a pregnancy test!" Darius snapped, glaring at Orabela with cold suspicion. "I just spoke with his mother. He insists it be done at the hospital his family owns. You’re not lying, are you?" His voice grew sharper. "You better not disgrace this family. I always thought you were the pride of our name, but you’re worse than Layla!"
"Honey, don’t say that!" Miriam interjected, her voice full of concern. "How can you put all the blame on Orabela? And why would she lie about something so serious?"
Orabela, her face pale and tear-streaked, sobbed harder. "Dad, I’m not lying. What would I gain from making this up? Roderick promised to marry me, but yesterday, he changed his mind and took back the ring. He even mentioned Layla! I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s behind all this. The last time, her husband broke Roderick’s wrist. Who knows what she might have done to threaten him?"
Even in her distress, Orabela couldn’t resist shifting the blame onto Layla.
"Why would Roderick bring her up?" Darius shot back, his voice stern. "Don’t make baseless accusations, Orabela. We don’t need more trouble. Now, get ready. We’re going to the hospital," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Miriam took away his daughter while Darius called for a servant. "Prepare a car!" He angrily said.
~~~~
"Mom, I didn’t do anything to Orabela. She’s lying—to you, to everyone. Don’t believe a word she or her father says," Roderick insisted, his frustration boiling over.
Fiona crossed her arms, unimpressed by her son’s explanation. "Why would she lie about being pregnant? And why did you break up with her? Orabela is such a lovely woman. Have you lost your mind? Your marriage to her could bring fortune to you."