#Chapter Nineteen: The Surprise

Agnes As soon as Olivia’s lips touched Elijah’s, my heart clenched, and I turned away. I couldn’t watch. It wasn’t like I hadn’t known this was coming—their bond, as fated mates, was unbreakable. I knew that from the beginning. It was a harsh reality I couldn’t avoid. But knowing didn’t make it hurt any less. What was I, really? Just a contract mate, a placeholder with no real standing to object to any of this. How could I, when the bond between Elijah and Olivia was written in the stars? My heart ached, but I pushed the pain down, doing my best to appear calm for Thea’s sake. She’d hidden behind me during the entire exchange, still absolutely terrified of Olivia. She looked at me with wide eyes. “Daddy won’t agree! I’ll tell him not to go with her!” Thea’s little voice piped up beside me, her small arms clinging tightly to my waist. I glanced down at her, trying to give her a reassuring smile. I stroked her hair gently. “It’s okay, Thea. Your dad going with her to one c