The Weight of Choice

Chapter 34 The concern etched on her face was my undoing. I felt the dam break, and I threw myself into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. The weight of my sorrow and frustration poured out in racking sobs. Amelia's arms wrapped around me, holding me close as she stroked my hair. "Shh, it's okay, I'm here," she whispered. "Did Orion hurt you? Or did someone threaten you into choosing Jayden?" Her voice was a soothing balm, but her words were laced with a hint of steel. I pulled back from the hug, my eyes locking onto Amelia's as a bittersweet smile spread across my face. Tears clung to my lashes, refracting the light like tiny prisms. "What can I say? Sometimes life has other plans. Our dreams and expectations... they don't always align with reality." My voice cracked, and I took a shaky breath. "I've always yearned to be with my mate, to feel loved and cherished by him. But maybe I'm not meant to have that with Orion. Maybe I'm destined for him, but not fated to be with him." The wo