Waiting for the rights one novel

217 N Chapter 48 I scanned the code again , but the parking garage gate remained stubbornly closed .

Through the barrier , I saw a sleek , unfamiliar car parked in my designated spot .

Recognition struck me instantly .

It was the car Jonah had promised to give me two months ago .

But now , the person stepping out of it wasnt me .

It was Nadia .

She saw me immediately , her gaze flickering in my direction .

But instead of acknowledging my presence , she put on a deliberate act lifting a bright red marriage certificate and waving it in front of Jonah .

Jonah , she said , as soon as the City Hall opens tomorrow , Ill go with you to apply for a divorce .

That way , I wont delay your wedding with Arabelle .

N The only thing redder than the marriage certificate was Nadias teary eyes .

Jonah reached out , rubbing her head with an affectionate indulgence .

His voice was low , coaxing : Silly girl , he murmured .

Just wait a little longer .

Arabelle wont marry anyone but me .

Shed wait years if she had to .

They turned away , walking hand in hand toward our no , their home .

I stood still , watching their retreating figures , but I felt no pain .

Just a quiet , simmering exhaustion .

Without hesitation , I booked myself a hotel .

But the air in the room felt suffocating , so I changed into my running gear and headed to a nearby park .

The rhythmic pounding of my footsteps against the pavement was grounding , but the tightness in my chest refused to ease .

I pushed forward , completing one lap , then another , letting the motion carry me through the hollow ache of betrayal .

And then I saw them .

Jonah and Nadia , fingers interlocked , strolling through the park .

Jonah had never liked night runs .

But there he was , indulging her , listening as she whispered sweet nothings , her laughter like a delicate chime in the night air .

I had no interest in their love struck performance .

Slipping on my headphones , I turned in the opposite direction , increasing my pace .

My mind was already elsewhere so much so that I didnt notice I was being followed .

car .

Until it was too late .

A hand clamped over my mouth , yanking me backward with brutal force .

My body slammed against something solid a I thrashed wildly , trying to break free , but the grip was unrelenting .

Through the reflection in the window , I caught a glimpse of my assailant.N A woman .

A face eerily similar to Nadias .

Not an exact match but close enough .

If you dare to steal my daughters man , she hissed into my ear , you deserve to die ! } Panic surged through me .

My eyes darted around , desperately searching for help .

And then i saw Zane .

He stood not far away , phone pressed to his ear .

Our eyes met for a fleeting second .

I pleaded silently , frantically waving my free hand .

But he merely turned his back , taking a slow step away .

The two bodyguards beside him followed suit , like they had seen nothing .

The woman behind me was shockingly strong nothing like someone supposedly dying from a terminal illness .

Before I could react further , a sharp pain bloomed at the back of my skull .

My vision blurred .

My body gave out .

Darkness swallowed me whole .

*** When I came to , my limbs were leaden , my breath shallow .

A metallic taste coated my tongue .

Something was wrong .

Blinking rapidly , I tried to focus .

The air was thick with the scent of blood .

I was in some kind of cheap motel room .

& And then I saw her .

Nadias mother lay crumpled on the floor , pale and motionless , blood pooling beneath her .

Before I could even process the scene , the door burst open with a violent kick .

Jonah stormed in , his face contorted in fury .

His men followed closely behind .

A scream shattered the silence .

Mom ! Nadia shoved past them , her wail piercing .

She collapsed beside her mothers limp body , hands shaking as she tried to rice har 212 40.0 % P Nadia shoved past them , her wail piercing .

She collapsed beside her mothers limp body , hands shaking as she tried to rouse her .

Mom , what happened to you ? Dont scare me like this ! Her cries were raw , filled with hysteria .

Then , as if suddenly remembering my presence , she turned on me , her eyes blazing with accusation .

Arabelle ! she shrieked .

What have I ever done to you ? How could you be so cruel ? My mom barely has any time left to live and you- She choked on a sob , her body trembling .

Jonah stood frozen , his usual composure cracking at the sight of so much blood .

His hemophobia was well known he could hardly look , yet he forced himself to act .

Jaw clenched , he grabbed his phone , dialing emergency services .

But that didnt stop him from lashing out .

With unbridled fury , he sent a vicious kick to my chest .

Pain exploded through me , knocking the breath from my lungs .

Arabelle , youve really disappointed me ! he spat .

As I struggled to breathe , Nadia latched onto his arm , sobbing uncontrollably .

Jonah , forget it , she pleaded .

This is all my fault .

I never should have asked for your help .

Right now , I just want my mom to be safe … Her voice broke on the last word .

Jonahs anger flared anew .

He turned sharply to Zane , his glare lethal .

Didnt I tell you to keep an eye on her ? To make sure she didnt cause trouble ? Zane and the two bodyguards stiffened , exchanging quick glances before responding in unison .

Miss Arabelle was driving too fast .

We couldnt keep up .

It was a well crafted excuse and Jonah didnt even question it .

After all , before I met him , I had a reputation for street racing .

It was enough to make their lie believable .

\ Suppressing his discomfort , Jonah crouched down beside Nadia , his attention fully on her .

Nadia , your moms strong .

Shell be okay .

The woman on the ground trembled slightly .

But she didnt dare to open her eyes .

I let out a bitter laugh , the taste of blood thick on my tongue .

Stop crying already , I muttered , voice hoarse .

Or your mom wont be able to keep up the act .

@ The moment the words left my mouth , Nadia snapped .

With a wild , furious cry , she grabbed the blood stained knife from the floor and lunged at me .

Arabelle ! Ill give Jonah back to you , okay ? Why did you hurt my mom and then slander her ? Do you even have a conscience ? } Her grip on the knife was unsteady , her rage blinding .

Jonah moved in an instant , seizing her wrist before the blade could reach me .

With a swift motion , he pried the weapon from her grasp .

Then , without hesitation , he pulled her into his arms , holding her shaking body tightly against his own .

40 0