"I'm fine," I forced a smile. "I just miss her. I'll sit with her for a while."I hesitated, then added, "Mrs. Shepherd, may I speak to Matriarch Stone alone for a moment?"Understanding flickered in her eyes. "Of course! I actually have something to attend to. I'll leave the matriarch in your care.
(Olivia's POV)Matriarch Evelyn's words broke the dam I'd built around my emotions. Tears streamed down my face as I collapsed against her frail shoulder."I hate her so much," I sobbed, my body shaking uncontrollably. "Victoria took everything from me. She stole Lily's chance at life, and now she's
I walked toward the carousel, running my hand along the painted wooden horses. "I'll make it up to her. I'll be the father she deserves."In my mind, I could see it clearly—Lily's face lighting up as I lifted her onto my shoulders, her delighted laughter as we rode the carousel together, her small h
(Ethan's POV)I stood at the entrance of Moonlight Fair, my eyes scanning every approaching vehicle. The pendant I'd purchased for Lily weighed in my pocket—a small token compared to the amusement park I'd built for her, but I hoped she would appreciate the personal touch."Any sign of them yet?" I
Each revelation was like another nail in my coffin of guilt. I had no defense, no justification for my neglect."And her birthday," Olivia continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "Do you remember what you promised her for her birthday?"I closed my eyes, the memory surfacing unwillingly. "I pro
(Ethan's POV)"No! It can't be!" I shook my head violently, rejecting the mere thought that Lily could be dead.How could a healthy child die just from waiting too long at the Moonlight Fair? It was impossible. Olivia was just angry about my broken promise and my favoritism towards Emma."You're jus
"The servants said what you wanted to hear," I cut in. "That I was making it up. That I was using Lily to get your attention."I laughed bitterly. "As if I would ever use our daughter that way."(Ethan's POV)Her words triggered a flood of memories I had dismissed as unimportant. Conversations I had
(Olivia's POV)I handed Ethan the death certificate, watching as his eyes scanned the document. His face drained of color when he read the cause of death: kidney failure."No..." he whispered, his powerful frame seeming to shrink before my eyes.The Alpha King of the Silvercrest Pack, the man who co
"I want you to authorize Connor Blackthorn's release," I stated firmly. "Today.""He tried to kill you," Ethan growled, his protective instincts flaring."That's my concern, not yours," I countered. "You lost the right to protect me when you abandoned me and Lily."The words hung between us, sharp a
(Olivia's POV)Rain pounded against my windshield as I drove toward Stone Pack Enterprises headquarters. The wipers fought a losing battle against the downpour, much like my emotions battled against the memories this place evoked.I gripped the steering wheel tighter. No way was I going to Ethan's M
(Olivia's POV)Morning sunlight streamed through my kitchen window as I carefully arranged fresh moonberries atop a stack of fluffy pancakes. The rare berries had cost a small fortune, but my mother deserved something special.I packed the breakfast into my Crystal-Infused Thermal Food Container, en
(Victoria's POV)"He attacked me like a wild animal!" I sobbed, clutching Ethan's arm as tears streamed down my face. "She knew I couldn't defend myself with my paralyzed legs!"My wolf whimpered pathetically inside me, playing up our victimhood. The bruises on my face were already darkening, and I
The door shuddered as something—or someone—slammed against it from the outside."Victoria!" Ethan's voice called, concern evident in his tone.With a splintering crack, the door flew open, kicked in by Ethan's Alpha strength. He rushed in, his amber eyes taking in the scene before him.(Ethan's POV)
(Olivia's POV)Victoria's legs were useless, dragging on the ground like dead weight as I pulled her across the private dining room floor by her hair. Her perfectly styled blonde locks twisted in my grip as she whimpered pathetically."Not so powerful now, are you?" I whispered, my voice eerily calm
Olivia was alive. My mate had returned from the dead, only to reveal she was engaged to Lucas Blackwood. The pain of that revelation had been consuming me since the night of Gwendolyn's gathering.But regardless of her feelings toward me, I would protect her. Connor Blackthorn would remain imprisone
(Olivia's POV)Two years ago, my life changed forever. Not just because of Lily's death, but because of what came after.The car accident should have killed me. My brakes failed on a winding mountain road, sending my vehicle plummeting over the edge. By some miracle, I survived the initial impact, t
"Ms. Winters!" Gwendolyn exclaimed, steadying me. "You're hurt!"I looked down to see blood seeping through my dress. The cut wasn't deep, but it was bleeding freely.From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan moving toward me, concern etched on his face. For a moment, our eyes met, and I saw the Alpha'