Chapter 54: I know"Enough, Selene," Claudia snapped out of frustration.But Selene didn't back down. She stepped forward while her gaze remained fixed on Alaric as though Claudia's words barely registered. Her voice rose, trembling but resolute, as she called out a name that made Alaric flinch somehow triggering a few memories."Amaris! Do you remember my name? Amaris?" Selene's words were raw and heavy with emotion. "Alaric, I—"Before she could finish, Claudia's hand came down in a sharp, stinging slap across Selene's face. The sound echoed through the room like a crack of thunder, stunning everyone, including Alaric, who abruptly stood up, his chair screeching against the floor.Selene staggered slightly as her hand flew to her cheek in disbelief. Her wide eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she stayed silent, her lips trembling as she stared at Claudia.Claudia's chest heaved with anger, her hands trembling at her sides. "So you've come here pretending to need a job, but all y
Chapter 55: See You NeverIt was a Saturday morning, and Selene wandered out for a long walk to buy the vitamins her doctor had prescribed. The crisp air did little to clear the heaviness in her heart. After what had happened yesterday, she wasn't sure she could ever return to the bakery. She never imagined Claudia, who had always been kind and understanding, would lash out and slap her. But Selene couldn't entirely blame her. She had been desperate, overstepping boundaries that weren't hers to cross. She told herself she deserved it.What weighed even more heavily was the thought of seeing Alaric again. She wasn't sure if her heart could take it remembering the way he looked at her with disdain just yesterday.Selene sighed.The morning was serene and the streets were quiet. The air carried the faint scent of damp earth and morning mist. Selene closed her eyes as she walked, letting the scent wash over her. It was so familiar, exactly like the mornings she'd spent beside Alaric. Thos
Chapter 56: A Perfect FitThe morning sun filtered through the curtains, filling the small apartment with soft, warm light. Selene sat at the kitchen table lost in thought. Today, she had to do it. She had to tell Mrs. Aldridge that she was leaving. There would be no waiting until tomorrow. After her conversation with Alaric earlier this morning, she had made up her mind. She would find a new place to live—maybe somewhere in the countryside, far from the reminders of her past. Somewhere quiet, peaceful.Selene couldn't escape the feeling that there was no longer a future for her here. The place that once felt like home now felt empty, suffocating. And more than that, she had finally accepted that she had to let go of Alaric. She couldn't bear the thought of seeing him with someone else, and that ache in her chest was a constant reminder that it was time to move on. It was a pain that sliced through her, but it had also made her think clearly for the first time in weeks.She needed to
Chapter 57: Not that badAlaric sat in his study, a book lying open before him, though his eyes barely glanced at the pages. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Selene. Their encounter earlier that day had stirred something deep within him—something he couldn't quite define. It wasn't just curiosity or sympathy. It was a strange, undeniable pull, as if her presence had reignited a part of him that had been long dormant.He leaned back in his chair while his fingers lightly grazed the armrest as he replayed the moment in his mind. The warmth of her hand on his, the gentle curve of her baby bump beneath his touch, and the miraculous flutter of tiny kicks. A smile crept across his lips at the memory, unbidden but impossible to suppress. For reasons he didn't fully understand, that fleeting connection had left him longing for more.Alaric chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head. "What's wrong with me?" he muttered, though the answer eluded him. He had been certain of his
Chapter 58: RestlessThe pale light of dawn crept through the edges of the curtains, painting soft streaks across the walls of Alaric's bedroom. Monday had finally arrived, and although his alarm hadn't rung yet, he was already awake, staring at the ceiling with a nervous energy and excitement coursing through him.He turned his head to glance at the clock on the nightstand—4:45 AM. Still early, far too early, but sleep had eluded him since the first sound of birds echoed in the room.Alaric pushed himself up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks and it was an unusual and almost foreign sensation for him. He stretched his arms above his head as his mind drifted to Selene. The memory of her gentle touch, the soft lilt of her voice, and the awe he felt when he touched her belly for the first time filled his thoughts.He couldn't help but smile as his pulse quickened at the thought of seeing her again. Rising from the bed, he moved with
Chapter 59: Find HerThe bell above the bakery door chimed softly as Alaric stepped inside. The warm, sweet scent of baked goods immediately enveloped him. His sharp eyes swept over the cozy interior, and the first person he saw was Marcie, sitting behind the counter. She looked utterly bored, her chin resting on her palm as she idly tapped her fingers on the polished surface.Marcie glanced up, her expression brightening slightly when she recognized him. "Oh, Damian," she greeted, her voice carrying a hint of surprise. "Didn't expect to see you here so today."Alaric forced a polite smile, nodding as he approached the counter. "Good morning, Marcie. Just thought I'd drop by." His tone was casual, but his eyes discreetly scanned the room, searching for a familiar face.Marcie raised an eyebrow, clearly catching his subtle movements. "Looking for something? Or someone?" she teased lightly as a knowing smirk tugged at her lips.Alaric straightened, masking his intent with a faint chuckl
Chapter 60: Unravel the Stars"Selene has already moved out," Mrs. Aldridge said, "...a few days ago. It was a little difficult for me, you know. That sweet young woman has been nothing but good to an old woman like me. She was always kind and polite, despite her situation." She paused, shaking her head. "It was hard to let her go, especially knowing she's pregnant and unmarried. But... it seems she had her reasons."Alaric's chest tightened at her words. "Did she say where she was going?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly, though he tried to hide it.Mrs. Aldridge sighed again and shook her head. "No. She didn't share much, only that she needed to leave. Whatever her reasons, they seemed important enough for her to pack up so quickly."She then gave him a measured look. "If you're truly her friend, I hope you'll respect her decision, Mr. Clarke."Alaric swallowed hard, his mind racing. She was gone, but where? And why? He forced himself to nod politely, though his thoughts were
Chapter 61: Nowhere~Alaric stood still, surrounded by the vast expanse of nothingness. The space has a beauty so profound it almost hurt to look at. The void around him shimmered with the colors of the galaxy itself, swirling like stardust in infinite motion. Distant stars danced in an ethereal rhythm as their soft glow became the only light in this eternal space. It felt as though time had stopped, as though he was suspended between worlds.He wandered for what felt like hours, drifting through the cosmic silence while his thoughts were lost in the beauty of it all. But then, the stillness shattered as soft echoes of footsteps reached his ears, faint but distinct, growing louder with each passing second.Alaric's breath hitched. The figure looked strikingly familiar, almost a mirror of himself, yet there were subtle differences that set them apart. This man's features were fairer, softer, and his build was more slender, almost delicate in contrast to Alaric's more rugged form. His
Chapter 90: Happily Ever After?Five Years Later "Luna! You can't catch me!" Lucian's voice rang out as he dashed through a group of guests, narrowly avoiding toppling a tray of drinks."Oh, yes, I can!" Luna shot back, her face flushed with determination as she lifted her skirts slightly to run faster.The Clarke estate was alive with the sounds of joy and celebration. The grand ballroom were adorned with delicate garlands of flowers and shimmering drapes. Blue and pink ribbons intertwined across the space, signifying the shared celebration for the twins, Lucian and Luna.Two grand cakes sat at opposite ends of the room—one decorated with stars and moons for Lucian, and the other adorned with flowers and butterflies for Luna. The twins, now five, were darting around the room like a storm as their laughter echoed.Selene stood near the refreshment table with her hand resting protectively over her growing belly. Her floral dressed flowed gracefully around her, though it was tailored t
Chapter 89: Second LifeThe Elysian Empire was a land of grandeur, steeped in tradition and hierarchy. Its people were not only divided by their noble ranks but also by the unique genders bestowed upon them by nature itself. The six genders—male and female alphas, male and female betas, and male and female omegas—shaped the very fabric of their society. Each bore distinct roles, and though unity was idealized, inequality and prejudice often thrived beneath the surface.Alphas were leaders, strong and dominant by nature. Male alphas often held positions of power, while female alphas were just as capable, known for their strength and determination. Both experienced ruts, intense periods when their instincts took over, driving their need for a mate.Betas were the steady, dependable ones. Male betas were the merchants, builders, and thinkers, while female betas were skilled at solving problems and keeping peace. Unlike alphas and omegas, betas didn't have ruts or heats, which made their
Chapter 88: ForgivenessAs Claudia approached, Alaric's expression hardened. The relaxed warmth he'd displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by the icy demeanor he had perfected from his past life. He stepped forward, positioning himself subtly between Claudia and Selene. His sharp gaze bore into her as though dissecting her every move."Damian. Selene.""What are you doing here, Claudia?" Alaric's tone was cold, cutting straight to the point.Claudia stopped a few feet away, her grip on the bouquet of hydrangeas tightening. She met his gaze, though her confidence faltered slightly under the weight of his stare. "I came to—""To what?" Alaric interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "To dredge up more chaos? Or to play the victim again?"Claudia flinched as the harshness of his words hit her squarely. She glanced down at the flowers in her hand, her shoulders stiffening. "I didn't come to cause trouble," she said quietly but her voice clearly wavered out of guilt.Alaric's brow
Chapter 87: Blue HydrangeasThe atmosphere at the garden party was cheerful. It brimmed with the warmth of the midday sun and the vibrant hum of people's laughter and chatter. The estate's sprawling yard was alive, dotted with tables adorned with bright, freshly picked flowers and a spread of delicious food. The smell of roasted meats, buttered rolls, and fruit tarts lingered in the breeze, adding to the cozy ambiance.Under the shade of a grand oak tree, Selene sat comfortably with Luna in her arms. Her baby girl's tiny fingers occasionally reached for Selene's long, wavy hair. Nearby, Noah crouched to entertain Lucian, waving a brightly colored napkin in front of him. The baby's soft giggles were contagious, drawing smiles from everyone present. Mrs. Callaghan sipped her lemonade with a look of satisfaction, while Mr. and Mrs. Weaver chatted animatedly about the twins' resemblance to their parents.Alaric stood slightly apart while his watchful eyes scanned the joyful scene. His typ
Chapter 86: Family and Friends"Are you ready, grandma?" Noah's voice called from the living room sounding mildly impatient. He stood near the window with hands tucked into his jacket pockets, peering out at the sleek black car idling outside.Mrs. Callaghan, bustling in the kitchen, replied without turning. "Patience, Noah. You don't rush a visit."Noah chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm not rushing. I'm just saying we shouldn't keep them waiting too long. Alaric doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who likes delays."Mrs. Callaghan paused with a smile tugging at her lips. "You're not wrong there. But don't forget, Selene invited us because she wanted to see us. No need to act like we're meeting royalty."At that moment, the door creaked open, and Mr. and Mrs. Weaver entered, both holding small wrapped packages. "We're set," Mr. Weaver announced, adjusting his scarf. "The driver's already got our bags. You about ready, Callaghan?""Almost," Mrs. Callaghan replied, placing the la
Chapter 85: ConquestThe usually calm and orderly floors of Clarke Industries had transformed from all the frantic activities currently happening. Employees rushed through hallways with files and folders. Their shoes clicked against the polished floors, while maintenance staff scrubbed every surface as though their jobs depended on it—which, in their minds, they did. The hum of printers, the frantic tapping of keyboards, and the occasional bark of instructions created a symphony of barely contained chaos.After a month of Alaric's absence, the announcement of his return sent ripples of panic and urgency through the company. The CEO's reputation for ruthless perfectionism preceded him, and every employee, from executives to interns, was painfully aware that even the smallest oversight could spell disaster for their career. To many, this day felt like a final exam they were unprepared for, and failure wasn't an option.Arthur stood at the center of the storm. His composed demeanor and s
Chapter 84: TestifyClaudia's bedroom was dimly lit and the heavy curtains were drawn to block out the light from outside. She sat on her chaise lounge, staring blankly at the glass of wine in her hand, swirling the deep red liquid absentmindedly. The once-polished and pristine young woman now looked worn, her elegant appearance marred by days of worry and sleepless nights.The door to her room suddenly burst open with a loud crash, making her jump. The glass of wine slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor as her father, Mr. Yves, stormed in. His face was twisted with fury as his usually composed demeanor completely unraveled."You testified against me?!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "Are you stupid?! Do you have any idea what you've done?"Claudia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Dad, I—""You've destroyed everything!" he interrupted as his hands trembled and pointed an accusing finger at her. "Everything I built, everything I worke
Chapter 83: The Light and The Moon"Are you sure you're alright after whatever Arthur rudely said to you earlier?" Alaric asked, his concern evident as Selene carefully leaned back against the headboard.Selene let out a soft chuckle and exhaled. "He was rude and mean... but I don't think he meant any harm. I'm more worried about my babies. We left them behind at Mrs. Callaghan's. It's—"Before she could finish, a knock on the door interrupted her, followed by Arthur's voice from the other side. "Mr. Clarke, you have visitors."Alaric who momentarily forgot about his expected visitors, spoke without hesitation. "Let them in."The door opened slowly, and Arthur stepped aside as two men entered, each accompanied by a nurse. In their arms were two tiny bundles, wrapped snugly in soft, warm cloths. Arthur had thoughtfully suggested removing the newborns from their incubators so the mother could hold them freely.Selene's breath hitched at the sight, and tears instantly welled up in her ey
Chapter 82: Twins"What do you know?" Alaric finally asked, confused and suspicious.Arthur smiled solemnly. "I knew. From the moment you returned and spoke to me, I could tell that you were different. The way you carried yourself, the way you spoke—it was as if someone else had taken his place. Damian was my young master, and I knew him better than anyone."Selene's breath hitched, and her gaze darted between the two men. "Then why... why didn't you say anything?" she whispered.Arthur sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his back as he straightened. "Because I knew the truth wouldn't change the situation. Damian Clarke was already gone. I saw his body myself the day he fell unconscious in his own home."Alaric's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"Arthur hesitated for a moment before continuing, his tone heavy with regret. "Damian's death was no accident. It wasn't illness or stress as it appeared. He was poisoned."Selene gasped, her free hand covering her mouth. Alaric's grip o