The investigation into the disturbing skull delivery had left Victoria emotionally drained and deeply shaken. The idea that someone could send such a grotesque message during what was meant to be a joyous occasion terrified her. After consulting with Tobias, Jonathan, and Zayden, it was clear that her safety needed to be the top priority. And so, she made the decision to move in with Zayden temporarily, leaving her house under tight security while the investigation continued.
Zayden’s home was as grand as she remembered—modern yet inviting, with clean lines and warm tones. But this time, as Victoria stepped through the threshold, she couldn’t shake the unease clinging to her. She was trading her independence for safety, and while she trusted Zayden completely, the move felt like a stark reminder of how much her life had been upended.
“You’ll feel safer here,” Zayden said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her back as they walked through the house. “The security system is state-of-the-art, and no one gets past the gates without my approval.”
Victoria nodded, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. “Thank you, Zayden. I just… I hate that it’s come to this.”
He stopped and turned to her, his gaze soft but serious. “It’s temporary, Tori. Just until we figure out who’s behind all of this. I’d rather have you and the baby here, where I know you’re safe.”
She offered him a small smile, but before she could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. A well-dressed older woman with strikingly sharp features appeared, her eyes narrowing the moment they landed on Victoria.
“Zayden,” she said coolly, ignoring Victoria entirely. “I wasn’t expecting company.”
“Mother,” Zayden said, his tone even but firm. “This is Victoria. She’s staying here for a while.”
Victoria stepped forward, extending her hand politely. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Huntington.”
Zayden’s mother didn’t take her hand. Instead, she looked her up and down, her lips pressing into a thin line. “So, this is the woman carrying another man’s child,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “How charming.”
Victoria’s hand dropped to her side, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and anger. Before she could respond, Zayden stepped in.
“Mother, that’s enough,” he said sharply. “Victoria is my fiancée, and she’s here because I invited her.”
His mother’s eyebrows shot up. “Fiancée?” she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You’ve been seeing her for what—a few months? And now you’re ready to play house with someone else’s child?”
“Mrs. Huntington,” Victoria said, her voice steady despite the hurt bubbling inside her, “I understand your concerns, but Zayden and I are building a life together. This baby might not be his biologically, but he’s already stepped up in ways that matter.”
“That’s sweet,” she replied, her tone saccharine. “But let me be blunt. A woman like you, carrying the baggage of your past, has no place in my son’s life.”
“Mother,” Zayden said, his voice hardening, “Victoria is not ‘baggage.’ She’s the woman I love, and I won’t let you disrespect her.”
His mother crossed her arms, unflinching. “And what about your future, Zayden? Your career, your reputation? People will talk. They’ll see her and wonder what kind of fool you’ve become.”
“I don’t care what people think,” Zayden shot back. “What I care about is Victoria and the family we’re building.”
Mrs. Huntington let out a bitter laugh. “Family? You mean her child. You’re playing the hero now, but what happens when you realize this isn’t your responsibility? When you realize she’s just using you?”
Victoria’s patience snapped. She stepped forward, her eyes blazing. “I am not using Zayden,” she said firmly. “I didn’t ask him to step into this role—he chose to because he’s a good man. And whether you approve or not doesn’t change the fact that we’re building a life together.”
Mrs. Huntington’s lips curled into a cold smile. “How noble of you. But let’s not pretend this is some fairytale. My son deserves someone who doesn’t come with complications.”
Zayden moved to stand beside Victoria, his protective stance unwavering. “Mother, if you can’t respect Victoria, then you can leave.”
His mother’s eyes widened in shock. “You would choose her over your family?”
“You’re making me choose,” Zayden said quietly. “But it’s not a hard choice.”
The tension in the room was suffocating. Mrs. Huntington stared at Zayden, her expression a mix of anger and hurt. Finally, she turned on her heel. “Don’t expect me to support this,” she said coldly, disappearing down the hall.
Zayden exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I’m so sorry, Tori. She has no right to speak to you like that.”
Victoria shook her head, her voice soft but firm. “You don’t have to apologize for her, Zayden. But I’m not going to let her push me out of your life.”
He took her hands in his, his gaze steady. “She doesn’t get a say in this. You and the baby are my family now. That’s all that matters.”
Victoria smiled faintly, her heart aching but reassured by his unwavering support. “I don’t want to cause a rift between you and your family.”
“You’re not,” he said. “She’s doing that on her own. And I won’t let anyone—family or not—hurt you.”