Chapter 55

Claire's POV Wandering aimlessly around the resort, my emotions churning like the waves against the shore, I found myself on a secluded pathway lined with tropical flowers. The beauty of the place felt almost mocking given my current state of mind—how could everything look so perfect when I felt like my heart was breaking? I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice the figure approaching until a gentle voice called out to me. "Claire? Is everything alright?" I looked up to see Alpha Bob walking toward me, his expression filled with genuine concern. He'd changed from his earlier casual beach attire into shorts and a linen shirt, but his easy, approachable demeanor remained the same. "Oh, Alpha Bob," I said, quickly wiping at my eyes and trying to compose myself. "I'm fine, just... enjoying the scenery." He studied my face with the kind of perceptive gaze that suggested he wasn't buying my attempt at normalcy for a second. "You know, there's a nice spot just up ahead with a great