Chapter 42 Chapter 42 Back at the palace , I found Branwen waiting for me . He had been keeping watch over Lena , ensuring she remained locked away . She cant be trusted , Branwen said when I told him about the situation . I know , I replied . But this isnt about her . Its about Billy . Hes just a child . Branwen sighed but nodded . Well let her out , but only temporarily . The moment Billy is discharged , she goes back into the cell . na was shaking all over when she got the news . The moment she was released from jail , she didnt waste a second . Her first stop was the hospital where Billy lay in critical condition . She stormed into his room , her fiery temper barely contained , but when she saw him pale and motionless , hooked up to machines something in her broke . Witnesses said her cries echoed through the halls as she clutched his hand , begging him to wake up . Hours passed , but Lena didnt move from his side . Her guilt and grief consumed her , leaving her looking even more frail than when she had been locked away . Yet sitting by Billy wasnt enough . She needed answers . Leaving the hospital room with a new determination , Lena came straight to find Silas and me . When the door slammed open and she stood there , trembling with rage and sorrow , I knew she wasnt here to listen . She had come to accuse someone to accuse me . She was shaking from head to toe , her whole body trembling as though she could barely hold herself up . Her face was pale , almost ghostly , and her red , swollen eyes made it clear she had been crying for a long time . She looked like she hadnt slept in days . Her hands clutched the edges of her coat so tightly that her knuckles were white , as if she was holding on for dear life . It was like she was trying to keep herself from falling apart completely . I thought she would come in yelling , screaming , and pointing fingers like she always did . Lena had a fiery temper , and when she got angry , it felt like a storm was tearing through the room . I braced myself for the shouting , the accusations , and the energy it would take to deal with her . I didnt have much patience left after everything that had happened , and I wasnt sure I could handle another one of her tantrums . But instead of yelling , she surprised me . She didnt say a word at first . Her hands trembled as she walked toward me , her eyes red and swollen from crying . Then , to my complete shock , she fell to her knees in front of me . I froze , staring at her in disbelief . Lena , the woman who was always so proud and stubborn , was now on the floor , looking small and broken . I couldnt believe what I was seeing . It wasnt like her at all . Her voice cracked as she pleaded , Please … as Billys stepmother , Im begging you , dont hurt my son anymore . Her words felt like a slap . Hurt him ? Was that what she thought of me ? My shock quickly turned to frustration . Lena I said , trying my best to keep my voice steady and calm , even though I was upset , I have never hurt Billy . I would never do something like Alphas Regret : Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna 80.4 % Chapter 42 that . I swear to you . I paused , looking at her tear streaked face , hoping she would believe me . If anything , I continued , Billy has been the one whos been unkind . Hes been cruel not just to me , but to my daughter too . He has bullied us , over and over again . I didnt do anything to him , Lena . Its the other way around . I spoke slowly , trying to make her understand , but deep down , I could see she didnt believe me . Her face , still wet with tears , twisted with anger and disbelief as she glared at me . Do you really expect me to believe that ? she snapped , her voice sharp and rising even though she was still on her knees . Billy is in a hospital bed right now , fighting for his life ! And its because of you ! Her voice cracked as she continued , her words filled with blame . jumped off that building because you pushed him too far ! You pushed him until he had no choice ! I opened my mouth to respond , but no words came out . What could I say ? She had already made up her mind about me . I could see it in her eyes . Nothing I said would change what she believed . She had decided I was the villain , and no amount of explaining would make her think otherwise . So I closed my mouth and stayed silent . There was no point in arguing with someone who wasnt willing to listen . Silas , who had been standing quietly in the corner , finally spoke . He let out a long , impatient sigh and stepped forward . Lena , he said , his voice steady and firm , this has gone far enough . You need to stop this . His words were direct and left no room for argument . Go back to Billy and focus on teaching him to control himself . Dont let him grow up to be so cruel and reckless . His tone made it clear he wasnt going to entertain any more of her accusations . Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.