Calla's POVAs Elena and I continued our conversation in the tranquil garden, a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, creating a soothing melody that accompanied our words. The warmth of the setting sun enveloped us, casting a golden glow over our faces as we delved into deeper discussions.With a curious smile, Elena broached the topic of my relationship with Lucian. Her question lingered in the air, momentarily causing me to hesitate. I knew the truth within my heart, but expressing it aloud felt vulnerable, almost daunting. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding."No, Elena, we are not mates," I replied softly, maintaining a respectful tone. "Lucian has been a pillar of support for me, a loyal friend, but there is nothing more than that between us."Elena's wise eyes held a depth of understanding that resonated with my soul. It was as if she could see beyond my words, beyond the walls I had constructed to protect myself. She saw the flicker of emotions within m
Lucian's POVAs I woke up the next morning, Elena's words still resonated in my mind, nudging me with particular that sense of purpose. Determination surged through my veins as I carried out my usual morning routine—taking a refreshing bath, brushing my teeth, and preparing myself for the day ahead. The cool water washed away any remnants of sleep, leaving me alert and focused.Stepping out of the bathroom, I quickly dressed, choosing an outfit that exuded confidence and style. As I made my way towards the door, a gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. It was one of the maids, reminding me of breakfast with my uncle and the rest of the household. I sent her and made my way downstairs, eager to join the company awaiting me.The dining room was filled with warmth and an atmosphere of joy. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the tantalizing scents of various breakfast dishes that adorned the table. The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow
Calla's POVAs I sat at the breakfast table, the words of Elena lingered in my mind, echoing through my thoughts. Should I give it a try? Should I allow myself to open up to the possibility of something more with Lucian? The uneasiness in my heart grew as I made the decision to call him to the garden.I quickly excused myself from the table, not wanting to keep Lucian waiting for long. With each step towards the garden, my heartbeat intensified, and I attempted to steady my breathing, not wanting to reveal my nervousness. The garden, once a place of solace, now felt like a battleground of emotions.As I reached the familiar spot where Elena and I had conversed the previous day, I took a deep breath, trying to gather my courage. My mind was filled with doubts and uncertainties, but I knew I had to give it a chance. I needed to be honest with myself and with Lucian.I sent a maid to fetch Lucian, my heart fluttering with anticipation. The moments that followed felt like an eternity as I
Calla's POVAs the warmth of Lucian's lips lingered on mine, a whirlwind of emotions consumed me. My heart danced with joy, relishing the enchanting moment we had just shared. Yet, amidst the euphoria, a tinge of fear crept into the corners of my mind, threatening to dampen my newfound happiness.I couldn't deny the spark that ignited between us, the undeniable connection that seemed to transcend time and space. Lucian's touch, his gentle yet passionate kiss, had awakened a dormant part of my soul. It was a beautiful and exhilarating experience, one that filled me with a sense of longing and excitement.But deep within, there lingered a haunting fear—a fear rooted in the painful memories of my past with Axel. The wounds he had inflicted upon me still bore scars, both visible and invisible. It had taken time and resilience to rebuild my shattered trust, and I couldn't help but question whether I was ready to take another leap into the realm of love.As I stood there, my heart beating w
Lucian's POVAs I walked Calla back to her room, the touch of her hand in mine filled me with a sense of comfort and joy. We exchanged a few playful words, a gentle banter that reflected the newfound connection between us. I leaned in to press a soft kiss against her cheek, whispering, "I'll see you at dinner."Watching her retreat into her room, a smile lingered on my lips. The anticipation of spending more time with her later that evening warmed my heart. But before I could revel in those thoughts, I made my way towards my uncle's office.To my surprise, as I stepped into his office, I found my uncle, Alpha Darwin, trying to suppress his laughter. His eyes sparkled mischievously, and a barely contained smirk played on his lips. I couldn't help but feel puzzled and slightly uneasy at his reaction."What's so funny, Uncle?" I asked, furrowing my brow.He burst into laughter, his deep and hearty guffaws filling the room. It was a contagious sound that made me raise an eyebrow, waiting
Lucian's POVTaking a deep breath, I made a conscious effort to calm the storm raging within me. I couldn't let anger consume me, not in this crucial moment. As Stephanie's words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the importance of maintaining control, I steadied my thoughts and steeled myself for what lay ahead.Walking through the corridors of the mansion, I felt a mix of trepidation and determination. Thoughts whirled through my mind, contemplating the words I would say to Diana, the emotions I would allow myself to reveal. I refused to let her see how deeply her presence affected me, how her past actions had scarred me.Finally, I arrived at the large living room where Stephanie had informed me Diana awaited. As I stepped into the room, my eyes locked onto her figure. The years had changed her, but the memories still haunted me. The look of disdain in my eyes was a reflection of the pain she had inflicted upon me.Diana's face lit up with a smile as she noticed my presence. She mo
Calla's POVAs I wandered through the sprawling grounds, seeking solace in the peaceful embrace of nature, my thoughts were consumed by the enchanting moments I had shared with Lucian earlier that morning. The tenderness of his touch, the intensity of his gaze, it all played over and over in my mind like a vivid dream. I couldn't help but bask in the afterglow of our connection, feeling a sense of bliss that I had longed for my entire life.With each step I took towards the garden, my heart danced with anticipation. The memories of our intimate encounter enveloped my thoughts, creating a swirl of emotions within me. A shy smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I recalled the warmth of his embrace and the tenderness in his eyes. I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope, a belief that perhaps, just perhaps, we were on the precipice of something extraordinary.However, as I rounded the bend and entered the garden, the air in my lungs vanished, replaced by a sudden weight that pressed
Calla's POV As the hours wore on, my anger simmered beneath the surface, refusing to dissipate. The image of Lucian with that woman, their intimacy etched into my mind, played on a never-ending loop. The betrayal and heartache I felt seemed insurmountable, casting a dark shadow over my entire being.Despite my refusal to answer the incessant calls from the maids, their persistence finally wore me down. With a heavy heart, I dragged myself out of my room and reluctantly made my way to the general dining room.The familiar hallways felt foreign, as if they, too, were aware of the turmoil raging within me. Each step I took echoed with a sense of emptiness, a stark contrast to the vibrant life that had once filled these corridors. My mood was somber, my footsteps heavy as if weighed down by the weight of my shattered heart.As I entered the dining room, the atmosphere was suffocating. The usual chatter and laughter that had filled the air now felt hollow and distant. The clinking of silv