Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

EYEA

I walked away from Maddox and Bella without looking back. The nerve she had to show up here unannounced. I could not explain the heavy irritation in my chest. It was mostly aimed at Maddox. He was the one who kept letting her into his life He was the one who made all of this so much harder than it needed to be.

Who he slept with was none of my business. But things were already complicated enough. Yet he still ran back to the woman who started most of this mess in the first place.

I could not help turning around for one last look. They looked good together. I could not even lie about that. The perfect, aesthetically pleasing couple. Bella stood regal beside him in a white mini bubble skirt with a’matching bodysuit, an oversized racer jacket, and cowboy boots. Her platinum blonde hair fell in perfect curls, and her signature red lips curved into a satisfied smile.

Meanwhile I was just plain old Nia. No wonder so many fans hated me. Everyone could see it. I did not belong in Maddox Kane’s world. In real life men like Maddox gave you one unforgettable night, ruined your life a little, then walked away without looking back.

If you were unlucky like me, they left you with a child to raise alone. A child they did not even know existed.

I walked back to my office, put on my lab coat, and tried to focus on work. I managed to get through the rest of the day without any more drama. When the clock finally hit the end of my shift, I grabbed my leather tote bag and left the arena.

The drive home was quiet. I could not handle music. My mind was already too full. Too loud.

I stepped into the house and took a deep breath. “Hi Mom,” I greeted as I closed the door behind me.

“How are you doing?” she asked, looking up from the couch.

“It was fine. Hope your day was not too stressful,” I said, worried. The clinic had been extra busy lately and it showed on her face.

“Well, it is not so bad. I am trying my best. You do not have to worry about me.” She noticed my tired expression. “I just put Zara to bed. There is food in the fridge. I am feeling sleepy so I am going to bed. We will talk tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Mom. Good night.”

I watched her walk to her room. Then I exhaled loudly and took the stairs up! I paused at Zara’s door, opened it quietly, and fixed her covers. I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“I love you,” I whispered.

She stirred a little but stayed asleep. I closed the door gently and went to my own room. I took a quick shower, changed into an oversized t-shirt and shorts, and went downstairs to eat the mac and cheese Mom left for me. I ate in silence at the kitchen table. The house felt peaceful, but my mind would not settle.

My phone buzzed. It was Natalie. I answered on the second ring.

“Hey mama,” she said brightly. “How are you doing?”

“I am good, girl. How are you?” I replied, smiling despite everything.

“I am great, just missing you badly, Nia,” she whined softly.

“I am sorry, love.” I chuckled a little. “We already planned to see each other. You cancelled last time.”

“I know, I know. My boss is trying to take my life away from me,” she complained. “It is so difficult being a corporate baddie, honestly.”

1

Chapter 23

“Honestly girl, it is really hard. School does not prepare us enough for this shit,” I sighed.

“Speaking of which, you are working two jobs now,” she said, clicking her tongue.

“I barely sleep anymore.” I admitted quietly.

“I cannot even imagine. I saw your pictures. You looked so good, girl. I reposted all the ones I came across on Instagram Everyone needs to see it,” she said, laughing.

“Girl please,” I laughed along with her. “I deactivated my Instagram temporarily though. I could not stand it I really could not. Everyone and their mama were in my DMs. Texting me, asking me for money and shit. I do not even want to talk about cyber bullying. These celebrities are having it hard.”

“I am so sorry you have to go through this, my love. Did you tell Maddox about all this?” she asked sadly.

“No,” I answered truthfully.

“Girl why? He should be able to help out in some way,” she scolded. “There is no way he does not know someone who can fix this, or at least reduce it. Fans can get really crazy. You would not want them showing up around places you frequent.”

“Maddox… I do not even know what to say about him. He is so insensitive. I was fighting for my life next to him and he did not even notice. I had a massive panic attack. I had to leave the hall.” I paused to catch my breath. “It was Beck who calmed me down. He rubbed my back when I threw up and comforted me while I was crying. Maddox came by minutes later only to warn me to stay away from Beck.”

Saying it out loud made the difference between the brothers impossible to ignore

“Wait what?” she asked, shocked.

“I am exhausted. I cannot even lie. It is so hard. I do not even know if I can take this anymore,” I felt tears gather in my eyes.

“Breathe, Nia. You will be fine, I promise. Of course it is hard. You did not sign up for any of this. Try and focus on the positives, okay?” She reassured me calmly. “You are capable of doing whatever you set your mind on. You just have to relax. I will not lie to you and say it will be easy because it will not, but you have got this.”

“Thank you.” I felt a lot lighter.

“You are always welcome.” We said our goodbyes and ended the call.

I got a call from Beck immediately after I hung up with Natalie. He asked how my day went. I responded warmly and gave him a short breakdown. Despite everything going on in my life, I was grateful I had supportive people around me.

I woke up the next morning in better spirits. Nothing beats a good talk with your best friend. I got ready for work and drove to the arena feeling a little lighter.

“Good morning,” I greeted cheerfully as I walked toward my office.

“Nia.”

My mood soured instantly. “What is it this morning?” I asked Maddox coldly.

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