As Hailey walked into the palace, she saw Luna Grace and Duncan seated in the sitting room. Summoning her courage, she greeted them, “Good evening.”Luna Grace smiled warmly at her. “Good evening, Hailey. Where have you been?”Duncan barely looked up from his phone, his face expressionless.Hailey took a deep breath and spoke cheerfully. “Lila showed me around town. We visited the market square, a lovely bakery, the park, the library, and a beautiful garden. It was refreshing.”Luna Grace’s eyes lit up. "I'm glad to learn that. It seems that you had a great time. I am glad to see you in brighter spirits." She then added with a gentle but serious tone, “But please be careful, Hailey. Always let me know before you go out, alright?”Hailey nodded, smiling gratefully. “I will, Luna Grace. Thank you.”Luna Grace reached out and squeezed Hailey’s hand. “Good. Now, go freshen up for dinner.”As Hailey turned to leave, she glanced at Duncan, hoping for some acknowledgement, but his attention
As Hailey finished getting ready, Lila walked in, eyes wide with surprise. "Lady Hailey, you're already dressed? I thought I'd come early to help you."Hailey smiled warmly. "It's no big deal, Lila. I just felt like getting a head start today."Lila nodded, but her worry was visible. I beg you, Lady Hailey, to give me a call at any time of day. I'm here to help."Before Hailey could respond, her phone rang. Seeing Jane's name on the screen, she sighed and answered. "Jane, finally! I thought you forgot about me."Jane's voice came through the line, full of apologies. "I'm so sorry, Hailey. I was waiting for your phone call. My intention was not to spoil your honeymoon.Hailey scoffed, her frustration evident. "I wish I had a honeymoon to ruin. Duncan and I haven't even had a simple conversation, let alone any honeymoon activities."Jane's tone turned serious. "What do you mean? What's been happening?"With a melancholy undertone, Hailey sighed. "He's started saying brutal things, avoid
Hailey and Lila were walking towards the shore, the guards close behind, and the fresh air, the sound of the waves, and the activity of people along the river bank area provided Hailey with the sense of normalcy she deeply missed.Hailey was struck by what she saw when she finally made it to the coast. With a joyful and passionate expression on their faces, the fisherman was bringing in their nets. Boats waved gently in the sea as gulls dove into the ocean, eager to catch their own meal. Hailey whispered with awe, "This is astounding." "It is beyond anything I've ever seen."Lila smiled, pleased with Hailey’s reaction. “I’m glad you like it. My brothers love it here. It’s like a second home to them.”Hailey watched the fishermen work, captivated by their skill and teamwork. She turned to Lila, her excitement bubbling over. “Can we talk to them? I want to learn more about what they do.”“Of course,” Lila said. “I know a few of them. Let’s go.”As they approached a group of fishermen,
After dinner, Hailey and Luna Grace settled down for tea in the cosy living room with nothing to do so Hailey suggested she tell her stories from Duncan’s childhood. Luna Grace agreed and began to share her stories from Duncan’s childhood, her eyes lighting up with each memory.“Duncan was such a mischievous boy,” Luna Grace said with a fond smile. “I remember the time he tried to train a squirrel to be his pet wolf. He was so determined.”Hailey laughed, imagining a young Duncan with a squirrel. “That’s adorable. I can’t picture him like that now.”Luna Grace’s eyes twinkled as she continued. “And when he finally got his wolf, oh, the excitement! He was so proud. I have pictures from those days.”She fetched an old photo album, flipping through pages filled with snapshots of a young, grinning Duncan. Hailey marvelled at each picture, her heart warming at the sight.But then, Luna Grace’s expression shifted, a shadow passing over her face. Hailey noticed and asked gently, “Is somethin
Luna Grace saw Duncan dashing out of the palace in a hurry and immediately went to Hailey, concern etched on her face. “Hailey, what’s happening? Why did Duncan leave so suddenly?”Hailey sighed, trying to keep her voice steady. “He got a call from Lisa. She said she needed to see him urgently, and he just... left.”Luna Grace gave Hailey a tender hug after noticing the pain in her eyes. "Oh, my dear," she remarked empathetically and in a quiet voice. "I truly am sorry."Hailey leaned into the hug, grateful for the comfort. “Thank you, Luna Grace. There is nothing more that I can do. Hailey was led by Luna Grace to the living room, where they took a seat together. For some time, they sat in quiet, the gravity of the situation weighing hard on them. After some time, Luna Grace patted Hailey’s hand. “Let’s retire to bed, dear. We don’t know what time Duncan will be back, and you need your rest.”Hailey nodded, feeling exhausted both emotionally and physically. “You’re right. Thank you
Andrew was lost in thought as he walked through the palace corridors, something about Duncan’s call felt off, nearly bumping into Hailey as he turned a corner.Oh! Andrew, I'm sorry," Hailey said, stepping back. Her gaze grew somewhat narrower as she examined his features. "To be honest, I'm happy I met you. Do you have a moment?"Andrew nodded, curious. "Of course. What's on your mind?"Hailey glanced around before speaking in a lowered voice. "It's about Jane, my bridesmaid and best friend. She's been asking about you. Why haven't you contacted her? I thought...well, is she not your mate?"Andrew sighed, leaning against the wall. "It's complicated, Hailey. With everything that's been going on lately...""You're trying to suppress your wolf's urges?" Hailey guessed, her eyes softening with understanding."Yeah, something along those lines," Andrew said while stroking his hair. "Considering all the chaos we've been dealing with, it just seemed sensible. I didn't want to add more compl
Duncan's phone rang suddenly, interrupting the tense moment in his study. He quickly answered it."Lisa?" he answered, voice tight with worry. "What is wrong?"Leaning forward, Andrew tried to make out the terrified voice on the other end. "Slow down, Lisa," Duncan pushed, his knuckles turning white over the receiver."Are you hurt?... Okay, stay where you are. I'm coming right now."He leaped to his feet, almost toppling his chair. "Andrew, with me. Now."As they rushed towards the door, Hailey's voice rang out, confusion and frustration evident. "Wait! What's happening? Duncan, is this about Lisa? Is she really pregnant?"Duncan hesitated for a split second, his eyes meeting Hailey's. "Hailey, I...I can't explain now. We'll talk when I get back.""Duncan!" Hailey called after them, her voice cracking. "Answer me! What's going on here?"But they were already gone, leaving Hailey alone with her unanswered questions and the echo of the slamming door.********************Things were a
Andrew’s patience finally snapped. With a look of disappointment and anger, he tossed Duncan's car keys onto the ground and stormed off."Andrew! Wait!" Duncan called after him. "How will you get home?"Without turning back, Andrew shouted, "I'd rather walk!"Duncan took a step forward, but Liza's hand on his arm stopped him. Her eyes were wide with fear and something else - a hint of desperation."Duncan, please don't go after him," she pleaded, gripping his arm tightly.Duncan hesitated, torn between his friend and Liza. "But Andrew-""Are you really going to leave me like this?" Liza's voice quivered, cutting him off. "After everything that's happened? Don't you care about me... about us?" She placed a hand on her stomach, emphasizing her point.Duncan's face softened with concern. "Of course I care, Liza. It's just-""Just what?" Liza pressed, her tone sharpening slightly. "Haven't you noticed how Andrew looks at me? The way he talks about me? He doesn't like me, Duncan. He probab