Chapter 23 The Slap

Chapter 23: The Slap

Chapter 23: The Slap

(Elena’s POV)

I slept peacefully in the Shadow Wing Guest Suite that night. For the first time in months, I didn’t lie awake wondering when Marcus would return home.

The next morning, I encountered him at breakfast in the Great Hall. He looked tired and haggard, his usually pristine Alpha presence showing rare signs of fatigue.

Dark circles shadowed his golden eyes. His perfectly styled hair was slightly disheveled, as if he’d run his hands through it repeatedly.

Catherine Hayes brought breakfast with her usual efficiency. She glanced between us expectantly, clearly waiting for me to help serve Marcus as I always had.

But I remained seated, calmly eating my own meal. I didn’t ask about his sleep or inquire about his preferences for the day.

Catherine’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. She sensed the subtle tension between us, wondering if we had quarreled.

Marcus noticed my indifference immediately. His jaw tightened as he watched me ignore his presence completely.

I could feel his irritation radiating across the table. But I continued eating without acknowledging him.

Catherine approached Marcus hesitantly. “Alpha, is the breakfast not to your taste this morning?”

“I have no appetite,” he said curtly, pushing back from the table.

He left abruptly without another word. His footsteps echoed harshly against the marble floors.

Catherine watched him go with worried eyes. “Oh dear, I hope I haven’t done something wrong with the

cooking.”

She turned to me anxiously. “Do you think he’ll dock my wages?”

“The Alpha’s mood has nothing to do with your food quality,” I reassured her gently.

Catherine lingered beside my chair, clearly wanting to say more. Her maternal instincts were getting the

better of her discretion.

“Miss Elena, if I may speak freely…” she began carefully.

I looked up from my plate, giving her permission to continue.

you. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so angry when you don’t

had worked

our dynamics closely.

sleep and meals during breakfast,” she continued softly. “His displeasure today stems from

Chapter 23. The Slap

moments used to be my only chance

Marcus.

gauge his mood and try to make conversation. But I always seemed to say

stopped revolving my life around him, why wasn’t he happy? Wasn’t this

respond to Catherine’s well–meaning advice. I didn’t want to harbor any more unrealistic fantasies about our mate

Central Healing Institute, Pack Nurse

Rivers wants to see you

the familiar corridors. The antiseptic smell

water. Oliver Rivers stood

gleefully, pumping

my skin. The cold water dripped

to discipline the unruly child. But I restrained myself, knowing any reaction would be twisted against

handkerchief, her expression perfectly crafted to show maternal

treat guests,” she scolded gently, though her

satisfaction.

extended the handkerchief toward me. “I’m so sorry

need,” I declined, pulling tissues from my pocket

Oliver continued giggling

my nerves.

I turned to leave, Sophia’s voice

hope you remember that I’m

had granted her.

wound.

with excitement. “Mommy, can the

turned predatory. “What

eyes gleaming with malicious intent. “Elena, would you

me and Marcus’s son?”

She was flaunting

Chapter 23. The Slap

designed to humiliate me by highlighting my childless status. The implication

remained calm. “Buying a cake is no trouble

response clearly frustrated her. She had expected anger or jealousy, not

to my own workspace. Instead of

from a dessert shop

(Sophia’s POV)

arrived at my office an hour later, I realized Elena had outsmarted

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