Chapter: 157Anthony’s POV The words settled between us, fragile and honest. I heard her inhale sharply, a quiet sound she probably did not realize she made. It tightened something in my chest.I finally looked at her then.Her eyes were wide, reflecting the lights from the fountain, her lips parted just slightly as if she had been caught mid-thought. For a second, she looked exactly like she had eight years ago, surprised by something she had not expected to hear.“I do not understand,” she said quietly.And that was the truth, I realized. She really did not. Neither did I. That was the problem.I had spent eight years convincing myself that what I felt for Samantha was gone. Buried under competition, resentment, pride, and time. I told myself it had burned out the day she walked away without looking back. I told myself it was easier that way.But lately, I noticed her everywhere.The way my focus shifted when she entered a room. The way my chest tightened when she looked tired. The way my body
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-12-17
Chapter: 156.Anthony’s POVWe did not go far.That was the first thing I noticed as we slipped out through the quieter side exit, leaving the noise and lights behind. The music from the ballroom faded into a distant hum, replaced by the soft night air and the low murmur of the city beyond the venue. Paris at night felt different when you were not performing for it. Quieter. More honest.The last time I had been here, I barely remembered the streets. Everything had blurred together into airports, practice rinks, hotel corridors, and endless schedules taped to the inside of my head. I had seen Paris through tinted car windows and reflected stage lights, never through my own tired eyes. There had been no time to slow down, no space to breathe. Every hour had been accounted for, every step measured by what came next.And Celeste had not helped.She had loved the attention. Thrived on it, really. Every gala, every after party, every public appearance turned into a performance of its own. She floate
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-12-16
Chapter: 155.Samantha’s POVThe Paris team arrived at our table. They approached together, their presence warm and polite, and I sat up straighter.Camille spoke first, a bright smile on her lips. “Hello again. We wanted to check if you both settled in well. I hope everything was resolved.”“Yes,” I said softly. “Thank you again for helping us earlier.”She waved a hand. “It was the least we could do. The event should treat all athletes well. Not only the favorites.”Her eyes flicked toward Anthony when she said that. Slowly. Intentionally.He smiled back at her. And my stomach twisted again.Camille was beautiful, elegant, and one of the most well known skaters in Europe. Tall, graceful, with dark curls pinned into a perfect updo. Her partner, Julien, stood beside her, equally charming in a classic black suit.“You look refreshing tonight,” Julien said courteously.“Ah, but not as striking as your partner,” Camille added smoothly, her smile turning warmer in a way that was no longer subtle. “Anth
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-12-15
Chapter: 154.Samantha's POVThe ballroom was glittering gold and ice. Chandeliers hung in shimmering clusters, each one brighter than the one before. The ceiling reflected the lights like a frozen lake, and the room buzzed with photographers, guests, and athletes dressed in tailored suits and gowns that looked like they belonged on magazine covers. Everything smelled expensive. Perfume layered over polished wood and champagne. Laughter floated everywhere, light and practiced.Anthony and I had barely taken our seats when I realized two things at once.One, the women here loved him.Two, I hated how much it bothered me.I shifted slightly in my chair, smoothing my hands over the emerald fabric of my dress. The material felt cool beneath my fingers, grounding and unfamiliar. I still could not believe I was wearing something like this. That I was here. That I had almost kissed Anthony Vale less than an hour ago.My mind betrayed me, replaying the moment in the boutique. His breath close. His eyes
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-12-14
Chapter: 153.Samantha’s POV“Anthony,” I whispered.His lips curved into the faintest smile. “Do not worry, Sam. I am not going to say anything else right now.” He muttered.Relief washed through me. And disappointment. A strange mix I could not untangle. I looked away quickly, pretending to study the dress again.He reached out slowly, and for a moment I thought he was going to touch my arm. His hand hovered, just a breath away from my skin, close enough that I felt the ghost of warmth. Then he stopped. His fingers curled, and he lowered his hand as if he had just remembered where we were.The air in the boutique shifted.It was too quiet around us. Too still. Too charged.I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.We were standing closer than anyone should. Close enough that I could smell his cologne, something warm and clean, something that fit him too well. Close enough that I felt the heat rising off his body.His gaze lifted from the dress to my face. Then lower.To my lips.My breath caught. My
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-12-13
Chapter: 152.Samantha’s POVThe second dress was champagne colored, soft and delicate, with tiny beads across the bodice. It really was beautiful. On someone else. On me, it made my skin look tired, almost pale.I caught my reflection and winced. “This is not it,” I whispered to myself.When I stepped out, Anthony tilted his head slowly, studying me from top to bottom.“You look like someone’s bridesmaid,” he said.I stared at him. “Wow. Brutal honesty.”“I am trying to help,” he replied, lifting both hands slightly. “I do not want you to look like you got lost on your way to a wedding.”I pressed my lips together. “Thank you for the feedback. Very helpful.”The saleswoman gave a polite smile. “It is a lovely gown, but the color is not bringing out your features. Perhaps something richer.”I nodded quickly. “Yes. Something richer. Or darker. Or literally anything else.”Anthony hummed in agreement. “I am voting for darker. And no more beige. You look like you smell like vanilla cupcakes.”I narrow
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-12-12
Chapter: EPILOGUE I year later The wind blew again, this time stronger than the first. Alister adjusted the thick fur cloak on Luciana’s shoulders and smiled as she buried her head in the crook of his arms. In her condition, she wasn’t supposed to be there but she was as stubborn as him. “Do you think she’s looking down on us and regretting what she did?" Luciana mumbled. Alister sighed; he knew that Ophelia regretted what she did and that was why she had killed herself, but he didn't know whether she had found peace in the afterlife. “I hope she found peace after all”, he mumbled. “ I miss her…the kids too” Luciana said. Alister nodded. He wouldn’t admit it, but he also missed her. He had forgiven her for what she did and would have loved it if Ophelia knew that she was forgiven. They stayed that way for a while before someone cleared their throat behind them. He knew who it was even before he turned to face the person. Elijah was standing there with a white rose in his hands, Ophelia’s favorit
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-08-31
Chapter: chapter 80Alister’s POVThe fight is in full force, and so far, the Black Moon pack seems to be holding their own. He looked around the fighting ground once again and couldn’t spot his uncle Helster. He knew his uncle’s wolf by now. If Helster’s wolf wasn’t on the battlefield, then where was he?A rogue charged at him, and he pounced on the wolf, tearing its spine away from its body and killing it instantly. The more Rogues they fight and kill, the more additional Rogues charge out of the woods.He saw Elijah finishing off another rogue, and his mind linked to him.“Helster is not here; why?”Elijah turned around and shifted into his human form. He ran back to where Alister was standing, already shifted into his human form.“I wouldn't want to believe that he’s hiding." Alister said.Elijah shook his head and said, “He wants the pack; he’s not hiding. I think he wants to sneak into the pack from another border. Catch us unawares." he said.Just then, as Alister wanted to respond, Peter’s
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-08-31
Chapter: chapter 79Luciana’s POVElder Haruto is dead. Wilson had said to her last night after he had returned to his house. He was now the head of the council and would preside over their case. She felt relieved that things were indeed working in their favor.Luciana shifted in her chair. She was waiting for their case to be called, like every other person who was there. She looked around, trying to see if Alpha Reed was already there, but she didn’t see him.Maybe it was a good thing that they would meet inside and not out in the open, she didn't know if she could control herself if she saw him out there in the open.“Black Velvet Pack!" a werewolf standing by the door called.She saw an Alpha stand up and walk into the room where the hearing was being held. Their case was the next one; she had seen the order earlier when Wilson had spoken to her.She pulled the folder out and held it firmly on her lap. The future of their pack depended on her, and as much as she had been the one who had caused all th
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-08-30
Chapter: chapter 78Alister’s POVIt was hard. Knowing that his mate was somewhere in the council, doing what he was supposed to be doing, was hard. It had been hard letting her go, and even now, he had to restrict himself from entering a car and driving to the council." Daddy… I want to pee." Keita said, tapping his leg.Alister rolled his eyes, looking down at the boy. “You just did that like five minutes ago”, he mumbled.Keita frowned. “I know, but I still want to go. Mom would be upset if I peed on myself,” he said, pouting his lips.Alister shook his head. Either Keita was missing his mother and didn’t know how to communicate his feelings, or he was trying to be difficult and frustrate him. He suspected it was both.“Fine, let’s go”, he said, picking Keita up. The moment he moved to leave, Omar jumped up from the chair and followed them. Alister sighed. It was going to be hard trying to pull Omar away from him when the time came to defend the pack, and Luciana was not yet back.Thankfully, the re
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-08-30
Chapter: chapter 77Reed’s POVReed arrived at the council the next morning. He could feel his victory, and that gave him the confidence to enter the council building. He still had time before the hearing, so he decided to pay a visit to Veronica, his mother.Her office was not far from the academy. He climbed the stairs and walked down the hallway until he got to her door.He knocked twice and waited for her response before pushing the door open and entering the small office. His mother was sitting behind her desk, and she looked like she had never aged since he last saw her.Veronica lifted her head and the surprise on her face was obvious. He didn't blame her for being shocked at him standing in her office; he too would be shocked if he were in her position.Growing up, they never had the best mother-son relationship. She was more like a figure who was just there beside his father. He hated her for that—for not loving him like every other mother loved their children.She pulled the glasses off her fac
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-08-30
Chapter: chapter 76Luciana’s POVLuciana closed the zipper of her luggage with a sigh. She was ready to leave, but her heart couldn’t bear to see them all as she was leaving. She could hear the different voices gathered in her living room to bid her goodbye.She sighed and dragged her luggage out of the room, walking down the stairs.“Oh Lucia." Ophelia mumbled, coming up to her to envelope her in a huge hug. Luciana buried herself in the hug.It wasn’t that she was going away from the council for long. Hell, she was just going to be gone for two or three days, so she didn't understand why they were all acting like she was going to be gone for a year.“Take care of yourself and my boys,” she muttered close to Ophelia’s ears.Ophelia nodded her head and released her. “I will. Stay safe,” she said, taking the luggage from Luciana and carrying it outside towards the waiting car.Alister was the next one to come up to her. He was holding Omar, who had refused to let him go and was clinging to him.“You can
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-08-30
Chapter: EPILOGUE Avery's POVThe late afternoon sun bathed the garden in soft golden hues, casting a warm glow over rows of blooming hydrangeas, roses, and lilies.Every seat was filled, family and friends gathered beneath an arch woven with white fabric and delicate greenery. Soft music floated in the air, a gentle tune that carried laughter, hope, and all the emotions neither Asher nor Avery could quite put into words.Avery stood at the far end of the aisle, her hand clutching a small bouquet of peonies, her favorite. Georgia had insisted they were perfect for her. Laurel smoothed the soft lace sleeve of her dress one last time and gave her a wink before stepping back. The twins stood near Asher and Nolan in matching suspenders and little bow ties, trying to look serious but clearly bubbling with excitement.She took a shaky breath.The dress was not elaborate, nothing like the one she had imagined as a little girl. It was simple, soft ivory satin, gently hugging her shape before flowing to the g
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-20
Chapter: 149.Avery's POV Dinner at the Storm mansion was nothing like Avery remembered dinners being. They weren’t stiff or quiet or awkward, filled with measured words and judging glances. No, this was something else entirely. The long oak table was crowded, the air warm with laughter and the smell of roasted chicken and garlic bread. Glasses clinked. Kael had already spilled his juice twice. Neal and Noel were giggling about a secret joke only they understood, and Georgia had her hair tied in a loose bun, her smile softer than Avery had ever seen.Asher sat beside Avery, his hand brushing hers every now and then beneath the table, a silent reassurance that she still hadn’t imagined it all, that this was her life now. Her real life.Laurel was seated across from her, cutting up Kael’s chicken while the boy alternated between chattering and shoving bread into his mouth. He was a sweet kid, smart, and a little shy when he’d first arrived. But tonight, he seemed to belong as naturally as the oth
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-20
Chapter: 148.Asher’s POV The words hit him, not like a shock, because he already knew, but like a gentle confirmation of something sacred he had held quietly, painfully, hopefully in his heart for months.He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her eyes were wide, bracing for rejection or disbelief. It made something burn hot inside him, protective, fierce.“I know,” he said softly.Her breath caught. “Y-you… already know?”He nodded.“When? How?” Her voice was a whisper of confusion, maybe even fear.Asher exhaled slowly. “From the very moment I saw Neal at the shopping mall.” His lips curved, faint and bittersweet. “His blond hair… the same shade I had when I was six. The same curls. The same dimples.” He paused, emotion tightening his voice. “He looked exactly like me. They both do.”Avery stared at him in stunned silence. He could almost see the thoughts rushing through her, shock, disbelief, relief, guilt, hope. They all flickered in her eyes like shifting light.“And Noel?”
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-20
Chapter: 147.Asher’s POVAsher stared at her, breath caught in his throat, as if the world had paused just to let her words sink in.Pregnant.The soft echo of that single word seemed to linger in the air long after Avery spoke it.Her eyes were wide, unfocused, almost dazed. Her lips parted slightly as though she herself could not believe what she had just said. Her fingers drifted down to touch her stomach in an unconscious, gentle motion, like someone seeking reassurance that what they realized was real and not imagined.Asher’s heart began pounding in a slow, heavy rhythm that made it difficult to breathe. He moved closer without realizing it.Avery licked her lips nervously. “I just realized,” she said softly. “It hit me when I felt the nausea earlier. And then I counted. The days. The symptoms. It makes sense now.”The room around him faded into a distant blur. The hum of the machines, the faint footsteps in the hallway, even the soft breathing of the boys asleep on the couch. All of it shra
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-20
Chapter: 146.Avery’s POVThe knock on the hospital room door was soft, almost hesitant. Avery had just managed to settle herself back on the bed, the slight nausea that had lingered since the morning finally easing. She looked up, expecting another nurse or perhaps the doctor, but was stunned silent when the door opened and Grandfather Wellesley stepped inside.He was dressed in his usual pristine suit, his silver cane tapping softly against the floor as he walked in. His expression was not as cold as she remembered it, though still reserved.“Good afternoon,” he said, voice gentle but formal.Avery blinked, her heart skipping slightly. “Mr. Wellesley… I wasn’t expecting you.”He nodded, as if that much was obvious. “I imagine not.”She instinctively sat up straighter, adjusting the blanket over her legs. She hadn’t seen him since before all this. The last time she had spoken to him was when she had walked out of the Wellesley home, after discovering the truth about herself.And now, the real Av
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-20
Chapter: 145.Avery’s POV The woman swallowed hard, guilt tightening her voice. “Someone else… someone working against Henry must have known about the meeting. They must have been watching. And when I didn’t arrive, they mistook you for me.”A chill crawled down Avery’s back.“They took you from the bar,” the woman said softly. “lead you to the hotel room I was meant to enter. You were drunk, confused… and they thought you were me.”Avery’s eyes widened, a helpless whisper escaping her. “But the accident…”The woman nodded slowly, grief tightening her jaw. “The van. The hit. That part wasn’t meant for you either. They were targeting me because of what Henry gave me. But you were the one they followed that night.”Avery felt her stomach twist. Her breath came in shallow gasps.“I had no idea who you were,” the woman added, tears filling her eyes. “I only knew that someone had survived the accident. I didn’t know your name. I didn’t know your story.”Avery stared at her, unable to speak, unable to b
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-20
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