Aiden’s POVI shook my head, feeling the weight of my failures bearing down on me. "No luck, Lucas. I've checked and checked, but nothing yet. I've scoured every corner of this palace, but there's no sign of Chloe. I'm not even sure she's still here. She could have left by now."Lucas furrowed his brow, his concern deepening. "Do you think Chloe might have left the palace?"I sighed, rubbing my temples as I tried to think clearly. "I don't know, Lucas. She could be anywhere. If she did leave, where would she go? Does she know anywhere in the pack well enough to seek refuge?"Lucas shook his head. "I don't think so, My Prince. Chloe's never shown much interest in the pack grounds. She's always been more of a homebody, sticking close to the palace."I sat down on a nearby bench, the weight of the day pressing heavily on my shoulders. "Why is all this happening to me in one day?" I muttered, more to myself than to Lucas.Lucas looked at me, sympathy in his eyes. "Sir, what about the plan
Chloe’s POVI slowly opened my eyes, wincing at the sharp pain that pierced through my head. Gosh, I was feeling a really strong headache. What happened? I groggily tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, making me lie back down.I stretched my arms and legs, trying to shake off the sleep. As I opened my eyes again, I took in my surroundings. The bedspread was not familiar at all, and it had this masculine scent. Why? Wait a minute... I'm not on my bed.This was definitely not my bedroom.As I tried to get up, I felt my leg touch something. I turned around, and that's when I saw him. A man, lying by my side, snoring his life away. What?! Who is this? I was so scared. I wanted to shout, but I held my mouth with my hands.Even as I tried to get out of the bed gently, he rolled over, and his two hands grabbed me even as he was still asleep. Gosh! His breath smelled like alcohol.I took a moment to really look at him. Despite the situation, I couldn't help but notice how
Chloe’s POVI took another deep breath, trying to quell the rising panic inside me. The sound of the guards’ laughter was now a distant echo, but their conversation was still fresh in my mind. If Hudson had orchestrated this whole situation, I needed to tread carefully. The guards’ mention of dragging someone to his room suggested a sinister plan that I might have narrowly escaped. But the immediate concern was getting out of here without attracting attention.My dress was rumpled, my hair likely disheveled, and I could smell the remnants of alcohol on me—a scent that wasn’t entirely mine. Hudson had clearly been drinking, and the stench clung to me like a bad memory. I needed to clean up and change clothes if I had any hope of slipping past the guards and maids unnoticed.I looked around, assessing my options. The hallway stretched out ahead of me, with doors leading to various rooms. I noticed the kitchen wasn’t too far from where I was hiding. If I could get there, maybe I could wa
Chloe’s POV“I was on my own in a room somewhere in the palace,” I began, my mind drifting back to the previous day. “It was quiet, and I was just trying to clear my head. Then, I started hearing noises outside in the hallway. They were faint at first, but then they got louder. I stood up to check, thinking maybe it was nothing, but just before I got to the door, someone came running into the room and bumped into me.”Ashley’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? Who was it?”“I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head. “I fell to the ground, and when I looked up, they were gone. I noticed they had hidden in a corner, but before I could figure out what was happening, guards stormed into the room.”Ashley leaned in closer, her expression serious. “Then what happened?”“I tried to resist, telling them they had the wrong person. But they didn’t listen. They grabbed me and said they were taking me to Hudson’s room,” I said, my voice trembling as tears welled up in my eyes. “I didn’t understand wh
Chloe’s POVThe doctor’s gentle smile did little to calm my nerves. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat a reminder of the turmoil inside me. She waited patiently, her eyes kind and understanding."Um," I started, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not sure where to begin.""Take your time," she said softly, pulling up a chair and sitting down across from me. "I'm here to help."I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. My thoughts were jumbled, a chaotic mess of fear, shame, and confusion. "I've been having... some problems," I said, my eyes darting around the room, avoiding her gaze."What kind of problems?" she asked, her tone encouraging but not pressing.I hesitated, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap. "It's... difficult to talk about."The doctor nodded, her expression calm and patient. "That's okay, Chloe. We can go at your pace."I took a deep breath, my chest tightening with anxiety. "Something happened," I said slowly. "Something... bad."Her
Chloe’s POVRelief because I wasn't pregnant. I hadn't known how to deal with that possibility, especially given the strained relationship between Aiden and me. And apprehension because... well, what did this mean for us now? Could we find a way to bridge the gap between us, or was this just a temporary reprieve from the inevitable?I opened my eyes, letting out a long sigh, and started towards the parking lot. My car was parked a fair distance away, and I welcomed the walk as a chance to gather my thoughts. As I made my way across the pavement, a glint of sunlight reflecting off a car's windshield caught my eye. I turned my head, and my heart stopped.Lucas was there, leaning against his sleek black car, arms crossed over his chest. He looked right at me, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, but I could feel the intensity of his gaze even from across the road. Shit. How did Lucas trace me here? Had he been following me? A cold dread washed over me. Did he know why I came to the ho
Chloe's POVWhen I got to my room, I quickly called Ashley. It didn’t take long for her to pick up."Ma'am, I've been looking for you," she said the moment she entered the room, concern etched on her face."Sorry, I went to the hospital," I replied.Ashley went and locked the door behind her, her eyes filled with worry. "So? Hope they said everything was fine?""Yeah," I said, but my voice lacked conviction. "But I don't know why I'm still having this feeling like I'm still carrying Hudson's child."Ashley came closer, her expression softening with empathy. "Ma'am, I understand. Don't worry. It's just a feeling. You aren't carrying his child at all since the hospital has confirmed it.""I pray so," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "Because if Aiden, my husband, finds out any of this, he will literally kill me.""It will be fine," Ashley assured me. "None of this was your fault, ma'am. Someone set you up, and it happened with Hudson. But surely, we will get that person."I sank ont
Chloe’s POVLucas then sat me down, his eyes sharp and focused. "So Chloe, I want you to tell me everything. Exactly the way it all happened."I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "Hmm," I said. "So, this was what happened..."I took a deep breath and started narrating. "After finding out that Claire and Aiden were having an affair, I got angry and went to a quiet room at the extreme end of my chambers to clear my head. I needed to think."Lucas nodded, encouraging me to continue."As I was there, a certain lady came in. I didn't recognize her at first, but she seemed to be in a hurry. Before I knew what was happening, I was seized by some guards.""Wait, I don't get it," Lucas interrupted. "Seized how?"I opened my mouth to reply, but just then, a guard suddenly came into the room. We both kept quiet, tension hanging in the air."Prince Aiden seeks your presence," the guard said to Lucas.Lucas glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Okay, I will be there soon," he rep
Years LaterThe grand festival continued into the night, but as the celebrations waned, a quieter, more reflective scene unfolded. Amidst the joy and laughter, Aiden and Chloe found themselves watching their children, Alex and Mia, play in the castle’s expansive gardens.Alex, now a young man of seventeen, had inherited his father’s strong, determined spirit. He was tall and confident, with a sharp gaze that seemed to miss nothing. His interactions with the other children were marked by a natural leadership, a blend of kindness and authority that spoke of his future role as a leader.Mia, a year younger than Alex, was equally impressive. She was vibrant and intelligent, with a keen sense of justice that mirrored her mother’s. Even at her young age, her ability to understand and empathize with others was remarkable. She moved through the crowd with a grace that drew people to her, her laughter and energy infusing the air with an infectious enthusiasm.As Aiden and Chloe watched their c
Aiden’s POVI stood there, my mind racing with a mix of shock, betrayal, and disbelief. The flashing red and blue lights of the police cars painted an eerie glow on the faces of the people I once called family. Claire, Mason, and Hudson were being led away in handcuffs, their expressions a mixture of anger and resignation."It's funny," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else, "how people you call your family and blood would turn against you."Ashley, my best friend, stood beside me, her face pale. "I can't believe they had a hand in your son's disappearance," she whispered, her voice trembling. "All this time..."I shook my head, feeling a bitter laugh bubbling up. "Yeah, I know the world is wicked and all, but nah... this was too massive," I said, my voice rising with emotion. "Like wow... damn... so I really had fake bloods around me."The words felt foreign in my mouth, like speaking in a language I didn't quite understand. I watched as the police shoved Claire into the back o
Claire’s POVI arrived at the abandoned building, its skeletal structure of steel beams and concrete looming ominously against the twilight sky. This place, once a construction site left unfinished, now served as a perfect hideout for clandestine activities. Pulling up in my car, I shut off the engine and stepped out, my senses on high alert. Just then, my phone buzzed with a call from Mason."Mason, where are they?" I asked, my tone brisk."They’re inside the building, Claire. Just walk in, and you’ll find the kid," Mason's voice crackled over the line."Alright," I replied, my eyes scanning the darkened entrance. "I’m heading in now."Walking towards the entrance, the crunch of gravel underfoot punctuated the silence of the evening. As I stepped inside, the dim light from the setting sun barely penetrated the building’s interior, leaving me in shadowed uncertainty. I called out as I moved further in, my voice echoing off the empty walls."Mason, I’m inside. I don’t see anyone yet."
Claire’s POVI entered my room and slammed the door, shaking the walls with the force of my anger. My breath came in ragged gasps, and my heart pounded furiously in my chest. God!!!! Chloe!!!!!! After all I have done to get rid of you, you still were able to squeeze yourself back into my life. Wow... Nice. I muttered to myself, an evil smile playing on my lips as I paced back and forth, trying to calm the storm inside me. I will make sure you and Aiden never have peace of mind.The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn tight to shut out the world. My desk was cluttered with papers and books, the remnants of a life I was trying to rebuild. But now, all I could see was red. Memories of Chloe flooded my mind – the times she outshone me, the moments she humiliated me, the way she always seemed to have Aiden's attention.I paused in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My eyes were wild, filled with a mix of rage and determination. "You always thought you were better than me, di
Aiden’s POVThe room was dimly lit, and the smell of antiseptic was heavy in the air. I blinked slowly, trying to clear the fog from my mind. My head throbbed with a searing pain that felt like it was tearing through my skull. It took a moment for my surroundings to come into focus—the hospital room, the steady beeping of monitors, and the IV drip attached to my arm."Finally, you're awake," a familiar voice broke through the haze. It was Lucas, sitting in a chair beside my bed, his face a mixture of relief and concern."Lucas..." I croaked, my voice raspy and weak. "What... what happened?"He leaned forward, his eyes never leaving mine. "Aiden, we thought we lost you. Chloe managed to reach me after it all happened. She said you both were attacked."I struggled to sit up, wincing as pain shot through my body. "Yeah, we were... Is she okay? Are the kids okay?"Lucas hesitated, his silence stretching like a taut wire. I repeated my question, my voice rising in urgency. "Lucas, are Chlo
Aiden’s POVI was beyond happy as I drove my family back with me to my pack. Having Chloe and my kids in the car was one of the happiest things that had ever happened to me. As I heard Mia and Alex having their playful banter in the back seat, I couldn’t help but smile. Yeah, finally, I had gotten what I had been missing all this while to myself."Why are you smiling really hard?" Chloe asked, her voice pulling me back from my thoughts."Ooh, nothing," I said, my smile widening."Hmm, you sure?" she asked, giving me a sideways glance."Yeah, just thinking about how perfect everything is right now," I replied, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road."I can see that," she said with a soft laugh. "It’s kind of contagious, you know.""What is?" I asked, curious."Your smile. The kids are smiling too. Look at them," she said, turning slightly to look at the back seat.I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Mia and Alex giggling, their faces lit up with joy. It warmed my
Aiden’s POVThe guard took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. "The news reaching us right now is that Aiden will be returning with Chloe.""Okay?" I replied, confusion lacing my voice. "That's good news... because I know definitely he's returning with her head in a ba—""No, Your Highness," the guard interrupted, his tone more urgent. "It is said that they are returning as couples.""What! Couples? How?" I exclaimed, standing up so abruptly that my chair toppled over. "Isn't Aiden meant to kill her for him to have peace? Wasn't that what the goddess we paid instructed him to do?""Yes, sir, but—""But what?" I cut the guard off angrily. "See, get me Claire," I told him, even as I sat back angrily in the bathtub. "What sort of rubbish is this?"The guard nodded quickly and scurried out of the room. I leaned back in the tub, the warm water doing little to soothe my rising irritation. How could Aiden betray us like this? What could possibly have happened?Minutes later, Claire,
Aiden’s POVBefore I could answer, Chloe's stepfather, the alpha of the pack, interrupted me. His stern expression softened as he looked at Chloe and then turned to me, confusion etched on his face.'What is going on here?' the alpha demanded. 'Who is this man, Chloe?'Chloe took a deep breath and stepped closer to her stepfather. 'Dad, this is Aiden. He was... he was my husband.'The alpha's eyes widened in shock. 'Your husband? The one who...''Yes,' Chloe interrupted, her voice trembling. 'The one who sent me away.'The alpha's gaze turned hard as he looked at me. 'You have a lot of explaining to do, young man.''I know,' I said, meeting his gaze. 'I owe Chloe and you an explanation.'Chloe gestured for us to sit. 'Let's all sit down and talk. There's a lot to discuss.'We moved to the sitting area, the tension in the room palpable. Chloe sat next to her stepfather, while I took a seat across from them.'Aiden,' the alpha began, 'I want to hear your side of the story. Why did you s
Aiden’s POV"Hey, sir, sorry to intrude, but I couldn't just keep quiet. You really have amazing grandkids, Sire," I said, trying to mask my curiosity with a friendly tone.King Aiden looked at me and chuckled. "Yeah, I sure do. They are really something special. My grandkids are the best gift life has given me.""That's really lovely, Sire," I said, genuinely touched by his pride. "From the way your grandson looked, I'm pretty sure their mother must be very beautiful."The Alpha's face lit up with a broad smile. "Oh, you have no idea. My daughter is beyond beautiful. She's a queen in every sense of the word," he said, his voice filled with pride as he continued praising her beauty and grace."I can imagine," I said, smiling. "She must be very special to have such a wonderful son.""She is," King Aiden nodded. "Chloe has always been the heart of our family. Strong, kind, and fiercely protective of those she loves."As we continued our meal, the atmosphere was light and filled with lau