I can’t run fast enough to hide, not with my injuries slowing me down. Besides, hiding may force them to investigate who’s eavesdropping on them, and I don’t want anyone innocent to be blamed for my actions. I need another plan, a way to outsmart them and to not be suspected. I hiss in pain as I kneel down on the cold tiled floor, alert to any sound or movement. Every soft thud on the room’s carpet amplifies, echoing like thunder in my ears. My fingers tremble in pain and anxiety as I carefully gather the shattered remnants of the Chinese vase. Then, as if on cue, the door in front me creaks open. I hold my breath, my muscles tensing as figures emerge into the hallway. The first to step through is Dwight, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the floor. “Dwight! Thank goodness, you’re here,” I say, pretending to be surprised and relieved. “I thought I was brought to somewhere where I can’t find anyone I know.” Dwight’s eyebrows flick as his eyes land on me. He quickly
I push Dwight away with the little strength I have, breaking his kiss. My heart races in my chest as I quickly and fearfully glance at Hugh, searching desperately for his reaction. Luckily, relief knocks down my fear when I find Hugh looking surprisingly calm, his gaze steady on me. I swallow hard, my eyes flickering between the two men, uncertain of what will come next. Without shifting his gaze from me, Hugh addresses Dwight in a firm tone. "I'm pretty sure you already had your chance talking to Anastasia. I want some private time alone with her too." Dwight, standing up from the bed, wears a smirk that only thickens the tension in the air. "You're in my mom's house, so I have more right to make the rules than you do." “Your mom’s house is in the pack’s village where I have more right to rule than you do,” Hugh replies, his voice still dangerously calm, his gaze still fixated on me. “Guys, please… not again,” I beg, trying to pacify the tension. But just before the tempers st
The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the secluded road where Hugh's car is parked. Inside, the air is thick with the heat of passion as me and Hugh, breathless and entangled, finally separate from each other's n.aked embrace in the backseat. "That was... amazing," Hugh breathes, a lazy grin spreading across his face as he leans back against the plush upholstery. I reply, while shifting my body to lessen the stinging of my wounds, "Yes it was. Making love in your car has its own thrill, doesn't it?" Hugh chuckles, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Absolutely. And the best part is, nobody catches us in the act." We both share a knowing look before slipping into our clothes and returning to our respective seats. As Hugh starts the engine, a weighty silence settles between us only punctuated by our breaths. "Anastasia," Hugh begins tentatively, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, "Now that we made love again, are you now changing your mind about me marryin
The night stretches endlessly, restless thoughts weaving through my mind like an unyielding storm. Sleep eludes me as I grapple with the weight of the impending tragedy. Evelyn's plan to eliminate Hugh and his son on the day of the wedding is inconceivable! I thought such things can only happen in TV series and movies… I pause, toss and turn, realizing that I’m inside a novel, so these things are not impossible. What can I do to stop Evelyn… and Dwight too? How can I prevent the bloodshed without being caught by them? As the first tendrils of dawn paint the sky in hues of pink and gold, I find my thoughts still gnawing at me like a relentless predator stalking its prey, leaving me weary and hollow.A sharp rap on the door shatters the fragile peace of the morning, pulling me from my restless reverie. With a heavy sigh, I rise from the bed, my limbs heavy, not due to my wounds, but due to exhaustion, and make my way to the door.Upon opening it, I’m greeted by the sight of the Omega
After breakfast, I’m told in a very casual manner that Luna Cersei and Beta Evelyn had orchestrated that me and Yvanna visit a bridal shop together without so much as a word of consultation with me. I don’t like the idea, but I must pretend how thrilled I am to be shopping with an actress in a high-end shop. So I maintain my facade of calm and compliance, offering a serene smile to them. Dwight and I arrive at the shop. The bell above the door tinkles as we step inside. As I scan the area, my eyes land on Yvanna, who’s already engrossed in a conversation with a saleswoman, her laughter tinkling like chimes in the wind. Beside her stands Hugh, his tall frame towering over her petite form, his eyes never his phone in his hand, not even making an effort of glancing at his bride-to-be. The moment Yvanna and Hugh realize that me and Dwight are already here, Yvanna quickly clings to Hugh's arm like a vine desperate for support, her fingers trailing possessively over his sleeve as if mark
I push Hugh away, my heart pounding against the walls of my chest. With trembling hands, I reach for the door handle and turn it slowly. As the door creaks open, a sliver of relief washes over me as I catch sight of Risa standing outside… all by herself. "I'm sorry for returning back so quickly," Risa says. "But Miss Yvanna is already in the waiting area, looking for Mr. Hugh." Does Yvanna suspect anything? Does she know that Hugh is with me? Suppressing the urge to voice my concerns, I force a tight-lipped smile and nod at Risa. With a swift motion, I swing the door open wider and gesture for Hugh to step out. Hugh leaves and I catch a glimpse of a teasing smirk on his face. As the door closes behind us with a soft click, I let out a shaky breath, my hands still trembling as I reach for the buttons of the wedding gown. With Risa's gentle assistance, I begin to peel away the cool fabric off my skin. Now in my own clothes, I head back to the waiting area then settle beside Dwight
The wedding preparations are a whirlwind of activity, a blur of decisions made in haste, as if time itself is impatient for the union to be solemnized. I find myself disinterestedly swept along in the tide of planning. The theme is decided upon with little input from me. ‘Vintage elegance,’ they call it. I nod along as my never-will-be-mother-in-law discusses color schemes and decorations with the wedding planners, my mind elsewhere - Hugh and his last message to me, ‘I love you. We’ll get through this. I promise’. I don’t know what he’s planning to make that happen, but I have mine which I’m nervous but determined to do. The venue is also chosen—a grand ballroom in a historic mansion on the outskirts of town. I barely glance at the ornate chandeliers or the sweeping staircase as Dwight and I tour the space, his hand intertwined with mine and sometimes touching my back or the curve of my hip. Flowers are selected with meticulous care, each bloom chosen for its symbolism and signi
DWIGHT’S POV: The first light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a gentle glow into my bedroom. I lie sprawled across my bed, cocooned in the warmth of being half-asleep, blissfully unaware of the chaos about to erupt in my life. Suddenly, a sharp, infuriated voice shatters the tranquil morning air. "Dwight!" Mom's voice pierces through my dreams like a dagger, dragging me back to consciousness with a jolt.I groan, rubbing my eyes as I struggle to emerge from the depths of slumber. The wedding is in the afternoon, so I don’t understand what’s the rush in waking me up this early. But when mom’s tone doesn’t relent, I force myself to sit up, the lingering tendrils of sleep still clinging to my mind."What is it?" I mumble, my voice thick with drowsiness."Your ridiculous bride is missing!" Mom’s words hit me like a bucket of ice-cold water, banishing the last remnants of sleep from my mind in an instant.Missing?! Anastasia?!Panic surges through me, overriding the grogg
"Of course, I remember you," Author Agness says, her tone cool and composed. "But whatever you want to say, make it fast. I have another appointment after this." I don’t waste a moment. My heart races as I plead with Author Agness, my words tumbling out in a rush of desperation. "Please, Author Agness, you have to help me. I need to go back inside Bonded's world. I need Hugh. My baby needs its father." Author Agness' gaze flickers briefly to my belly before returning to meet my teary eyes. Then she sighs softly, her expression betraying a hint of regret. "Your journey in Bonded is over. That's our agreement. Once the story is finalized, then you'll return here." My resolve hardens as I refuse to accept Author Agness's words, "Please, I can't lose him. Our story isn't finished yet. The fact that we're going to have a baby means our journey must continue." Author Agness rises gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid and impassive. Just as she’s about to take a step away from
The sun casts a golden hue over the quiet subdivision as I step out of our house, my heart pounding with anticipation. I can’t believe that the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting is now, the day I’d finally meet Author Agness again. I’ve prayed for this moment, begging the fates to grant me one more encounter with the woman who has changed the course of my life. Eric pulls up in his sleek black car, the engine purring softly as he leans over to open the passenger door for me. Mama hovers nearby, excitement tinged with concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, darling?" she asks, her hand resting protectively on my slightly swollen belly. I smile reassuringly, gently patting mama's hand. "I'll be fine.I’ll take good care of myself." Papa stands silently beside mama, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. He says, his voice laced with paternal concern, "If the contract signing takes too long, Call us, we’ll fetch you." I nod, my determinatio
My thoughts are consumed by the memory of Hugh's voice echoing in my mind from last night. ‘We'll meet again,’ he had said, his words a balm to my aching heart. But as I replay the moment in my mind, doubt creeps in, whispering its insidious lies. Was it just my desperate longing for him that had conjured up his voice? Or had he truly spoken those words to me, reaching out to me from the depths of Bonded’s world? I can't be sure, and yet, in the depths of my soul, I feel a glimmer of hope igniting within me. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, a trick of my weary mind, but I’ll cling to the possibility with a fervor born of desperation. Whether it’s merely my imagination or a miracle beyond comprehension, I’m unable to suppress the surge of joy that’s welling up within me at the thought of seeing him again. For in the end, it doesn't matter how or why his voice had reached my ears. All that matters is the hope it ignites in my heart, guiding me through the darkness with the promise of
The living area is cast in a somber light, the glow of the setting sun filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I sit between my parents on the sofa, my fingers intertwined in my lap, my heart heavy with guilt. Mama’s eyes are filled with disappointment, papa's brows furrowed in concern as they both look at me, waiting for an explanation. After what seems like an eternity of heavy silence, papa's voice cuts through the tension, calm but tinged with irritation and hurt. "You've never introduced a boyfriend before, so who's the father?" A lump forms in my throat, rendering me speechless. I can't even bring myself to meet papa's gaze, knowing the anger I’ll find there. "I..." I begin, but the words catches in my throat. I can't bear to admit the truth, but also can't bear to see the pain in my parents' eyes magnify. Papa’s tone sharpens with each passing moment of silence. "Don't tell me that the guy doesn't wanna take responsibility for his child." My
The weight of my heart presses heavily against my chest. The air feels dense, suffocating, as if every breath I take is a struggle against an invisible force determined to keep me from the one I love most. Today is meant to be the happiest day of my life. But fate, cruel and unyielding, has torn us apart just when we’re on the cusp of our forever. I can still feel the warmth of his embrace, the tender brush of his lips against mine as we stand beneath the canopy of our dreams. I can still hear the echo of our promises, whispered in the quiet moments before dawn, when the world is still and we’re the only two souls in existence. But now, I’m away from him. I’m now in my own world that feels cold and empty without him by my side. The walls of my reality close in around me, suffocating me with their familiarity, their mundanity. How can I return to this life, this existence devoid of color and meaning, knowing that he’s out there, somewhere, beyond my reach? Tears continue to cas
As the morning sun filters through the lace curtains, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow, I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. Today is the day I’ve dreamed of since I was a young girl, poring over the pages of romance novels, lost in tales of love and adventure. I stand before the ornate mirror, my reflection smiling back at me with a radiance I’ve never known before. The ivory silk of my gown cascades around me like a waterfall, adorned with delicate lace at the hem and shimmering beads that catches the light just so. My dark chestnut curls are swept up in an elegant chignon, tendrils framing my face in a soft halo. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the anticipation that dances like butterflies in my stomach. It’s surreal, almost unbelievable, that I’m about to marry the man of my dreams. The man I’ve once only imagined, conjured from the pages of an e-novel and the depths of my own longing. I’ve never expected my life to take this
The following day dawns with a sense of anticipation as me, accompanied by Luna Cersei and two Omegas, set out on our mission to find the perfect wedding gown. Despite my reservations about shopping in the same bridal boutique I had visited with Yvanna before, I find myself drawn into Luna Cersei's world of extravagance and luxury. The bridal boutique Luna Cersei has chosen looks like something out of a magazine taken out of New York Fashion Week, its opulent façade beckoning us inside with promises of elegance and refinement. As we enter, we’re greeted warmly by the staff, who escort us to a luxurious seating area adorned with full-length mirrors. I’m overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all as if it’s my first time entering such an opulent place ever since meeting Hugh, the extravagant surroundings a stark contrast to my simple tastes. One of the staff politely leads me deeper into the shop, my eyes widening at the sight of a large fitting room that can easily be compared to the siz
I awake to the gentle caress of dawn's first light filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Stretching lazily, I push myself upright and rub the sleep from my eyes. Today holds the promise of both hope and uncertainty, like always, a tangled web of emotions that leaves my heart heavy yet determined.I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the cool tiles beneath my feet. As I stand, I glance at the mirror, my reflection staring back at her with apprehension and resolve. Today, Hugh has decided to talk to Yvanna once again about Zachary’s custody, and as his mate, as the mother of his future child, I have to stand by his side. I know Yvanna won’t be happy seeing me with Hugh, but I have to be strong too. Quickly, I moved through my morning routine. I brush my long, dark hair until it gleams in the morning light, then carefully apply just enough makeup to enhance my features, before putting on my new glasses which Hugh gifted to me.Dressed in si
My dreams dance on the edges of my consciousness, a haze of warmth and comfort wrapping around me like a cocoon. But as something soft caresses my face, gentle and soothing, I stir from my slumber, blinking against the intrusion of light. My vision adjusts slowly, revealing the silhouette of a figure bathed in sunlight, a familiar scent and soft chuckles drifting towards me. "Hugh?" I murmur, my voice thick with sleep. "You're awake now?""I am," comes the gentle reply, accompanied by the sound of movement. "Sorry I've woken you up."My heart skips a beat as I jolt into a sitting position, my eyes wide with disbelief as I take in the sight before me. There, bathed in the soft glow of dawn, is Hugh, his form tangible and real, a living, breathing presence that banishes the shadows of doubt that has haunted my dreams. Though bandaged and bruised, he’s awake, his eyes meeting mine with relief and gratitude.Tears well in my eyes as I throw myself into his arms, my embrace fierce with t