Rhys's PovI walked into the meeting room, My expression calm and strict. Talia was already seated, her eyes flashed with determination."Rhys, I know you think you're done with me," Talia began, her voice laced with desperation. "But you can't just dismiss what we have, what we still have."I stood firm, unmoved. "Talia, I thought we've been over this. I'm married to Mara and I love her."Talia's face twisted, "You love me, Rhys. Deep down you do."I shook my head. "No Talia. I loved you, but not anymore. It's over now, Move on."Talia's eyes narrowed, " You'll regret this Rhys. I'll make sure I tell Mara everything, she yelled at the top of her voice"I signed, tired of her threats. "Talia you have nothing to expose. It's called the past for a reason and besides Mara knows everything about our past. I said my voice firm."Talia's face turned pale, her composure cracking. "You'll never be happy with her," she spat, "she's not me, I'm the one for you.""Exactly," I replied, my voice f
Chapter 17Rhys PovWe turned to see what Talia had discovered, and our hearts sank. On the wall, a hidden panel had slid open, revealing a document framed in gold.Mara looked baffled, "what is that? She asked"Talia's smile grew wider. "The truth about Mara's past. The secrets she's been hiding from you. Talia said."I felt a surge of protectiveness towards Mara. "Talia, stop this. I yelled at her."But Talia continued, her voice dripping with excitement. "Read it, Rhys. Read the truth about your precious wife."I hesitated for a moment, confused about what to do. Mara's grip on my arm tightened."Rhys, don't," Mara whispered. "It's just one of Talia's tricks, it's not what it seems."But my curiosity got the better part of me. I took a step closer, my eyes scabby the document.As I read through, My world began to crumble, The document revealed a shocking secret about Mara's past, one that threatened to destroy everything I've accomplished."It is not true," Mara who had been readin
Rhys PovI searched for Mara in the dark, my hands stretched out before me. "Mara! Answer me!"Suddenly a faint cry echoed through the darkness. "Rhys! Over here!" Mara called out.I rushed towards the sound, my heart racing. As I reached Mara's side, I felt a surge of relief."Are you hurt?" I whispered, pulling her close.Talia's laughter grew louder, and the lights flickered once more before they became steady.The scene before us was chaotic. Tables overturned and the sound of shattering glasses filled the air.Just then James and the security team burst into the room, surrounding Talia.Talia stood in the middle of the disaster, A mischievous smile across her face."You can't stop me, Rhys," Talia yelled. "Tonight, the castle will burn and Mara will pay for stealing Rhys from me.Mara's grip on my arm tightened, "she has lost her mind, Rhys."I held Mara close, My eyes locked on Talia. "Not tonight, Talia. not ever."With a nod, James and his team moved to apprehend Talia. But as
Rhys PovThe day of the masquerade ball had finally arrived, and the castle was filled with excitement. But beneath the surface, tension lingered.In the security room, I gathered my team, including James and Emily. "Tonight is the night. We need to be vigilant." I told them with all seriousness.James nodded. " We've increased patrols and stationed guards at every entrance.""I've reviewed the guest list. Everyone has been identified." Emily added."That's very good," I said, my eyes scanning the monitors displaying the corridors. " Talia will try something. Let's be ready."As the sun dipped, the house transformed into a whirlwind of color and music.Masks glinted in the candlelight and joyous laughter echoed through the halls.I nodded, my eyes scanning the monitors displaying the castle's corridors. "Talia will try something. Let's be ready."Mara appeared in a silver color gown, smiling beside me. "You look handsome, Rhys."I smiled back, adjusting my black domino mask. "You're s
Mara's PovLast night's passion with my husband, Rhys still lingered on my skin, but the memory of Talia's actions lingered heavier. Her attempts to reclaim Rhys were exhausting.I needed a little bit of distance.Yara's warm smile greeted me as we strolled through the gardens. "Another night out, away from the castle's drama?" She asked."I need it," I confessed, linking my arm through hers. "Talia's games are suffocating me."Yara's eyes rolled. "Well, you need to forget about her and enjoy the moment."We watched the stars together, our laughter echoing through the night air. For a few hours, I forgot Talia's manipulations.But the tension lingered beneath the surface."Yara, do you think Rhys still has feelings for Talia?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Yara's expression turned serious. "Mara, Rhys chose you. He loves you."I nodded, but doubts crept in.As the night wore on, we stumbled upon a small hall. Inside, the fire crackled, and the music was raw."Let's go in,"
Mara’s PovThe next morning, I woke up with the thought of Talia, determined to confront her and hear what she had to say.I found her in the garden, amidst some staff. I approached them and called out to her.“Talia, we need to talk,” I said, my voice firm and calm.Talia smiled at me, mischievously. “Mara, how delightful. I’m happy to see you this morning.” She said, pretending to care like she always does.We walked a distance from where she was, the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air."Leave Rhys alone," I demanded, my patience worn thin.Talia's laughter was a cold, mirthless sound. "You think you can keep him? You're just a temporary distraction." She said, Her word’s piercing through my heart. My hand clenched into fists. "I've had enough of your lies Talia." I yelled at her, my eyes filled with anger and my hatred for her.Talia's eyes flashed. "Ask Rhys about the promise he made to me," she yelled. "The promise he broke."I took a step closer to Talia
Mara's PovDays passed, and the tension escalated. Talia's allies began to abandon her one after another, sensing the power shift.One evening, I attended a charity gala, Yara by my side.The event was a triumph, our charity's work gaining recognition. But as I mingled with guests and had fun, I sensed Talia's presence.She stood across the room, her eyes fixed on me. A cold, mysterious smile spread across her face. I refused to let her intimidate me.Yara noticed my tension. "Mara, what's wrong?" she whispered."Talia," I replied, my voice barely audible.Yara's gaze followed mine. "Ignore her," she advised. "You're doing a good thing and the world is proud of you."But Talia's gaze lingered on a challenge. Rhys showed up beside me."Mara, I'm so proud of you," he said. "Don't take Talia's presence personally and continue to do what you're doing.My heart melted."Your parents would be proud wherever they are," Rhys whispered, his hand finding mine."Thanks for the encouragement my l
Mara's PovRhys' werewolf form enveloped me in a warm, protective embrace. We ran beneath the full moon, the forest alive with magic.Our bond strengthened with every step, every heartbeat. As the night wore on, Rhys led me to a lakeside.The lake reflected the moon's gentle light. Rhys shifted back to his human form, his eyes shining."Mara, I love you," he whispered, his voice trembling. I smiled, my heart overflowing."I love you too, Rhys." Our lips met, the kiss triggering a spark of passion within us.The world around us melted away, leaving only us. In the end, we lay entwined, bathed in moonlight.Talia's malicious words seemed distant, insignificant. Rhys' love and devotion had silenced my doubts.But as the first light of dawn crept over. A figure watched from the shadows.I could see the hatred blooming in her eyes and in less than a second she disappeared into the darkness.Rhys' gaze met mine, his expression bold. "Mara, we'll face whatever comes next, together."I nodded