Olivia's POV
The room was quiet, save for the steady ticking of the clock mounted on the far wall. My gaze drifted out the window, past the gauzy curtains that swayed gently in the breeze. The forest stretched endlessly, its lush green leaves shimmering under the golden sunlight. It looked so peaceful, so different from the storm raging inside me.
Ryan’s voice broke the silence, steady and sure. “The restrictions weren’t put in place to punish anyone,” he explained, his tone measured. “They’re to prevent situations where people use a child to manipulate or trap me.”
I turned my head slightly, watching him from the corner of my eye. He sat at the edge of the bed, his posture relaxed but his eyes focused, as if he wanted to make sure I understood every word. He wasn’t like the men I’d grown up around—rash, selfish, unreliable. Ryan thought things through, weighing his actions and their consequences. It was... admirable, in a way. But it didn’t change the decision I’d already made.
“The child’s background doesn’t matter to me, Olivia,” he added. “It never will. All that matters is giving them the best life possible.”
I shifted on the bed, my fingers gripping the fabric of my dress. His words should have comforted me, and in some ways, they did. But they also brought a deep ache to my chest.
“I know you’re a good person,” I said softly, barely above a whisper.
Ryan’s head tilted slightly, his brows knitting together. “Then why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming?”
I sighed, my eyes returning to the forest outside. The sunlight dappled the ground, creating shifting patterns that reminded me of fleeting moments of happiness—bright, but never permanent. I couldn't seem to trust him knowing well he has no plans for me after I would birth the child. I'm only going to be a surrogate and will possibly have nothing to do with my child again. That hurts but I've already made a decision.
“Alpha Ryan,” I began, my voice trembling despite my best efforts, “I know you’ll be a great father. And I know this child will grow up in a better environment here than I ever had. That’s why... that’s why I can’t stay.”
His silence was immediate and deafening. I didn’t dare look at him, but I felt the weight of his gaze, heavy and unrelenting.
“Can’t stay?” he repeated, his voice quieter now, almost as if he was testing the words for the first time. “Olivia, what are you saying?”
I forced myself to turn toward him, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. “After the baby is born, I’ll leave. It’s the only way I can ensure they have the best chance at life.”
His jaw tightened, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of something close to anger in his eyes. But it wasn’t the kind of anger that scared me. It was frustration, laced with confusion.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” he said finally, his tone sharper now. “Why would you leave your own child? Why would you think that’s what’s best for them?”
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. How could I explain something so deeply rooted in my heart, something that had shaped my every decision since the moment I found out I was pregnant?
“It will be best that way,” I said, my voice cracking. I knew it would. I didn't want to end up being the same person I disliked - my very irresponsible father.
I’ve seen too many men, Fathers who walk away without a second thought, leaving their children to fend for themselves. I swore I would never be like that. I won’t be an irresponsible parent. And if staying means risking becoming someone who can’t give this child everything they deserve, then I’d rather leave.
Ryan stared at me, his eyes searching mine as if he could find the answer he wanted hidden somewhere there. I held his gaze, refusing to back down, even though every second felt like a battle.
“You know you can stay,” he said finally, his voice firm but gentle. “You’re better than that.”
His words were kind, too kind, and they made the ache in my chest spread like wildfire. I wanted to believe him, but the fear was too deeply ingrained.
“I can’t take that chance,” I whispered, my hands twisting in my lap. “There's not going to be any reason for me to stay. Will there?"
He looked at me, momentarily speechless and it seemed to heightened my doubts.
"I thought as much,” I mumbled.
Ryan reached out then, his fingers brushing against mine. The warmth of his touch was startling, and I looked down at our hands, unsure of what to do.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I’m here. I’ll support you, no matter what. You don’t have to leave to give this child a good life.”
His sincerity was almost too much to bear. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, but I blinked them away, refusing to let them fall.
“This isn’t about you, Alpha Ryan,” I said, pulling my hand back gently. “It’s about me. About what I can and can’t do. And I can’t risk staying, not when there’s a chance I’ll fail them.”
Ryan stood abruptly, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “You’re not making sense,” he said, pacing a few steps away before turning back to me. “You love this child—I can see it in the way you talk about them. So why would you walk away?”
I didn’t answer immediately. Instead, I looked out the window again, at the forest that seemed so full of life and possibility. Maybe that’s what I wanted for my child—a life full of possibility, free from the shadow of my own insecurities and shortcomings.
Finally, I turned back to him, meeting his gaze head-on. “Because sometimes, loving someone means letting them go.”
The room was quiet except for the faint sound of my breathing and the soft clink of the spoon in the soup bowl. My palm throbbed, a sharp reminder of my recent misstep, and as I reached for the bowl to steady it, the dull ache turned into a sharper sting. I winced and quickly withdrew my hand, trying to mask my discomfort with a deep breath.
“Here, let me,” Ryan said, his voice calm but insistent. Before I could protest, he reached across the table, his hand brushing mine as he took the bowl. His touch was brief, but it left behind a strange warmth, one that felt both foreign and comforting.
“It’s fine,” I murmured, averting my gaze. “I can manage.”
Ryan arched a brow, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “You’ve already proven you can’t,” he replied, lifting the spoon with practiced ease. “Let me help.”
There was no arguing with him. He seem to have a way of stating things so firmly it left no room for negotiation. I opened my mouth to refuse again, but the first spoonful of soup was already being brought to my lips. I sighed, giving in, and took the sip.
The soup was warm and rich, but the taste barely registered. My mind was elsewhere, a storm of emotions brewing inside me that I couldn’t seem to tame. Ryan offered another spoonful, and as I leaned forward to take it, the pressure in my chest swelled. I blinked rapidly, hoping to hold back the tears threatening to spill, but it was no use.
A tear slid down my cheek, warm and uninvited. I quickly turned my head away, my hand flying up to wipe it away before Ryan could notice. But he wasn’t blind.
“Olivia,” he said softly, his voice laced with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I replied too quickly, my voice trembling. “It’s just the hormones. They make you... emotional sometimes.”
Ryan didn’t look convinced. He set the spoon down, leaning slightly closer. His gaze was steady, piercing even, as if he were trying to unravel the mess I had become over the past few days.
“Are you sure it’s just that?” he asked.
I bit my lip and nodded, my hands fidgeting in my lap. But the tears wouldn’t stop. They came faster now, slipping down my cheeks despite my best efforts to hide them. My chest heaved, and before I knew it, I was crying in earnest, the weight of everything finally crashing down on me.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I lowered my head, pressing the heel of my uninjured hand to my eyes, desperate to stem the flow. “It’s been... a lot. Too much, actually.”
Ryan didn’t say anything at first, and the silence stretched on, making me feel even more exposed. I hated this—hated being vulnerable, hated showing weakness in front of him. But there was no stopping it now. The fear, the anxiety, the hopelessness of the past few days—it all came pouring out.
I thought of the nights spent running, the shadows that always seemed to follow me. The sharp pang of fear every time I heard a footstep too close or a voice calling my name. The crushing despair when the hospital bills piled up, and I couldn’t see a way out. And now, here I was, in Ryan’s home, crumbling under the weight of it all.
“I shouldn’t even be here,” I muttered, more to myself than to him. “I don’t belong here.”
When I finally looked up, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand, I expected to see pity in Ryan’s gaze. Instead, I found something else entirely—something I couldn’t quite name. He reached into his pocket without a word, his expression unreadable.
I frowned, confused, until he held out his hand. Nestled in his palm were two small pieces of candy, their glassy wrappers catching the sunlight streaming through the window.
“What’s this?” I asked, my voice still thick with tears.
“Candy,” he said simply, as though it explained everything.
I stared at him, then at the candies, my mind struggling to process the gesture. Ryan wasn’t the kind of man I associated with sweetness or sentimentality. He was practical, straightforward, even a bit brusque at times. And yet here he was, holding out these tiny, sparkling tokens of comfort as if they were the answer to everything.
“I don’t understand,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan’s lips curved into a faint smile, one that softened the hard lines of his face. “Sometimes, a little sweetness helps,” he said. “Go on, take them.”
Olivia's POVThe candies sparkled in the sunlight as I held them in my trembling hand. Their glossy wrappers, simple yet mesmerizing, reminded me of the small joys I used to cling to in a life far removed from this moment. I could almost hear the crinkle of glassy paper as Layla and I shared stolen treats during our leanest days, a childish indulgence in a world that often felt cold and unforgiving. I glanced up at Ryan, the lines of his face softened by the golden light filtering through the window. His gaze stayed steady on mine, not prying, not pushing—just waiting. It wasn’t just the candies that made my heart tighten; it was the thought behind them. A man like Ryan, sharp and distant in so many ways, offering something so simple and thoughtful. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice cracking.“You don’t have to thank me,” Ryan replied, leaning back but keeping his eyes on me. “You just have to let me help.”His words lingered, wrapping around me with unexpected warmth. I nodded, bu
Olivia's POVDr. Zoe’s office smelled faintly of lavender, a calming scent that failed to ease the storm raging in my chest. The soft hum of her air purifier filled the silence as we took our seats. Ryan sat beside me, his posture as straight and commanding as ever, while I sank into the chair, trying to gather the scattered pieces of my composure. Dr. Zoe’s eyes flickered toward Ryan, her surprise evident. She bowed her head respectfully. “Alpha Ryan, it’s an honor to have you here. I wasn’t aware you were involved with Olivia.”My heart clenched, and heat rushed to my cheeks. “He’s—he’s my new boss,” I interjected quickly, my voice steadier than I expected. “He’s just here to ensure everything’s alright.”Ryan’s sharp gaze turned to me, his expression unreadable. Dr. Zoe’s shoulders relaxed, and she gave a small nod of understanding. “I see. Well, that explains your presence.” Her tone lightened, but the weight of her next words lingered in the air. “Olivia, I’d like to speak with
Olivia POV The corridor outside Doctor Zoe’s office felt suffocating. I needed air, or at least a moment to gather myself before returning to face reality. Layla’s life was hanging by a thread, and I could feel every ounce of weight pressing on my shoulders. Desperation clawed at my chest, but I couldn’t let Alpha Ryan see how broken I truly was.I slipped down the hallway, my steps unsteady but determined, until I found the hospital restroom. With a trembling hand, I pushed open the door, grateful to find it empty. The cold, sterile air hit me, and I moved quickly to the sink, turning on the faucet. The sound of rushing water filled the quiet space as I cupped my hands, splashing the cool liquid onto my flushed face.Looking up, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale and drawn, my eyes red-rimmed and swollen from crying. I looked utterly wrecked, a far cry from the strong front I tried to put on in front of Ryan. Layla’s face flashed in my mind—her warm smile, her li
Olivia’s POVThe stall door rattled violently against my back as Emily’s high-pitched voice echoed through the restroom.“Get out here, Olivia! Or are you too much of a coward to face me?” she screeched, her fists pounding on the door.My breathing was shallow, my chest heaving as I pressed myself harder against the cold metal, as if it could somehow shield me from her rage. My palms felt clammy, and I clenched them into fists to stop them from trembling.“Do you seriously think hiding in there will save you? You’re pathetic, Olivia! Always have been.” Emily’s laugh was sharp, a knife slicing through the silence. “You think you’re better than everyone just because you’ve got that tragic little face and those pitiful doe eyes. Newsflash: you’re nothing. Less than nothing.”The words stung, but I forced myself to swallow the lump rising in my throat. She was baiting me, trying to draw me out, but I couldn’t afford to react—not now. I had too much to lose. My hand instinctively moved to
Olivia POVJust a few steps from the restroom was Layla’s room. As I exited earlier, the sound of a muffled cry caught my attention. It was coming from her room. My chest tightened and I had hurried down the corridor to the room.When I opened the door, my heart sank. Johnny, Zoe’s youngest son who was Layla's best friend, was perched on the edge of the bed, his tiny frame shaking as he cried. Layla, pale and fragile, lay unconscious on the hospital bed. Dr. Zoe, his mother, knelt beside him, whispering soothing words.“It’s okay, Johnny,” Zoe murmured, stroking his hair. “Layla’s strong. She’ll pull through.”Johnny turned as he heard the door creak open. His teary eyes met mine, and before I could say a word, he ran toward me and wrapped his small arms around my waist.“Olivia,” he sobbed, his voice cracking. “Is Layla going to die?”The weight of his question hit me like a punch to the gut. I knelt down, meeting him at eye level, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.“No, J
Emily's POVI slammed the door to my room, my chest heaving with frustration. My nails dug into my palms as I tried to control the rage boiling inside me. Ryan. Ryan. His name echoed in my head, each repetition stoking the fire in my chest. How dare he reject me? After everything I’ve done, after all the years I’ve been by his side—or at least in his orbit—this is how he repays me?The walls of my room seemed to close in, the pink-tinged decor suddenly suffocating. I grabbed the first thing I saw—a framed photo of myself from last year’s gala—and hurled it across the room. The glass shattered on impact, shards scattering across the hardwood floor.“No,” I whispered harshly, pacing the room like a caged animal. My voice rose with each word. “No, no, no! This wasn’t supposed to happen!”I turned to the vanity, catching a glimpse of my flushed face in the mirror. My carefully applied makeup now felt like a mask, one I wanted to rip off. With a frustrated groan, I swiped the perfumes, bru
Olivia POV The lingering warmth of the roast lamb on my tongue hadn’t yet faded when I noticed something odd. The staff member, who had been answering Ryan’s question about deliveries, kept stealing glances at me—no, not at me, at my stomach. My cheeks burned, and I fidgeted with the hem of my sweater, hoping he’d stop. But his gaze kept darting between Ryan and me, his expression a mixture of curiosity and excitement.Then, as if to confirm whatever assumptions he’d made, he straightened up and said, “Of course, subscribing to our online service means you’ll also receive recommendations for the latest maternal and child products every month.”Maternal and child products? What on earth?I froze, unsure whether to laugh, correct him, or disappear into the floor. Before I could decide, Ryan nodded coolly, as if the comment was perfectly normal, and added a few more lamb chops to the shopping cart.“Let’s try something else,” he said, steering the cart away without acknowledging my wide
Olivia's POVSteam curled around me as I stepped out of the shower, my hair wet and clinging to my shoulders. The cool air of Alpha Ryan’s room hit my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I grabbed the soft towel he’d left for me and wiped my face, then let it drape over my shoulders as I took in the space around me. His room was exquisite—modern yet warm, with a hint of masculinity in the dark wood furniture and deep blue accents. It smelled of him, a mix of cedar and fresh air, a scent that was both calming and unsettling.The large mirror above his dresser caught my reflection, and I tucked a damp strand of hair behind my ear, sighing softly. For a moment, I debated whether I should sleep in this room as Ryan had suggested. It felt too personal, too intimate, even though he had made it clear he’d be working in the study all night.“If you can’t sleep,” he had said earlier, his tone steady but kind, “there’s a TV in the living room. Call me if you need anything. And don’t forget to
Olivia’s POVI frowned, my fingers clenching slightly against my dress as I looked between Sarah and standing before me.Diana.I didn’t know her, had never even heard of her name before today. Yet, Ryan's mother's look sold off that Diana seemed like one to cause problem.Before I could ask any questions, Sarah turned to Ivy. “Go report back to Grandfather Moore.”Ivy gave a respectful nod and left the environment, her presence replaced by a weighted silence.“Who's Diana?" I asked her.She sighed. “She's Grandfather Moore’s granddaughter.“What? She's your….”"No. She's not my daughter. She's Kelvin’s elder stepbrother’s daughter.”"Huh?” I blinked.Sarah exhaled slowly before turning back to me. “Olivia, I think it’s time you learned more about the family.”My brows knitted. “More?”She nodded. “Grandfather Moore had some illegitimate children before he officially married Kelvin's mother. That, unfortunately, led to too many people trying to compete for the Alpha position.”I stiff
Olivia’s POVI hadn’t expected to run into Eva at the flower shop that day, and I certainly hadn’t expected to run into her here again. The last thing I wanted was another pointless argument, so I decided to ignore her and walk past as if she wasn’t there.But, of course, Eva wouldn’t let me go so easily.“Well, well, look who we have here,” she sneered, stepping in front of me to block my path. “The lowly omega who used a Gamma to cheat her way out of trouble.”I frowned, glancing around. Her guards now stood at a distance, they seemed uninterested in intervening. Maybe for now. I sighed and met Eva’s glare. “I didn’t cheat, Eva. And I certainly didn’t ‘escape’ anything. I didn’t do anything wrong.”Eva scoffed and took a step closer, her eyes flashing with barely contained fury. “Oh, really? Then why don’t you apologize for what happened that day?”I stiffened. “I have nothing to apologize for. I didn’t push you. I was trying to help you.”Eva’s lips curled in a twisted smirk, and b
Maid’s POVI stepped forward, firmly blocking the path as Diana halted in front of me. Her golden hair gleamed under the disappearing sun, and despite the gentle smile on her face, there was an underlying sharpness in her gaze.“I need to see my grandfather, Acacia,” she said, folding her arms. “Move away." I remained unmoved. “I’m sorry, Miss Diana, but you can’t go in right now.”Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Why? I walked despite my legs hurting to get here, and now you’re stopping me?”I met her gaze steadily, keeping my voice calm. “I have no personal reason to stop you, Miss. But your grandfather is receiving a special guest today—Alpha Ryan’s girlfriend.”Her lips parted slightly in surprise, then pressed into a thin line. “I heard Ryan was bringing her over today,” she muttered, more to herself than to me. “I think her name is… uhh, Olivia.”“That’s right, Miss Diana,” I confirmed, shifting my weight slightly.Her face twitched, and for a moment, she seemed genuinely concerned
Olivia's POVGrandfather Moore’s gaze was warm as he gestured toward the young woman standing beside him. "Olivia, this is Ivy. She’s one of the strongest female Gammas in our pack."Ivy gave a small nod, her short hair swaying slightly with the movement. She had sharp eyes, the kind that seemed to see everything without trying too hard. Yet, there was something calm about her—a quiet strength that didn’t demand attention but couldn’t be ignored either."It’s nice to meet you," I said with a smile. "You look really capable."Ivy smirked, crossing her arms. "I try."Grandfather Moore continued, "Given Celia’s… pregnancy experience, we thought it’d be easier for you to have a woman around rather than a man. Ivy’s one of our best, and she’ll be by your side to help when needed."I nodded. Now, I didn’t mind. In fact, I liked being around strong women like Ivy and Zara. There was something admirable about them—the way they carried themselves, the way they never seemed shaken.Ivy stepped
Olivia’s POVOh no. Oh no, no, no.I was caught.Ryan’s grip on my wrist didn’t loosen, and I felt my entire body tense. The air in the hallway suddenly felt heavier, and I had the overwhelming urge to shrink into the nearest crack in the floor. Maybe if I played dead, he’d just let me go.His green eyes studied me intently, unreadable yet sharp. “Olivia.”I swallowed. “I—I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop! I swear! I just—” I waved my free hand vaguely in the air, “—was walking, and then I heard, and I—” I was digging my own grave. “I didn’t mean to listen! My ears just—uh—work really well?”Great. Now I sounded suspicious and completely ridiculous.I braced myself for the scolding. Maybe a stern warning, maybe even a full interrogation—Ryan had that natural authority that made people confess to things they didn’t even do.But instead, his brows furrowed slightly, his hand shifting to hold my wrist more gently. “Are you hurt?”Huh?I blinked. “What?”“Did you hurt yourself?” His voice was
Olivia’s POVMy heart pounded as we neared Grandfather Moore’s room. The deep murmur of his voice filtered through the partially open door, sending a shiver down my spine. I held my breath, a strange mix of curiosity and apprehension gripping me. Whatever I was about to hear could change everything.Celia walked ahead of me, her steps slowing. I stole a glance at her as she got closer to the door, her brows furrowed as she listened intently. We exchanged a look before turning our gaze toward the door.“Grandfather, what do you really want?” Ryan’s voice carried a weight of seriousness, making my stomach twist.Celia and I hesitated before inching forward, peeking through the gap in the door. My breath caught in my throat.Grandfather Moore, a man with shoulder-length gray hair, sat at the edge of his bed, various wrapped gifts spread out beside him. His hands trembled slightly as he held a list, his expression deeply focused. Ryan stood beside him, arms crossed, staring at the papers
Olivia POVRyan nodded, releasing my hand. He turned to me, his gaze lingering as he lifted a hand to pat my cheek lightly. “I will be back soon,” he murmured.I watched as he walked away, his tall figure disappearing down the hallway, leaving me standing at the doorway.The maid turned to me with a polite smile. “Shall I show you inside, Miss Olivia?”I nodded, suddenly aware of the weight of my own presence in such an unfamiliar place. She turned the golden handle with a practiced grace, and as the door swung open, I stepped into a world that didn’t feel real.The room before me was breathtaking—larger than any space I had ever called my own. Soft golden lights illuminated the high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the plush carpet that swallowed my hesitant footsteps. A massive bed, draped in silk sheets and layers of pillows, sat against one wall, looking like something out of a fairy tale. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the opposite side, with thick curtains drawn hal
Olivia’s POVCelia couldn't hold back her amusement as she slid into the seat next to me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, well," she teased, nudging Ryan's arm playfully. "I don't think I’ve ever seen you this possessive before, Ryan. What’s wrong? Olivia is your lover, huh?"Ryan didn't answer immediately, his gaze still fixed on me as if I’d done something to enchant him. I shifted in my seat, my cheeks warming under his intense scrutiny. His mother, who had been observing the exchange, suddenly smirked."Son, is she so much of a lover that you're bewitched by just her gaze?" she asked, a playful lilt in her voice.Celia didn't hesitate. "Oh, dear Mother, I think our son has finally found the right one.""Definitely. No doubt about it, Celia," his mother agreed with a knowing smile.Ryan scratched the back of his head, grinning before he turned his full attention back to me. I looked away, feeling the weight of too many eyes on me.At that moment, a maid appeared, carrying
Olivia's POVThe weekend arrived faster than I expected, and before I knew it, I was sitting in the passenger seat of the car as Ric drove through the vast estate leading to Ryan’s family home. But calling it a home felt like an understatement.My jaw nearly dropped as I gazed out the window. The villa was massive—no, it was an entire world on its own. Grand structures stretched across the landscape, surrounded by lush gardens, fountains that glistened under the day's sun, and pathways lined with marble statues. The air itself felt richer, carrying a mix of fresh pine and something regal, something that whispered of power and history.I swallowed, shifting in my seat. This isn’t just a house; it’s a kingdom.Ryan, seated beside me, smirked at my obvious awe. “You're impressed.”“That’s an understatement,” I murmured, eyes still flicking from one mansion to another. “It’s like a mini-tribe.”Ric chuckled from the driver’s seat. “That’s exactly what it is. Every house you see belongs to