Chapter 52

Aira I didn’t even know how I left the hall or where my feet carried me. My head was spinning, and one thought kept chasing itself around my mind—how in the goddess’s name did that little brat find out about the secret I’ve guarded for twenty-seven years? The child. The child I bore after Owen ghosted me. The child who reminded me of the betrayal that nearly broke me in half. I couldn’t bear to look at her, not even once, because all I saw was him. So I did what I thought was best, I gave her away. I found a couple more ready, more stable, who could raise her with the love I knew I couldn’t give. I buried that memory, locked it so deep I thought it would never rise again. But Bella… she found the key somehow. I remember it clearly even now. I had lied to my friends, told them I was visiting my aunt for the holidays. The truth was, I was hiding. Hiding my swollen belly. Hiding my shame. Hiding the wound Owen left in me. When the time came, I gave birth with the help of my Aunt Mary, and when my Aunt Mary arranged for the baby to be taken, I let her go without a word. That was one of my darkest memories—the day I had lost myself and I had this hatred for the man who made me miserable. I stopped walking, sank onto a bench, and let the air out of my lungs in one shaky breath. My Aina… what must she be feeling right now? I never told her. I never told anyone. Because I saw no need. What good would it do? In my heart, I never saw her marriage as a sin. Osborne may be the son of Owen, but Aina is not related to him. They are not siblings. Their bond is theirs to claim, not something stained by my past mistakes. But still… what of my mate? He knew I once loved Owen and the love we shared—everyone did. But he doesn’t know about the child. He doesn’t know the weight I’ve carried in silence all these years. I leaned back against the bench and closed my eyes. Aina is finally married. She is happy, and that is what matters. Later, I will go to her and explain everything. She deserves the truth, even if it shakes her. Because to me, this is not shame. It’s just the past. And I will not let the past destroy her future. “How long are you going to follow me?” I asked. The moment the question left my lips, his voice answered, soft and uncertain: “I don’t know.” He always didn’t know—how his wife put up with him, I’ll never understand. He’s the cause of all this: Owen, who looks strong on the outside but is weak inside. Without turning, I said, “Go back to the venue. You can’t abandon your people when there’s unrest.” He was quiet for a long moment, then finally asked, “Is what she said true?” I toyed with my fingers, steadying myself. “What does it matter? It’s all in the past.” That’s always been my motto—what’s done stays done. “Is it?” he asked again. I never turned to look at him. “It is,” I said firmly. “I had two children. They were well taken care of. I don’t know about a third.” His steps came closer until he stood right in front of me, his expression unreadable. “You knew about this, and yet you let my son marry your daughter. Is this revenge? Do you hate me that much?” he demanded. I laughed, the sound brittle. “Hate you? No, Alpha Owen, I don’t hate you. And revenge? What would I gain? It was your son who claimed my daughter, not the other way around.” which was nothing but the truth. “Do you even realize the weight of this, Aira?” Owen asked. Was he seriously acting like I’d kept something bad from him? “The weight of what, Owen? It’s not like she’s a boy who would fight your son for his title. And if you’re suggesting I should have aborted a child I carried out of wedlock, then you must be joking.” I forced myself to lower my voice. If anyone saw me speaking to him like this, they’d say I was disrespecting the Alpha. I sighed. “That’s not what I meant,” he replied quickly. “I’d never ask you to murder, but with this coming to light now—it’s a bigger issue for me.” That was the breaking point. I don't care if anyone hears or sees us right now. I shot to my feet. “You selfish bastard. Of course, how could I forget? It’s always about you.” My words were sharp, venom lacing every syllable. If he knew me at all, he’d know I was furious. “That’s not what I meant—” he tried to defend. “Not what you meant? No, Owen, that’s exactly what you said. ‘A big issue for me.’ For you. Always you. You’ve never changed—selfish as ever and you always will be.” I spat on the ground in disgust. Just standing near him made my skin crawl. What I felt for him now was nothing but irritation. I wanted to get as far away from him as possible, the very sight of him was unbearable. Just as I turned to leave, his hand closed around my arm. The glare I gave him could have taken his head off. “One moment, please,” he begged. I yanked my arm free. “Say whatever you have to say, but make it quick. I don’t have time for this.” I made sure he saw how desperately I wanted to be gone. “I know I hurt you,” he began, voice heavy with regret. “And no matter what I say, the fact remains—I hurt you. For that, I’m sorry.” I spun on him sharply. “Your apology is pathetic, Owen. I don’t need it. Save your breath for your wife.” His eyes widened, but I didn’t give him a chance to respond. I walked away, never looking back. Not once.