Ep. 3.

Kayla’s POV.

The moment his hand held mine, a thrilling shiver coursed through my veins. He was the same man I had met with the familiar little girl back at the airport.

Our eyes locked instantly, and I could hear the thumping of my heart as I swallowed nervously, refusing to break eye contact for even a second.

His gaze felt soothing, and I found myself drawn and enchanted by it.

Despite the familiarity, I couldn't pinpoint where I had seen him before, no matter how hard I tried to recall.

"Are you okay?" His voice brought me back from my trance, and suddenly, I remembered my reason for excusing myself from my stepmother.

"I… I am fine... thank you!" I stammered, pulling myself out of his grip and averting my eyes.

"But you don't look okay… did anyone hurt you?" His concern threw me into a confusing situation. He didn't know me from Adam, so his care for my well-being puzzled me.

"I said I'm fine!" I cleared my throat, attempting to sound rude, hoping he would back off. However, he persisted.

"If you…" he began, still pestering me with questions, but fortunately for me, Adora, his little daughter's voice pierced through, bringing a halt to the conversation.

"Daddy!" she called out, and immediately, his attention shifted to her.

This was my chance to escape. Seizing the opportunity, I slipped away from his sight and hurried into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

In front of the mirror, I examined my face, a mix of surprise and lingering anger.

I questioned for a moment why he felt so familiar and why he seemed to care about me.

"It doesn't matter!" I gasped, shutting my eyes briefly in an attempt to regain control of my emotions.

I reached for the pipe, unlocking it, and water began pouring into the sink.

Intending to wash my face, I was about to reach for the water when memories flooded back.

These recollections, dormant for a long while, seemed to resurface, triggered by my return to the pack.

"Ahh!" I clutched my head, shutting my eyes tightly in an attempt to block out the memories, but they persisted.

In my mind's eye, I found myself locked in a dark room, huddled on the cold floor, my small hands embracing my legs.

The mistreatment at such a young age left a lingering ache in my head. The door opened, revealing Becky and my step-sister, their faces contorted with disdain.

I pleaded for release, begged them to let me go, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. In a cruel turn, Becky slapped me across the face, causing me to tumble onto the muddy, dirty ground.

Tears streamed down my face as pain and desperation engulfed me.

Becky, Without any ounce of mercy, grabbed a bucket of water and doused it over my small, defenceless body.

The vivid memories played out before me, a stark reminder of the harsh past I had fought so hard to overcome.

The cold water continued to pour, and I cried out for mercy, but Becky showed none.

Laughter echoed through the air as she and my step-sister revelled in their wickedness against me.

Suddenly, I found myself back on the bathroom floor, curled up, pulling my legs close to my chest.

Fear gripped me as I recalled the past, sitting on the cold tiles, my eyes wide with terror.

"It's happening, it's happening again!" I choked on my breaths, unable to breathe properly.

A panic attack overwhelmed me, and despite my attempts to stop it, it seemed impossible.

I released my legs, using my hands to steady myself and prevent my body from meeting the ground.

My right hand repeatedly struck my chest, the force making it feel like I could cough out my heart at any moment, but the attack persisted.

"H…e…l…p me!" I mumbled, breathing faster than usual, tears streaming down my face.

At that moment, I feared it was the end, thinking I wouldn't have the chance to fulfil my role as the assistant in the Pack's biggest company.

Just as my life flashed before my eyes, the door swung open.

Initially terrified that it was Becky, my step mom, whose maltreatment had led to this tragic moment, I was surprised to find it wasn't her.

"Breath, breath!" A tender and soft hand cupped my cheek, gently lifting my face.

Stunned, I found myself gazing into the eyes of Adora, the same little girl who had pleaded for me to be her mother at the airport.

"Breath! Stay calm, and it will be over soon! Take a deep breath, but do it slowly!" I followed her instructions, and gradually, I felt the panic subsiding.

Adora then pulled me closer, embracing me tightly, her hand gently rubbing my back.

As I felt her small body pressed against mine, a sense of peace enveloped me.

Gradually, my breathing returned to normal, and as I swallowed calmly, she pulled away, locking eyes with me.

In that moment, I felt an intense connection with her, much like the one I felt with her father.

"You are fine now, Mommy!" Adora declared, a warm smile on her lips.

"How did you learn how to do that?" I asked, captivated by her innocent gaze.

"I usually get panic attacks when my home mom yells at me, but my dad would always be there to help me out, so I learnt it!" Her revelation showcased her intelligence and resilience.

"So you do have panic attacks too? And…" I started to say when I got cut off by a voice outside the bathroom calling my name.

"Shit!" I exclaimed, standing to my feet with a sense of urgency. I quickly checked my face in the bathroom mirror.

"You look beautiful!" Adora admired with a smile. Taking her hand, I pulled her out of the bathroom.

I let her go back into the crowd and was about to climb up the stage when Suddenly, I saw him again, making it two times in one night.

The same Mr. Airport was standing right before me, on the stage with a frown etched upon his face.

"Bow before the Alpha of the Ravenwood pack and the CEO of Xander Scent Company!"

The person holding the mic announced, and in that moment, a wave of shock washed over me.

"He's the Alpha? And I'll be working with him? In the same company?" My eyes widened, staring at him in disbelief.