Chapter 16 Should I feel relief or sadness ? I didnt know . Even after confirming the results , I still repeated the other two tests just to be sure. Both came out negative . My chest felt hollow as I crumpled up the packaging and test strips , stulling them into the plastic bag before tying a tight knot . Tossing it in the bathroom trash , I consoled myself with the thought that no one would know who they belonged to even if they checked the trash for some reason . 1 made my way to class , but the rest of the day passed in a blur . Numbness spread through me , seeping into my bones . Why did I feel so … hollow ! By the time my last class ended , Marcelene was already waiting outside to drive me home . The ride was quiet , save for the faint hum of the engine . I could feel her glancing at me , the weight of her gaze heavy . You okay ? she asked eventually , her tone softer than usual . I forced a smile and nodded . But Marcelene wasnt one to let things slide . Did it come out positive ? I shook my head , trying to keep my voice steady . Her frown deepened . And thats a bad thing ? I shook my head again , this time with a shaky smile . No , its not Marcelene muttered something under her breath before abruptly pulling over right outside the mansion gates . She hit the brakes hard enough to jolt me forward slightly . Mar , what- ? I started , but when I reached for the door handle , it wouldnt budge . The doors were locked . She turned to me , her icy blue eyes blazing . Will you just say what the hell is wrong with you ? Stop holding it all in . Valencia . Your constant smiling is creepy , you know ? Her words cracked something inside me . The dam burst , and tears began streaming down my face before I even realized I was crying . Ah- I choked on a sob , covering my face with my hands . Im sorry . I dont know why Im crying . Of course , you dont , Marcelene said , her tone exasperated but not unkind . Whats going on ? And dont give half baked answer . Did I even know what was wrong ? My emotions were a tangled mess . The past , the present , the future I didnt know where to begin . Id managed to fend off one calamity by keeping Jaxon at bay , but everything else felt like it was spiraling out of control . … My voice trembled as I tried to explain . I always dreamed of having children . But maybe … maybe I really am infertile . Marcelenes brows furrowed . And why would you think that ? The words tumbled out of me in a rush , my lips trembling . Ive never been able to- I stopped myself short . No , I cant tell her . I couldnt tell her about my past life , about the miscarriages that haunted me . About the guilt that weighed on me , 14 Chapter 16 whispering that I was incapable of protecting my own children Marcelene reached over and flicked my forehead with her finge making me flinch . Hey ! Youre an idiot , she said bluntly Do you have any proof youre infertde ? Did an actual doctor give you a report ? I shook my head , sniffling . Did you have sex with anyone recently ? She asked and I blush , nodding as explained the encounter . So , she huffed . Youre telling me you lost your virginity to a hot guy , had protected sex once , and because youve been feeling a little off , you thought you were pregnant ? And now that you know youre not, youre sad ? I looked away , shame heating my cheeks . It sounds stupid when you say it like that It is stupid , Marcelene deadpanned . Youre wasting my time here , you know that ? Tell me again he used protection , right ? I nodded reluctantly . Then obviously the test came out negative . She threw her hands up in exasperation . Her words made sense , but the lingering doubts in my chest refused to leave . As for the morning sickness , she continued , how much junk have you been eating lately ? I froze . Exactly Marcelene shot me a knowing look . Youve been stuffing your face with candy , ramen , and junk every other night . Your stomachs just upset . You look all hubby already- WHAT ?! I yelped , horrified . I pushed down the mirror on the sun visor , frantically examining my reflection . Im getting fat Marcelene burst into laughter . No , no ! I didnt mean it like that meant it in a good way . Youre still skin and bones by my standards , but your cheeks dont look so gaunt anymore . Its an improvement I slumped back in my seat , a mix of relief and indignation swirling inside me . Still , Ill need to cut back on the late night snacks , I muttered , rubbing my stomach absentmindedly . The sound of the dinner bell echoed through the air , pulling us both back to the present . Marcelene unlocked the doors , motioning for me to get out . Here , she said , pulling a tissue from her pocket afd dabbing at my cheeks . You look less constipated now . I scoffed , swatting her hand away . Marcelene smiled a rare , genuine smile that made her eyes crinkle at the corners . Her red hair was tied back in a updo , loose strands framing her face . Want to sleep over tonight ? I asked , hopeful for her company . half- Her smile faltered , and she shook her head . Im visiting Mom at the hospital tomorrow , She paused , her voice softening . Youd probably keep me up all night watching those booktok videos anyway . I snickered but couldnt ignore the sadness lurking beneath her words . Is it … okay if I come with you ? 2/3 Chapter 16 Her eyes widened in surprise : Are you sure ? Its not exactly a sliepping center I rolled my eyes . What kind of person do you take me for ? After a moment of hesitation , she nodded . Well leave early 7am sharp Deal I sighed as I watched her drive off , the heaviness in my chest easg ever so slightly . But reality came crashing back as I hurried to my room . Dinner etiquette demanded my attendance now that Father and the Pack Alphas were back . I changed quickly , swapping my black dress for a plain brown one with a collared neckline and full sleeves . Pulling my hair into a neat French updo , 1 secured it with a crystal butterfly clip discovered in the same bag as the red silk dress from yesterday . By the time I Nered the master dining room , all eyes were on me . Glares from my brothers , indifference from my stepmother , and the faintest hint of curiosity from Celeste . I smiled politely , bowing my head . Good evening . Taking my seat at the far corner of the table , I avoided looking directly at anyone . The Alpha , Roman Wolfe , st at the head . flanked by his second and third in command , On their sides sat their respective families , with Celeste perched next to Lethia , and the twins , her curls bouncing as she whispered to Ana . Opposite them were Jaxon , Jason , Sebastian , and my brothers iden , Ash , and August . Eighteen chairs lined the table in total , but two were left empty a mark of respect for the deceased Luna and Armani Alphas mate . I tuned into the conversation just as Rorhans voice cut through the murmurs . The Steele Alpha has agreed to the alliance . he announced , his tone measured . Drogo , I have decided that your daughter will be the perfect candidate . My blood ran cold as I looked up sharply . Fathers gaze shifted to me . What ? My mind raced , sifting through memories of my past life . This marriage alliance wasnt supposed to happen . Hadnt Celeste refused ? What had changed ? SEND GIFT COMMENT 11:38 Tue , Jan 14 Title: Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation," a young woman finds herself without a home after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend of four years. Following state policy, she is unexpectedly matched with a billionaire spouse, forever altering the course of her life. 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