ANASTASIA’S POV: In search of respite, I find my way to the mansion's backyard garden. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow on the winding pathways. The fragrance of blooming flowers surrounds me, a welcome distraction from the heavy atmosphere inside. I stroll along the manicured lawn, while the sultry air caresses my face, hoping it’ll wash away the weight that rests on my shoulders. As my mind drifts back to the revelation and discussion at the dining area, I fail to notice an approaching figure until its voice interrupts my reverie. "S’cuse me?"Startled, I turn to face the man who has materialized beside me. The sunlight highlights his features. He shares the same body frame as Hugh, and has black curly hair with neatly shaved sides."I'm Dwight," he says, extending a hand in greeting, making his bicep flex underneath his fitted shirt. "It’s my first time seeing you. Did you come here with Alpha Hugh?”“I did.”I shake his hand, the touch sending something
YVANNA’S POV: The heavy velvet curtains drawn shut, the room is dimly lit by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. I sit on the edge of my bed, my fingers tracing patterns on the silk bedspread, my thoughts a tempest raging within me. Hugh’s confession still echoes in my mind like a relentless storm, each word a piercing arrow through my heart. How could he? How could he love another, someone who isn't even one of our own kind? Someone who has deceived me into believing that there’s still a chance for us?“Unbelievably disgusting!”My frustration simmers, and I can’t contain it any longer. With a fierce cry of anguish, I leap up from the bed and stride to the vanity dresser. Without a second thought, I begin to hurl my possessions from the top of the dresser, the sound of shattering bottles of perfumes, porcelain figurines and thudding containers of cosmetics, trinket boxes filling the air. Christy, who’s entering my room, jolts in confusion. But I pay her no mind, my focus solely on
With cameras relentlessly flashing and reporters eagerly scribbling notes, I remain on the platform with a calm facade, though my heart is pounding with nerves. As I speak about the details of my fake pregnancy, my mind is elsewhere, anxiously checking my phone under the tablecloth. I need Christy to arrive with the orphan soon. Though the weight of my deception continues to press heavily on me, it's too late to falter now. -Is he here yet?- I hastily type, my fingers trembling slightly. I hit send and hold my breath, hoping for a positive response. Just as I finish my speech, a sense of relief thrills through me as Christy appears at the garden's entrance, cradling the precious two-year-old orphan in her arms. My eyes glisten with unshed tears as I watch Christy approach. With a practiced smile, I wipe away a non-existent tear and beckons Christy forward, subtly gesturing for her to make the child visible in the prying eyes of the media. As Christy reaches the platform, I take a
ANASTASIA’S POV: I stand silently in the doorway alongside several Omegas, my heart is confusingly both light and heavy as I watch Hugh cradles his son in his arms, a radiant smile gracing his features. Nobody can deny the happiness reflecting in Hugh's eyes as he gazes down at his son. Every tender touch, every kiss, is a testament to the depth of his love. And I don’t want him to lose that because of me. My gaze inadvertently drifts to Yvanna, who stands beside Hugh, a triumphant smirk playing on her painted lips as she stares at me. It’s understandable that she harbors resentment towards me, I lied to her, making her believe that Hugh still loves her. Apart from that, she’s now seeing me as a threat to her own ambitions. And now, with the revelation of Hugh's son, she’s considering this as an opportunity to further cement her hold on him. Yvanna won’t hesitate to exploit this situation to her advantage. Already, I can imagine the headlines, the public scrutiny that’ll follow.
I step into the open-concept living space of Dwight’s condo unit. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, offering panoramic views of the city skyline below. Plush, charcoal-colored sofas sit before a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, beckoning me to sink into their depths. A sleek, granite-topped kitchen island gleams in the corner, adorned with stainless steel appliances. "Dwight, this is such a nice and comfortable place," I murmur, turning to him with a smile. "Glad you think so." Dwight pauses as if considering something. Until finally, he speaks again, “Anyways, would you like something to eat?" My stomach rumbles at the mention of food, reminding me that I haven't eaten since last night after watching Yvanna’s press conference on Hugh’s TV. "Yes, that would be lovely." "Great! I’ll buy some snacks, while you make yourself comfortable. Treat everything here like it's your own," Dwight says with a wink before disappearing out the door. Now alon
My hand trembles as I pull away from Hugh's grasp, my eyes filled with defiance and desperation. I can’t bear the thought of returning home with him, can’t face the suffocating weight of everyone’s expectations and demands on him. "I'm not going with you," I declare, my voice steady than I expect it would. "I don't have a home, Hugh. And right now, I want to stay here." Hugh's jaw tightens further, his eyes no longer shy away from flashing his anger. "You can't stay here," he insists. I try not to falter as I reply, “Who are you to decide where I wanna stay?” Before Hugh could protest further, Dwight steps forward, his voice calm but firm as he intervenes. "If you're worried that I'll be spending the night here with Anastasia, then don't. I'll be at mom's house." Hugh's glare intensifies as he locks it with Dwight's in a silent battle of wills. But Dwight refuses to back down, his own stare unwavering as he meets Hugh's challenge head-on. As the tension between them escalate
DWIGHT’S POV: I gaze at Anastasia who looks surprised and confused. The taste of her lips is still lingering in mine, still making my muscles tingle. But the part of our kiss that shouldn’t be ignored is the electrifying sensation that coursed through me, which means one thing - she’s my mate! My thoughts drift back to the heated confrontation I had with Hugh earlier. The words reverberate in my mind like a haunting refrain, ‘Don't you dare touch my mate! It’s a warning laden with possessiveness and a primal instinct to protect what is his. However, Anastasia is not just Hugh's mate; she’s mine too, in ways I’m only beginning to understand. This is the one thing I won’t let Hugh take from me.Despite the risk, I lean forward, my heart thrumming with anticipation. I reach out to touch Anastasia, to bridge the distance between us once more. But before my fingertips could brush against her smooth skin, Anastasia leans back, her movements graceful yet deliberate. Her beautiful hazel ey
HUGH’S POV: The night drapes over the city, stars scattered across the velvet sky like diamonds on black satin. I stand alone on my penthouse’s balcony, a glass of bourbon clutched in my hand. The memory of my heated confrontation with Dwight replays relentlessly in my mind, each word exchanged a jagged shard piercing my conscience. Anger boiled within me. I’ve never been one to back down from a fight, but now, I couldn't shake the regret that’s gnawing at my insides. And then there’s Anastasia, her rejection of being with me echoing in my ears. The impact was fierce, her words flung like arrows, and it’s hurting more than the breakup I had with Yvanna before. My grip tightens around the glass. With a sudden surge of rage, I crush the glass, the sharp splinters biting into my skin as the amber liquid bursts forth, staining the balcony floor like drops of blood. My chest heaves, the shattered remnants of my drink falling from my grasp. When my head begins to throb and my vision sw
"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