Chapter 50: AbandonedClaudia stepped through the glass doors of Clarke Industries with her heels clicking sharply against the gleaming marble floor. The sound echoed faintly, but it was drowned out by the storm of emotions churning within her. She was here on business—or so she told herself. Deep down, she knew the real reason was far more complicated, tangled in the messy web of guilt and affection that always surfaced when Damian was involved.Her father's confession from the night before weighed heavily on her. How could she face Damian now, knowing what she knew? How could anyone face the daughter of the man who had destroyed their entire family? And worse, knowing that Damian who was still unaware of the truth would look at her with gratitude, believing she had saved him from ruin, only twisted the knife further.Claudia's chest tightened as she moved through the quiet halls, her steps measured but her heart racing. The guilt was suffocating like a relentless voice in her head w
Chapter 51: Pouring rainClaudia knelt in front of Damian, her hands trembling slightly as she gently wiped the tears from his cheeks with the edge of her sleeve. His sobs had quieted, but his shoulders still shuddered with the remnants of his pain. It was the first time she had ever seen him so vulnerable, and it twisted something deep inside her. She didn't know if it was guilt or love—or both."Please," Alaric whispered, his voice raw and hoarse. He looked at her, his eyes brimming with a mix of desperation and confusion. "Please don't tell me you'll leave me again..." His words trailed off as his chest tightened, and he clutched at the fabric of his shirt like he was trying to ease the ache in his heart.Claudia's hand froze mid-air, startled by the depth of his plea. She had heard Damian speak many times before, but there was something entirely different in the way he said this—something ancient and fractured. His words weren't just about her leaving him now; they were about some
Chapter 52: RosesTwo weeks had passed since the emotional confrontation between Claudia and Alaric, and their relationship had taken a surprising turn for the better. The two seemed closer, more attuned to each other, though shadows of unspoken truths still lingered in Claudia's heart.Meanwhile, Selene was now focused on her own journey, even as her heart ached with memories of Alaric. She had chosen to move forward, pouring her love and energy into the new life growing within her. The days were quiet but fulfilling but sometimes, sadness would linger.Selene sat behind the bakery counter. A faint smile graced her lips as she gazed at the sonogram image in her hands. The black-and-white photo of her unborn children filled her chest with a bittersweet warmth.Suddenly, the gentle chime of the bell above the bakery's door startled her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see an elderly woman walking in with her kind eyes lighting up as they fell on Selene."Near due date, dear?" the
Chapter 53: EnoughAlaric's gaze lingered on Selene. His expression was unreadable yet filled with an odd intensity before he finally turned to Claudia. "Who is that woman?" He asked in his low but conscious voice.Claudia shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward Selene. "That's Selene. She's new here, a recent hire. She's pregnant, in case you couldn't tell.""Pregnant, you say?" Alaric murmured, his tone distant as his gaze flicked back to Selene. "Curious."The single word sent a ripple of unease through Claudia. She tried to keep her tone light but couldn't mask her irritation. "Why does that matter? It's not as though it concerns you."Alaric ignored her remark, his eyes narrowing slightly as though trying to piece together a fragmented thought. "She stirs a peculiar sense of familiarity within me. Yet... I cannot place her."Claudia stiffened. "You've been locked up in your office or at home for months before you got sick. When could you have possibly crossed paths with her?"Alar
Chapter 54: I know"Enough, Selene," Claudia snapped out of frustration.But Selene didn't back down. She stepped forward while her gaze remained fixed on Alaric as though Claudia's words barely registered. Her voice rose, trembling but resolute, as she called out a name that made Alaric flinch somehow triggering a few memories."Amaris! Do you remember my name? Amaris?" Selene's words were raw and heavy with emotion. "Alaric, I—"Before she could finish, Claudia's hand came down in a sharp, stinging slap across Selene's face. The sound echoed through the room like a crack of thunder, stunning everyone, including Alaric, who abruptly stood up, his chair screeching against the floor.Selene staggered slightly as her hand flew to her cheek in disbelief. Her wide eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she stayed silent, her lips trembling as she stared at Claudia.Claudia's chest heaved with anger, her hands trembling at her sides. "So you've come here pretending to need a job, but all y
Chapter 55: See You NeverIt was a Saturday morning, and Selene wandered out for a long walk to buy the vitamins her doctor had prescribed. The crisp air did little to clear the heaviness in her heart. After what had happened yesterday, she wasn't sure she could ever return to the bakery. She never imagined Claudia, who had always been kind and understanding, would lash out and slap her. But Selene couldn't entirely blame her. She had been desperate, overstepping boundaries that weren't hers to cross. She told herself she deserved it.What weighed even more heavily was the thought of seeing Alaric again. She wasn't sure if her heart could take it remembering the way he looked at her with disdain just yesterday.Selene sighed.The morning was serene and the streets were quiet. The air carried the faint scent of damp earth and morning mist. Selene closed her eyes as she walked, letting the scent wash over her. It was so familiar, exactly like the mornings she'd spent beside Alaric. Thos
Chapter 56: A Perfect FitThe morning sun filtered through the curtains, filling the small apartment with soft, warm light. Selene sat at the kitchen table lost in thought. Today, she had to do it. She had to tell Mrs. Aldridge that she was leaving. There would be no waiting until tomorrow. After her conversation with Alaric earlier this morning, she had made up her mind. She would find a new place to live—maybe somewhere in the countryside, far from the reminders of her past. Somewhere quiet, peaceful.Selene couldn't escape the feeling that there was no longer a future for her here. The place that once felt like home now felt empty, suffocating. And more than that, she had finally accepted that she had to let go of Alaric. She couldn't bear the thought of seeing him with someone else, and that ache in her chest was a constant reminder that it was time to move on. It was a pain that sliced through her, but it had also made her think clearly for the first time in weeks.She needed to
Chapter 57: Not that badAlaric sat in his study, a book lying open before him, though his eyes barely glanced at the pages. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Selene. Their encounter earlier that day had stirred something deep within him—something he couldn't quite define. It wasn't just curiosity or sympathy. It was a strange, undeniable pull, as if her presence had reignited a part of him that had been long dormant.He leaned back in his chair while his fingers lightly grazed the armrest as he replayed the moment in his mind. The warmth of her hand on his, the gentle curve of her baby bump beneath his touch, and the miraculous flutter of tiny kicks. A smile crept across his lips at the memory, unbidden but impossible to suppress. For reasons he didn't fully understand, that fleeting connection had left him longing for more.Alaric chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head. "What's wrong with me?" he muttered, though the answer eluded him. He had been certain of his
Chapter 84: TestifyClaudia's bedroom was dimly lit and the heavy curtains were drawn to block out the light from outside. She sat on her chaise lounge, staring blankly at the glass of wine in her hand, swirling the deep red liquid absentmindedly. The once-polished and pristine young woman now looked worn, her elegant appearance marred by days of worry and sleepless nights.The door to her room suddenly burst open with a loud crash, making her jump. The glass of wine slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor as her father, Mr. Yves, stormed in. His face was twisted with fury as his usually composed demeanor completely unraveled."You testified against me?!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "Are you stupid?! Do you have any idea what you've done?"Claudia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Dad, I—""You've destroyed everything!" he interrupted as his hands trembled and pointed an accusing finger at her. "Everything I built, everything I worke
Chapter 83: The Light and The Moon"Are you sure you're alright after whatever Arthur rudely said to you earlier?" Alaric asked, his concern evident as Selene carefully leaned back against the headboard.Selene let out a soft chuckle and exhaled. "He was rude and mean... but I don't think he meant any harm. I'm more worried about my babies. We left them behind at Mrs. Callaghan's. It's—"Before she could finish, a knock on the door interrupted her, followed by Arthur's voice from the other side. "Mr. Clarke, you have visitors."Alaric who momentarily forgot about his expected visitors, spoke without hesitation. "Let them in."The door opened slowly, and Arthur stepped aside as two men entered, each accompanied by a nurse. In their arms were two tiny bundles, wrapped snugly in soft, warm cloths. Arthur had thoughtfully suggested removing the newborns from their incubators so the mother could hold them freely.Selene's breath hitched at the sight, and tears instantly welled up in her ey
Chapter 82: Twins"What do you know?" Alaric finally asked, confused and suspicious.Arthur smiled solemnly. "I knew. From the moment you returned and spoke to me, I could tell that you were different. The way you carried yourself, the way you spoke—it was as if someone else had taken his place. Damian was my young master, and I knew him better than anyone."Selene's breath hitched, and her gaze darted between the two men. "Then why... why didn't you say anything?" she whispered.Arthur sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his back as he straightened. "Because I knew the truth wouldn't change the situation. Damian Clarke was already gone. I saw his body myself the day he fell unconscious in his own home."Alaric's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"Arthur hesitated for a moment before continuing, his tone heavy with regret. "Damian's death was no accident. It wasn't illness or stress as it appeared. He was poisoned."Selene gasped, her free hand covering her mouth. Alaric's grip o
Chapter 81: The Wise ArthurAlaric stood by the window of his hotel room with his freshly cleaned hands clasped behind his back. He was dressed in a crisp, dark suit from the clothes Arthur had brought and looked every bit the powerful figure he once was. Yet the lines of worry etched into his face betrayed the turmoil within him.He picked up his phone and dialed a number swiftly. The call connected after a single ring.“Gather a pair of neonatal nurses immediately,” he commanded, his voice firm but slightly hoarse. “I need them ready to travel to the address I will be sending you. You’ll find two newborns there under Mrs. Callaghan’s care. Ensure they are handled carefully and brought to the Union General Hospital where Selene... Selene Clarke is in.”The person on the other end hesitated but obediently answered. “Yes, sir. Should I arrange for additional help?”“Do whatever it takes. I expect them taken here as soon as possible,” Alaric replied sharply. Then, before ending the call
Dear lovely readers,We’re nearing the final chapters of The Tyrant’s Baby. It’s been an incredible journey bringing this story to life, and I’m so grateful for your support, love, and patience along the way. Stay tuned as we uncover the last twist, turn, and heartfelt moments in Selene and Alaric’s story.Thank you for being part of this adventure!With love,Yña Banana 🌙
Chapter 80: MistakeSelene's eyelids fluttered open. Her gaze was unfocused as the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room swam into view. Her body felt heavy with every muscle weighed down by exhaustion, and a dull ache spread across her abdomen. She blinked a few times, trying to make sense of her surroundings.Then, she sees a doctor standing at her bedside, meticulously checking her vitals. A nurse was beside him, recording notes on a clipboard and adjusting the IV drip connected to her arm. She was still in a daze, almost forgetting what exactly had happened to her."Mrs. Clarke," the doctor said gently, noticing her eyes opening. "You're awake. That's a good sign. Can you hear me?"Selene's lips parted, but her voice came out in a barely audible rasp. "Where... where am I?""You're in the hospital," the doctor replied calmly, leaning in slightly. "You've been through quite an ordeal. We're monitoring your recovery, but you're stable now. Don't try to move too much just yet."
Chapter 79: A RealizationThe nurse hesitated for a moment before gently placing a hand on his arm. "Mr. Clarke, you need to clean yourself up. Please," she urged in a soft yet firm voice. "The doctors are doing everything they can. We'll inform you as soon as there's any news."Alaric barely reacted as his bloodied hands trembled at his sides. His gaze remained fixed on the emergency room doors waiting for someone to come out. "I can't leave," he rasped. "Not until I know she's okay."Before the nurse could insist, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway which caught their attention. He turned his head sharply to see an older man rushing toward him. It was his butler, Arthur, followed closely by two maids. Each of them carried bags while their faces were etched with panic and concern."Mr. Clarke!" the butler called with relief seeing that a nurse seemed to be attending to him. He then stopped in front of Alaric, scanning his disheveled and blood-streaked appearance. "We came as so
Chapter 78: Unbearable Pain"Selene? Dear? Wake up." Mrs. Weaver's voice trembled with nervousness, cutting through the haze of relief that had only just settled moments before.Alaric who was just a few steps away from the room, froze. The words he heard sank into his mind like ice. Then, like a man possessed, he whirled around with his fear propelling him back into the room. In one swift motion, he handed the newborn to Mrs. Weaver as his trembling hands betrayed his panic."Take her!" His voice cracked out of desperation.His focus tunneled in on Selene. Her still, pale figure was a vision he couldn't bear to accept. He instantly dropped to his knees beside her while his hands reached out, trembling as they cupped her face. "Selene," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Stay with me, my love. Please."When she didn't respond, his breath hitched. His panic quickly rose like a tidal wave. Without hesitation, he slipped his arms beneath her, carefully but urgently pulling her limp body
Chapter 77: BetrayalSelene's raw and unrelenting cries echoed through the room. Her grief was pouring out in waves that seemed to ripple through everyone present. Mrs. Weaver, though composed, handed the crying infant boy to Mrs. Callaghan with steady hands. "Take him," she instructed softly. "He'll need tending to."Mrs. Callaghan nodded with a grim expression on her face as she took the tiny boy and cradled him close to her chest. The baby's wails filled the void left by Selene's sorrow, but it did little to lessen the burden inside the room.The midwife never strayed far from Selene's side. Her sharp eyes watched every movement of the grieving mother. "Selene," she called gently, her voice steady but lined with concern. "You need to rest. You've just been through so much." But Selene's sobs only grew louder, her anguish blinding her to the world around her.Meanwhile, across the room, Alaric stood frozen. His frame was rigid while his hands trembled at his sides. He had seen death