Chapter 48

Once inside, I guided them to the sitting area, offering them seats. They sat side by side, while I settled across from them. “Would you like any refreshments?” I asked politely. The Luna shook her head gently. “No need. We came here to apologize for what Bella Hamilton did to you.” I offered a small smile in return. “If it were left to me, I’d say there’s no need. The wound has healed as though nothing ever happened.” The Luna chuckled softly. “Aina is so much like you.” I arched a brow. “She is?” Her laughter deepened, and she nodded. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter,” I said with a slight bow of my head. I had spoken with Aina just yesterday, and she told me how kind Luna Olivia had been to her. It was only right that I express my gratitude. “It’s a pleasure to care for my son’s mate,” Luna Olivia replied warmly, and I returned her words with a smile. My eyes drifted to the Alpha. “I trust the Alpha has been well,” I said, since he had sat there like a statue all this time. “I have,” he replied simply. “I hope the same for you.” I inclined my head respectfully. “Once again, as my wife has said, we are deeply sorry for what one of my guests caused you,” he continued. “And I thank you for your concern, Alpha. But tell me—will that lady become a problem for my child?” I pressed, because if she was, I would not hesitate to go to that mansion myself and bring my daughter back home. “No,” he said firmly, “I shall handle that problem. I promise you Aina will remain in safe hands.” He spoke with assurance, but could I truly trust his words? The girl who stepped into my home yesterday carried evil in her eyes. If I hadn’t been moved by her aura, I would have been terrified. “I only hope things are as you say, Alpha,” I replied. “Because that girl promised to send my child to her ancestors.” The moment the words left my mouth, I noticed the shift in their expressions. “And I do not take such words lightly, Alpha. Words spoken in anger often carry truth.” The Luna immediately looked toward her mate, who had gone still in thought. “Bella said that?” he asked, and I nodded. From the look on their faces, I finally knew my daughter was truly in good hands. “I promise you,” the Alpha declared with quiet strength, “no harm will ever come to your child. I swear it with my life.” I bowed deeply at such powerful words. “Then I shall hold you to your oath, for it has given me peace.” With all that needed to be said spoken, and their apology delivered, it was time for them to leave. They rose, and so did I, escorting them to the door. The Luna turned back to me with a gentle smile. “We shall be sending their wedding invitation soon.” My face lit up with relief and joy—I could hardly wait for Aina to be married at last. “Thank you once again. I shall be expecting it.” With that, they departed. The moment their cars disappeared from sight, I stepped back inside and collapsed onto the couch, my legs unsteady beneath me. I shut my eyes for a brief moment, but it was enough—memories I had long buried came rushing back. It wasn’t the love I once held for him, nor the fact that, once upon a time, we discovered we were mates. No, it was the fruit of that relationship—the secret I have carried in silence all these years. Each time I remember it, dread floods through me all over again. This is why I avoid being near him, why I despise every encounter. He doesn’t just walk into a room—he drags the ghosts of my past with him, and I am forced to relive the pain I worked so hard to bury. “I still can’t believe the Alpha and Luna were in our house. They didn’t even notice me standing there,” Suzy’s voice rang out, her face lit with excitement as she grinned to herself. “Go get me some water and stop lazing around,” I told her, not wanting her to see me in this state. “Oh, please,” she huffed, rolling her eyes. “No matter what I say, you’ll always find something to shut me up with.” With that, she marched off inside, and I could only sigh at her antics. Bella “Did you gather everything I asked about them?” I questioned Bob, the man I had sent to dig into Aina’s life. “Yes, mistress,” he replied with a nod. “Just as I reported before, I found more details about her family. I also confirmed that she was mocked and ridiculed growing up because of her appearance.” He hesitated, and I instantly knew there was more. “But… there’s something else. Something surprising,” he finally added, which piqued my curiosity. “And what would that be?” I pressed. “It seems Aina’s mother didn’t just have two children… she actually gave birth to three.” I frowned, unbothered. Perhaps the third child had died. “That doesn’t matter, Bob. Anything else?” But the serious look on his face kept me from dismissing it. “The surprising part, mistress. The child didn’t die—she gave it away. From what I discovered, the child was born out of wedlock.” My eyes widened, intrigue sparking instantly. “What?” I asked, leaning forward, my interest now fully captured. “Yes, mistress,” he confirmed. “All of this is new — how did you find it, Bob?” I asked, perplexed. Bob grinned. “I dug deep, mistress. I even tracked where the child was adopted to. It wasn’t easy getting the proof — whoever covered this up guarded it like a secret they’d die for.” A slow smile curved my lips. Oh, this was getting very interesting “we should dig deeper, I want everything laid out to me, without missing a bit".