*Selene's POV* I dialled Greta's number, and she picked up immediately after one ring.I was about to celebrate her new devotion until I heard how unwelcoming her voice sounded. “What?” “I just sent Dominic to the downstairs bathroom.”I continued,paying no heed to her uninterested tone. “And?”she probed. I turned the key of my bedroom door,locking it. “And I want you to keep him distracted for at least five minutes.” “No.”Greta replied instantly. A frown crossed my face.“What do you mean no?” “I'm watching a telenovela.” “Greta,there will be repeats of the episode.” “Yes,but I want to watch it now,”she said cruelly. I stared down at the phone in my hand and mentally calculated How long it would take Dominic to get back here.Judging by how excited he was,he will be very hasty about it,that simply gave me so little time to snoop around. I bit my lower lip in frustration and finally gave in. “How much do you want?” “I saw this vase in the market today…” “How
*Ares POV* Three knocks came in,waking me up from my sleep. My eyes flashed open and was almost momentarily blinded by the light from the television that I had left on.I had fallen asleep watching Selene again. Her laugh bubbled from behind the scene,her siren eyes curling at the ends as she smiled. I groaned and roamed the bed for the remote,another annoying knock banged at the door before I could find it. “In a minute.”I grumbled loudly before switching the TV off. I took a second or two to try to process my thoughts, but in subtle fear of hearing another nerve-racking knock,I pulled myself up to get the door,staggering half the way,still half asleep “Noelle?”I asked,raising an eyebrow as I pulled the door open. “Oh,you were asleep already?”she asked apologetically. I rubbed my eyeballs for clarity. “What are you doing here?” “You called for me.”she said,then soon realised my mind was far away and volunteered to explain further. “This morning at breakfast–you said
*Ares’ POV* Dominic's eyebrows raised and he rubbed his jaw calculatedly. “It seems like I'm at the center of all your investigations these days, Alpha,should I be worried?” I sardonic breath escaped me,my fingers tracing on his redwood desk.“How is the hotel coming along?” Dominic exhaled deeply and ran His hand in his hair. “There have been some delays,but I'm hoping to get back on track soon.” “Hm.”I said thoughtfully. It was beginning to get evidently clear that this man's first priority Was not the hotel. It won't take a seer to tell he was madly in love with Selene. The mere thought of it felt like liquid lava burning my veins to ash,but I felt there was something way more to his stay here–something I'm going to have to figure out soon. I keep telling myself I will directly deal with the situation between he and Selene later,that I was sane enough to set a checkpoint to when I needed to stop obsessing. But staring at this fuckers face,this Incompetent two faced moss eyed
*Yolanda's POV* “This is ridiculous.”I muttered walking to the ex luna’s door.If anyone can talk sense into her son,it's definitely her.I will not sit and watch the life I suffered to build crumble to the ground all because of six million,the Alpha is selfish,he is worth way more than that,this isnt half of what a settlement fee from him should look like-especially since Noelle is his Luna.I will not accept crumbs. “I simply cannot.”I muttered fervently squeezing unto the paper in my hand. A couple of maid watched me talk to myself as I walked past them. “What are you looking at?”I raged at them and they quickly returned to their tasks,a bunch of useless miscreants. Loyal as dogs,If only their gossips ever helped anybody around here. I knocked on the massage door and waited patiently to be allowed in. This is what I meant by how selfish the Alpha was,the main palace had four different sectors for each member of the Alpha family–of course instead of letting me live her,he sent
*Selene's POV* I added another shade of red on my lips and patted the stick a few times on my cheek for a lick of blush. I closed the compact mirror shut and rubbed my lips together to even out the colour. I begin my rehearsals today,which meant more work and very little time to entertain Dominic and Ares’ nonsense. I had to tell myself to focus. My job was the most important thing to me….that was a lie,my revenge was the most important thing. I had to have my revenge on those who wronged me and get justice for my father,but with how corrupt the world is, I couldn't properly do so if I lost my status and fame,that is why my job matters so much. My gaze went to my fingers,the touch of gold jewellery against my olive skin made a fine match, and my ice blue dress complimented the look entirely. The only thing I didn't like on me was the big glaring red ruby ring on my finger. It felt odd and heavy,like a chain holding me back. I toyed with the ring with a frown,wondering if I shoul
*Selene's POV* “Hello Sister.”She smiled widely,displaying a set of pearly white teeth. “What are you doing here?”I questioned,grasping the chair for support from my shock. Noelle walked further into the room, clutching her diamond studded purse as if in fear it would somehow get snatched from her. “I was afraid we wouldn't recognise each other,but you are just like before.” I narrowed my eyes at her as she continued blabbing,Noelle had the habit of not knowing when to stop talking when she was around me. “But with bolder colours,and I think darker hair–did you dye it?” “What are you doing here?”I snapped,my voice turning unwelcoming. “We are sisters, Selene.”She said, her eyes darting around my dressing room in curiosity.“Are you saying I can't even see you?” I rolled my eyes and turned to face myself in the mirror. Seeing us so different in the mirror moved me a bit,she was snow white with short white hair,blue doe eyes, baby pink lipstick and white gown.And I was t
*Yolanda's POV* “And Where have you been?”I asked Noelle. “I have been looking for you all day..” “I went out..”she replied lazily as she walked into the living room.Her face was pale.Her eyes widened and entire demaneor shaken. “Out where?”I pressed. She collapses in a chair and begins to breathe heavily. I cup her face in my hands as a small pang of worry hit me.I never seen Noelle this distraught. “What's bothering you?” “I went to see Selene.”She confessed and I removed my hand from under her chin aggressively. “What?!” “I wanted us to have a productive conversation about Ares,to avoid a blood bath between you two.Some sort of peace treaty,she rejected it.I even begged her.” “Do you want to humiliate me? Who are you to say to declare that I want a peace treaty,now she is going to think we are desperate and at her mercy.” “But I am desperate mother.I want to resolve this as quickly as I can so Ares can–” “You are acting out with emotions Noelle,that will ruin you.” “Are
*Ares’ POV* Mine,mine,mine. My senses were alert,my heart was grieving,she was so close and still so far.My soul cried out her name,begging her to pity me and throw me even a hint of assurance to show my mate was still there.That I wasn't delusional,that she felt it. I stared at my reflection in the pool,thinking of how pathetic it would sound to her if we were still mindlinked. “Do you really think she will do it?”I heard The chilled, addictive voice behind me.She sounded like a glass of rosé,soft,pink and intoxicating.I could listen to her talk for ages and still be mesmerised every single time she opened her mouth.I said a quick prayer for my soul and slowly turned to see her. But she wasn't looking in mine ,she glazed but never locked eyes,never connected. It almost felt intentional. A soft wind blew her evening gown a bit too roughly,promising to reveal more than just her bare thigh if I looked a bit longer. I took a large sip of my gin to suppress my urges,the last
I ran down the hospital hall, my heart thundering violently in my chest. It couldn't be true. It just couldn't be.My feet pounded against the white tiles, each step a reckless echo of my desperation. My legs threatened to give out beneath me, weak from exhaustion, malnourishment, and an unhealthy dose of grief. I had barely eaten the day before. I had survived on even less sleep. None of it mattered now.I stopped abruptly in front of the glass door. My breath caught in my throat. Inside, Yolanda was standing with her arms crossed, watching the doctor with unnerving intensity. Her face was unreadable, trapped in one of those poker-faced seasons where it was impossible to tell if she wanted to cry in joy or despair.I swallowed hard and pushed open the door—gently, out of habit, as if politeness could soften the blow of whatever awaited me.Noelle sat in the corner, her hands folded in her lap, but when she saw me, her expression crumbled into something close to pity. I ignored it. I
“*Dominic's POV*I’m a hypocrite.That’s what I am—a lying, pretentious son of a bitch who hurt the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. But, it’s not my fault, you see... She provoked me. She screamed all those horrible things, looking me dead in the eyes as if I wouldn’t literally kill for her. As if she doesn’t know that I already have.The memory of her words stings, and my chest tightens. I shake it off, unwilling to dwell on what had come over me that made me push her. That impulse—whatever the hell it was—must never be revived. Ever. But how am I going to handle this now? How can I fix something so broken?I check my watch for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. It’s 2 AM, and still nothing from the doctors. The empty, eerie silence of the waiting room presses in on me. What a way to end an engagement party. For a split second, I almost chuckle at the absurdity of it all, but then I remember that I have company.Cassie walks into the room, her heels clicking against the co
Noelle's POV“How do you know?” Yolanda asked, panic heavy in her eyes. “How long have you known?”Her breath hitched, and she frowned at me, turning serious as she grabbed my arm. “Have you told anyone?”“I've known for quite a while.” I pull my hand away from her grip. “And no, I haven't told anyone.”Yet.Victor posed the question this time.“How did you find out?”“After asking several times for answers, I took my time to glare at Yolanda. “I got some maids to do a little snooping, and they came back with the news.”“So you were spying on me?” Yolanda asked, offended. “We are sorry we kept it from you all this while.” Victor apologised anyway. “I tried to tell you several times, but… He sent an eye gesture Yolanda's way, and she scoffed.“Yes, yes, make me your villain.”“The least you can do is apologise.” He mumbled under his breath.“What was that?”“I said.” Victor began turning to face her. “The least you can do in this situation is apologise!”“Right.” She nodded. “As thoug
*Ares POV*I walked to the pool house in a hurry, my heart beating frantically at the thought of talking to Selene in private, even if it meant acting like I was on some secret mission. After what I witnessed at the party, I’ll take what I can get. Honestly, a pool house meeting is far more than I expected.My footsteps echoed in the large swimming hall, but there was no sound. No, Selene… nothing. I groaned internally and clung to what Cassie told me for hope."She desperately wants to see you," she'd said. "All of it was pretend. I think something’s wrong—far more than we thought."I looked around in disappointment, realising I couldn’t keep playing these games anymore. But as I took another step, I froze, a dark sensation settling over me. My skin prickled, a jolt of electricity rushing through me—just like when she was in the room. But this was different… weak, fading."Selene?"I looked down, and my heart shattered when I saw the floating figure in the water, her dress billowing
Selene's POVI really need to talk to Ares alone.But in between the judgemental glares I'm getting and Ares refusing to at least look my way, I'm certain that it would be easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than to get my wish.But what about our mindlink? Does that still work – how does it even work?I find him busy in conversation in the crowd and smile faintly; his nonchalance at the whole situation is partly soothing but also concerning. The last thing we need is a scene, but I still feel so lonely being completely ignored by him.Dominic's hands tug at my waist, and I mentally jolt back my table.“I asked if you liked the escargot.” Dominic grinned, a hint of annoyance still in his tone. I imagine he had asked me several times, but I was too busy to hear.“I'm enjoying myself.” I replied softly, and the people around the table eased up.They looked like they were waiting on a suicide time bomb, and Dominic and I were holding the grenade. I leaned back and brought
Yolanda's POV“Is that the girl you saw bump into him?” I asked my spy, narrowing my eyes as we both stared at the security footage on the screen in front of us.“Yes,” she nodded, leaning in as if to get a better look. “The woman with the orange hair, beside the Alpha.”“Just as I suspected,” I hissed, my fingers tightening around the glass in my hand. The burn of the whiskey as it slid down my throat did little to ease the rising frustration. “I'm sure Selene is on our tail about Victor. And that orange-haired brat is who she sent to do the job.”The spy shifted beside me, eager to contribute, her excitement palpable. “So, do you want us to release the story about Liam now?”“No,” I replied sharply, raising two fingers as I leaned back in my chair. “I think I'll handle this in an entirely different way.” A wicked grin tugged at the corners of my lips as I squinted at the screen, watching Selene and Dominic in the center of the television below.I don't know what they were planning bu
*Selene's POV*There are three levels by which I rank evil: evil justified, evil triggering, and Dominic—Dominic being the highest on the scale. I knew Liam was crazy when he threatened to kill himself for me. At that moment, I truly believed no other man would cross that line of madness and emotional manipulation as he had.But then I met Dominic, and I realized my expectations of human foolery were far too low.I glanced down at the engagement ring on my finger. It was there the morning after sleeping in his bed. I hadn’t even said yes, for Christ’s sake, but here I was, wearing it and getting dolled up to stand at his side. Some event was happening tonight—I didn’t even have the energy to ask what it was.I felt the hairdresser's fingers curling my hair into a high ponytail and instinctively withdrew.“What do you think you’re doing?” I snapped, more harshly than I intended. But with the world pulling at me in every direction, I needed to direct my anger somewhere, and she was, unf
*Ares's POV*“Do you know who Victor is?” I asked as soon as the door opened. “Ares?”Cassie asked in surprise,her eyes darting behind me. “You are here again?” “Good morning.”I greeted,walking past her. “Morning.”She replies,rubbing her eyes,evidently too tired to complain.“Do you know you Victor is?”I repeat my question with shorter patience “Is he a customer here?”Cassie yawned,leading me to a chair. I reluctantly took a seat despite really not wanting to,I was hoping not to spend too much time here,I was hoping not to get so comfortable. “I don't think he's a customer,”I draw out the chair. “I know nothing about him. In fact, I was hoping you knew something about him.” “How should I know?” I handed her the note Selene gave me and watched her face,hoping for a reaction…there wasn't much. She recognised the handwriting, but there was nothing more to it than that. “That's his address.”I said, trying to jug her memory somehow. “I think Selene slipped it into my coat whe
*Selene’s POV*“You are never going to pull that stunt with me, are we clear?” Dominic’s voice sliced through the quiet of the room like a whip, sharp and unforgiving.I remained silent, staring blankly at my reflection in the mirror as Greta calmly combed my hair back, her touch careful, avoiding even the slightest tension in the strands.“Answer me!” Dominic’s voice erupted again behind me, his frustration rippling through the air like a storm about to break. Greta flinched this time, her hand faltering.I dragged my eyes from my reflection to him—lazy, uninterested, detached. “You’re being too loud,” I said quietly, taking a slow sip of my ginger tea as if his anger didn’t reach me.“Greta,” Dominic snapped, his tone softer but still commanding. “Leave us. We need to talk privately.”The comb dropped to the table with a soft clatter, and Greta quickly walked away, making sure not to meet my eyes as she left the room.“You should really get your face treated,” I said, my voice dripp