Chapter 90
“Let’s start with your first lie – the day we met. Remember that ‘allergic reaction’ you claimed I caused? The one that made my fathet punish me for weeks p>
She flinched slightly but rallied. “You did that on purpose p>
“No, that was your first successful manipulation. Then there was the job you claimed I stole another lie. The pregnancy report you altered, leading to me losing my babies. The fake miscarriage during my mother’s surgery. Were you ever actually pregnant, Taylor? Or was that just another performance p>
“Shut up!” She tried to back away but I followed, forcing her to face me.
“And let’s not forget the pendant – the one you stole and used to convince Kyle you were his childhood savior. Tell me, Taylor, after living so many lies for so long, can you even recognize the truth anymore p>
Her face went chalk white. “No… you don’t know anything! You don’t understand anything!” Her voice rose hysterically. ” You’ve always had everything handed to you p>
“I know everything,” I corrected coldly. “What I don’t understand is why. You already had everything – loving parents, money, opportunities. Why the obsession with destroying my life p>
“Had everything?” She laughed, the sound brittle and sharp. “You think I had anything handed to me? I worked for everything I have p>
“Is that what you call it? Lying, cheating, and attempted murder is ‘work’ to you p>
“You’re so self-righteous!” She took a step toward me, hands clenched into fists. “You have lost everything not because of me, but your own punishment for your naivety and stupidity! No one can take everything for granted. he world doesn’t work that way! Someone had to teach you that lesson p>
I shook my head in disgust. “You’re delusional p>
“I’m pragmatic,” she snarled. “Everything I did was necessary. Your hypocritical kindness is really disgusting p>
I looked at Taylor quietly for a few seconds. She was going too far. “Maybe, but keep these words, your lawyer may not like them.” I said calmly.
Her eyes widened as she finally looked up. “You’re… you’re pregnant p>
“Yes.” I rested one hand protectively over my babies. “Yes. But you can try. I have no mercy for anyone who wants to hurt them. And you, Taylor, are the first p>
Blue and red lights flooded the street as police cars and an ambulance arrived. Two officers approached cautiously, hands on their weapons.
“Step away from each other,” one commanded. “Hands where we can see them p>
I complied immediately, keeping my movements slow and deliberate. Taylor remained frozen, staring at my stomach with an unreadable expression.
“Are you the caller?” the female officer asked me.
“Yes. I’m Mia Williams. This woman tried to run me over with her car.” I pointed to the security cameras mounted on nearby buildings. “Everything should be on video p>
The male officer moved to handcuff Taylor while his partner continued questioning me.
“Are you injured? Do you need medical attention p>
“I hurt my ankle avoiding the car, but otherwise I think I’m okay. I am pregnant though p>
She signaled the paramedics over. “We’ll need to get you checked out, ma’am. Please sit down while we secure the scene p>
I sank gratefully onto a nearby bench, the adrenaline starting to fade as exhaustion set in. The paramedics fussed over me, checking vital signs and examining my ankle.
“Blood pressure’s a bit elevated,” one noted. “We should transport her to be safe p>
“I need to tell my mother first,” I said. “She’s upstairs sleeping – she took pain medication for a sprained ankle earlier p>
“I’ll accompany you,” the female officer offered. We’ll need your formal statement anyway p>
I nodded, allowing her to help me stand. She glared at me with pure hatred as they guided her into the back seat.
My ankle throbbed with each step, but I forced myself to move quietly as we entered the apartment. Gas wasn’t home yet – still with Nate and his dogs, thankfully missing all the drama.
Mom was exactly where I’d left her, sleeping peacefully in her recliner. The pain medication had done its job well. I hated to wake her but knew she’d be furious if I didn’t.
“Mom?” I touched her shoulder gently. “Mom, wake up for a minute p>
She stirred slowly, blinking in confusion at the uniformed officer beside me. “Mia? What’s happening? I thought I heard noises…
“Just some construction work,” I lied smoothly. “But I need to go talk to someone about it. I’ll be back soon, okay p>
She was already drifting back to sleep, the medication pulling her under again. “Be careful p>
“I will,” I promised, kissing her forehead. “Go back to sleep p>