Elaine“If there’s no problem, then I guess it’s settled. We can now proceed to the contract signing—"Before I could even react, Mr. Smith stepped in. “I think we can postpone that thought for a moment. While we’re excited to get into this new project, I need to consult with my team first just to make sure we can deliver what’s expected of us. The last thing we want is another failure. Can you give us a few days to study the proposal? We’ll be sure to update you before the end of the week.”I breathed a sigh of relief as Mr. Smith spoke. His words were a saving grace from the pressure I felt inside my chest. Mr. Everett seemed momentarily taken aback but quickly, he recovered with a reassuring smile.“Well, of course. I apologize for being too eager. I was just excited to get started.”“No need to apologize,” Mr. Smith replied with that professional smile of his. “We’re grateful for the opportunity. I’m confident we’ll find the best way forward.”I made myself sit still, trying to kee
Tristan"See? What did I tell you? One heroic act and Elaine would come crawling back to you."I watched the light catch on the glass edges as I swirled the alcohol inside. Seeing my phone on the table and remembering my previous call with Elaine made me smirk. As much as it pained me to admit, Megan was right with her words. I drank the whiskey and felt the warmth slide down my throat. I hated sharing the spotlight, but this victory was partly hers. Megan deserved credit for her counsel, whether I liked it or not. I wouldn’t be in this situation if I hadn't listened to her. As much as I thrived on being the sole architect of my success, Megan had played a huge part in this.It had been too easy. I still couldn’t believe it was this easy. All it took was being her "hero," and Elaine’s defenses crumbled. It was a smart move to involve Mr. Everett after finding out how close Elaine was to his grandson. I had seen her interact with that twerp the night of the presentation and knew they h
ElaineI kept checking my wristwatch. Thirty minutes had passed, and Tristan was still nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t help but feel frustrated. He was never late on anything yet here I was waiting for him to come. Where the hell is that jerk?The thought bounced around my mind, only making my frustration grow. Every time I looked at my watch, I felt like I was being slapped. It was another reminder of how Tristan treated me in his life, how he was constantly making me feel I was nothing but a dirty doormat he could step on anytime. Then, the waiter came over again, his polite smile starting to add pressure on me. He had checked on me many times, and I could tell he was becoming impatient with me.Worried that I might get kicked out, I decided to order. “I’ll have the Salade Niçoise and sparkling water,” I said with a smile. The waiter nodded and left, but I could still feel his eyes on me. He probably wondered why I was still sitting here after waiting too long. I tapped my fingers
ElaineTristan stared at the paper in front of him. His brows furrowed as he scanned the details. "Is this for real?" His jaw clenched as he caught on to something. “Wait a minute. You’re saying I can’t come within a hundred feet of you? And you’ve specified that I can’t contact you or be with you at the same place? That’s absurd! I’m your fucking husband, Elaine. You can’t just lock me out of my own life.”I smirked, leaning back in my chair. “After what happened when you barged into my apartment without consent, I figured this was the best way to go.”His expression darkened, fury brewing in his eyes. “Do you really think the pack will allow this? They won’t stand by while their Alpha is treated like this.” He leaned closer, voice low and menacing. “This order undermines my authority. As your husband, I have every right to be with you. This is just plain stupid.”“Oh, did you miss the part where I’m filing for divorce? The moment I walked away from your beloved Silverwolf Pack and y
ElaineThe mall buzzed with noise. The mixture of voices and footsteps echoed around me and yet, I felt I was all alone. It was like I was there in that place yet my mind was wandering elsewhere. “Hey! Watch where you’re going!”The frown expression of the woman I bumped returned me to my senses. Quickly, I bowed at her and apologized. The woman sneered and rolled her eyes before going on her way. I heaved a sigh as soon as she passed by. I continued strolling the busy hallway. Wolves rushed by around me. I tried to slip between groups of mall goers and dodged their strollers. I almost regretted going out of the apartment as today is the weekend and the mall was filled with werewolves but it’s too late to get back to my apartment now. It had only been two days since I slapped Tristan with the restraining order but I already felt lighter. Since the incident inside the French bistro, Tristan hadn’t shown up his face to me. He hadn’t trespassed my apartment again nor appeared at Roma
ElaineI pointed to myself hesitantly. “Are you talking to me?”The woman’s smile widened. “Of course, I am, you silly girl!”I was caught off guard. I tried to think hard about how could she possibly know me but all I could do was to show an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry… but I don’t recognize you.”She nodded. Instead of saying she could have made some honest mistake, I saw acknowledgment and understanding in her eyes. “Liz mentioned about your selective amnesia after your accident. I’m so sorry to hear about what happened.”Silence hovered in the air. I was sure she genuinely knew me judging by how she knew about my best friend Liz but I was still embarrassed from the inevitable awkwardness of not remembering her. The woman broke the quietness between us. “Would you mind if I joined you?”“O-Of course,” I replied hesitantly, then gestured to the empty seat across from me.As she settled in, I couldn’t help but feel an odd familiarity in her presence. The woman reached her hand aft
TrevorI stared down at Elaine’s previous messages. [Hi! How are you?][You seemed busy these days. I hope you are well, though.][I’ve got a lot of things to update you about. I hope to see you when you’re available.]The messages were so straightforward yet it made my chest tighten. I knew I should’ve replied the moment I saw them but instead, I just sat there with my phone in my hand unable to type a single word back. What the fuck was wrong with me?My wolf, Dillon, spoke up inside my mind. “How long are you planning to keep ignoring her?”His voice only added to my frustration. In the end, I chose not to answer him. I just picked up my wine glass and took a long drink, hoping it would dull my pent-up emotions. But Dillon wasn’t about to let this go. He’d been at me ever that night… pushing… trying to get me to forget about what happened that night.“You’re making a mistake, Trevor,” Dillon added. “You should go to Elaine. I have a feeling that Elaine needs us. She’s reaching ou
Elaine"Home at last!"My feet dragged as I stepped inside and quietly shut the door. I double-checked each lock I’d installed and made sure everything was secure. The last thing I wanted was to face another intruder and end up in a dangerous situation again.I let my bag drop to the floor lazily before sinking into the couch. The cushions wrapped around me, providing some comfort I needed at the moment. A deep sigh slipped from my lips. Somehow, I’d thought a day at the mall would help me relax and clear my head but I was wrong. Because now, I felt even more exhausted than when I’d left earlier and I didn’t even know why. I shook my head and I almost laughed at myself. Emotional exhaustion.That was the only way to describe it. It was like there was a heavy, invisible weight that suffocated me. Unfortunately, no amount of shopping or casual distractions could lift it. Dang! How did I end up in such a miserable state? I brought my hand to my temple to massage it a bit. The pleasur
ElaineTrevor and I were sitting on the sofa. We do not talk much but feel relaxed in each other’s presence. This was how we normally spent the rest of the night before going to bed. Then, we heard a knock at the door. Trevor gave me a quick nod before telling me to stay while he got up to check. My heart was pounding inside my chest. Eventually, I reminded myself to stay calm and don’t let my overthinking get the best of me. The door opened, and Liz rushed in before Trevor could say a word. She was so full of energy and was like she was bringing the sunshine into the room. In one hand, she held a paper bag that smelled amazing. In the other, she carried a pile of colorful board games that wobbled as she moved. Her smile was so big, it made me smile too. “Hope you’re both hungry!” Liz said, setting the bag on the coffee table. The smell of sesame chicken and fried rice filled the room right away. Expectedly, it made my stomach rumble.“I’m in the mood to play some games tonight. Wh
Elaine“Hmm…”The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of coffee brewing and the faint sizzle of something cooking on the stove. Trevor stood at the counter with his sleeves rolled up. He was too focused on chopping vegetables with such precision that seemed almost out of place in such a casual setting. I leaned against the counter opposite him as I watched his hands move.“You’re really good at that,” I teased to break the silence. “Where did you learn to cook like this?”He glanced up at me. A playful smile appeared at the corners of his lips. “A man’s gotta eat, Elaine. Besides, you’d be surprised what a few cooking shows can teach you.”I laughed softly. And it sounded light and free. Something I hadn’t felt in days. It amazed me how easily Trevor could make me forget the heaviness that seemed to cling to me lately.“Do you want to help? Or are you just going to stand there admiring me?” he teased before tossing a piece of chopped carrot in my direction.I caught it mid-air and
MeganI was knee-deep in paperwork. My desk was full of piled files and documents demanding attention. The sound of the clock ticking faintly in the background was the only company I had in the silence of my office. I barely glanced up when Marie entered. But she sounded like something was urgent which made me pause.“Miss Megan, the peacekeepers are here. They said it’s about Elaine Scott,” she announced.Elaine Scott. My hand froze mid-signature. I looked up sharply and masked my unease with a calm smile. “Send them in.”Marie nodded. Then she stepped aside to let them enter. Two officers walked in. Their presence was shouting authority. I gestured toward the chairs opposite my desk. “Please, have a seat.""Thank you," They uttered before settling in. I put down the pen I was holding and smiled at them before asking, "How can I help you, officers?”One of the officers, a tall man with a stern expression, got straight to the point. “We’re investigating an incident involving Miss Ela
TristanI had not planned to follow them. It wasn’t something I’d intended to do, but the moment I saw them leaving Elaine’s apartment together, curiosity turned into an uncontrollable pull. Trevor’s car disappeared into the distance. And I found myself trailing them. I couldn't resist it. The mere sight of Elaine beside him stirred a storm within me. I noticed how she smiled at him so easily. My blood was boiling as I realized that it seemed to belong to that bastard now. It was hard to believe that she would easily give it to another wolf just like that. It felt like all the moments we shared had disappeared. It felt like those were replaced by something I couldn’t reach.“As if you shared something wonderful with Elaine. You’re not fooling anyone, Tristan,” My wolf uttered sarcastically inside my head which I chose to ignore.Even if I walked a few distances away from them, they didn’t seem to notice me. They were too engrossed in their world. Trevor’s hand guided Elaine protecti
ElaineThe drive to my apartment was quiet. Trevor was driving beside me, and his calm presence made me feel safer. That was something I was so grateful for.Earlier, Trevor said something that stuck in my mind. He told me I couldn’t let my fear control me. He was right. If I stayed afraid forever, I would lose who I was. I've come so far to claim my life back from my failed marriage and I couldn’t let all those efforts go to waste simply because I was afraid to die.As we arrived at the apartment complex, Trevor parked near the entrance. He looked at me and smiled. “I’ll wait here,” he said gently. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”His words made me feel a little braver. “Thank you,” I said softly before stepping out of the car.Walking into the building, I felt a mysterious chill. Everything looked the same, but it didn’t feel the same. My heart started beating faster as I opened the door to my apartment. Suddenly, the memory of that awful box flashed in my mind. I stood
ElaineI couldn’t shake the heavy feeling brewing inside me. It stayed like a shadow, always following me wherever I went. The thought just wouldn’t leave me alone.Someone wanted me dead, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.Even when I tried to feel safe, my mind kept overthinking. I was even afraid to close my eyes, feeling that, at any moment, someone might barge through the door and kill me. Despite Trevor being here to accompany me, it did nothing to ease my fear. Not because I doubted his ability to protect me, but because I was afraid he would get hurt because of me again.My concerns were valid, right?Trevor must have noticed my distance. He always did. I heard his soft footsteps walking toward me and soon, he was sitting next to me. He didn’t have his usual smile. Instead, he looked worried.“You’ve been quiet all day,” he said gently, “I am not used to you being like this.”I let out a shaky breath and held the edge of the chair tightly. “How can I not be? Someone out t
TristanMy room felt like a prison. The walls were cold and suffocating. I was a free wolf, but I obviously didn’t feel like one.I smirked at my own thoughts. As an Alpha, I shouldn’t have felt this way. Mom and Dad had given me a little kingdom of my own to rule. I had money to spend on anything and servants willing to do all my bidding.But none of that mattered. My mind wouldn’t stop racing. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, every thought dragged me back to the same place.After the council meeting earlier, I felt like even my birthright as Alpha could be taken away from me at any moment, just because they weren’t satisfied with my rule anymore.Pathetic, wasn’t it?I felt alone. Truly alone. I had no one to turn to. Nothing to quiet my thoughts or provide comfort when I needed it. For the first time in years, I felt the burden of being alone.My parents were long gone.My best friend, Shawn, had died years ago.Aunt Melina had lost her mind to the point where I could
Elaine“Yes, Mr. Smith. It’s been… a challenging few days. I appreciate your understanding.”Mr. Smith’s voice echoed through the receiver. “Elaine, you don’t have to explain. Take the time you need. You’ve earned it. In fact, take as long as necessary.”I sighed. I was touched by his generosity but shook my head instinctively. Even though he couldn’t see me, I knew that the message would be clear. “A week will be enough,” I replied. “I just need a little time to clear my head and settle things. If I need more, I promise I’ll call.”“Good,” he replied after a pause. “But remember, the offer stands. Call me if you need an extension. We’ll manage, Don’t worry.”“Thank you,” I murmured, feeling a swell of gratitude. “I’ll keep you updated.” With that, I ended the call and set my phone down on the coffee table.A quiet moment passed before Trevor appeared. A steaming cup of tea was in his hands. He offered it to me with a small and warm smile. “Here. I thought you could use this.”I too
TristanI was stunned into silence for what felt like an eternity as I tried to process the audacity of what I had just heard.“Where is the lie?” The words echoed in my head like a taunt. It was refusing to fade. It was making every ounce of my being shook in anger.My hands tightened into fists. I shot to my feet. The chair scraped against the floor with a screech that matched my temper. “Explain yourselves!” I barked. But the council members didn’t flinch. They remained seated with their faces betraying nothing. My fury burned hotter at their defiance.In a fit of rage, I swept my arm across the desk. I sent papers, pens, and even the heavy paperweight tumbling to the floor. The crash was deafening. But still, none of them reacted. “Apologize,” I demanded. “Now!”But there was only silence. Not a single head bowed, and not a single word of regret was uttered. My chest heaved as I glared at them. My anger was boiling over.“You!” I snarled as I pointed a finger at Gamma Jeff. “Th