Bella's POV
"I never wanted it!" Parker's voice cracked through the tension like a whip. "I never chose to sleep with her."
His sudden outburst sent shock waves through all of us. The words hung in the air like an accusation, heavy with implications I wasn't sure I wanted to understand.
"I was completely wasted that night. When I came to the next morning, she was there beside me in bed. That's when those babies happened. I couldn't stand her, never could. I still don't know how she tracked me down when I was that far gone, but she swore she was just as drunk as I was. That's the whole truth."
Parker's hands covered his face as he spoke, his voice muffled but still carrying that raw edge of desperation. He stared at each of us, daring anyone to challenge his version of events.
"Besides, what does it matter? It's not like Derek has any real shot with Bella anyway."
