After Severance,Alpha Fell in Love With Ex-Luna

Chapter 83: The Weight of Secrets

Chapter 83: The Weight of Secrets

(Elena Blackwood’s POV)

I remained silent for half a minute, studying Marcus’s face carefully. His golden eyes held that familiar dangerous edge, but there was something else beneath the surface. Something I couldn’t quite identify

“What do you want to eat?” I asked in a calm tone. “I’ll make it.”

The words felt strange on my tongue. How long had it been since I’d offered to cook for him? Years, perhaps. Back when I still believed our mate bond meant something.

Marcus studied my face intently, as if searching for cracks in my composure. I kept my expression neutral, deliberately obedient. It was a facade, and we both knew it.

Instead of exposing my pretense, he pulled me into his arms.without warning. His scent surrounded me, that familiar mix of cedar and dominance that once made my heart race.

Now it only made me feel hollow.

In the Alpha’s Private Chamber, our mating was intense and desperate. Marcus’s hands roamed my body with practiced familiarity, claiming what he believed was his.

Yet I felt completely detached, as if watching from outside myself. My body responded to his touch through the mate bond, but my heart remained locked away.

I stared blankly at the ceiling above our bed, feeling nothing despite our physical connection. The ornate molding seemed more interesting than the Alpha moving above me.

This was what our relationship had become. Physical need without emotional intimacy. A hollow shell of what mates should be.

(Marcus Blackwood’s POV)

After a long time, I rolled away from Elena, my breathing still heavy. Something felt wrong, but I couldn’t pinpoint what.

“Make me the same lunch you used to prepare,” I said, watching her face for any reaction.

Elena sat up slowly, pulling the silk sheet around herself. “I don’t remember your tastes.”

Her words hit me like a physical blow. “What do you mean?”

“I never truly knew you,” she replied with devastating honesty. “I always relied on Catherine Hayes for Information about your preferences.

The admission stung more than I expected. Had I really been that distant? That unknowable?

“I’m not picky,” I said quietly, though the words felt inadequate.

Elena got up and began dressing, her movements efficient and emotionless. I watched her from the doorway as she headed toward the Moonhaven Kitchen.

Memories flooded back unbidden. Elena in that same kitchen years ago, her face bright with enthusiasm as she prepared my meals. Her sweet greetings when I returned home. Her eagerness to please me

Chapter 83 The Weight of

And

my

dismissive responses. My cold shoulders. My complete indifference to her efforts.

had I started caring about the past? The pressure in my chest felt

the moment. Elena glanced back at me, and I saw recognition in her eyes. She knew who was calling before I even looked at

flashed

window before answering,

Sophia’s voice was distraught, bordering on hysterical. “Oliver fell and injured himself. He’s

for you.”

flared in my chest. “How badly

her voice breaking. “He won’t let anyone near

keeps

deliberately avoiding my

I told Sophia,

the kitchen, where Elena

everything that

asked without looking up.

later,” I said, though the words felt

urreal

simply nodded, her expression unchanged. “I’ll eat the lunch I

whether I stayed or left. The realization

expected.

Institute to find Oliver withdrawn and scared

Ward. He huddled in the corner of his

since the fall, Sophia explained, her eyes red–rimmed, “The

Couple has made him afraid of

Oliver carefully. He was thin and pale, his small frame seeming even more fragile in

circles shadowed

despite her supposed distress.

and well–nourished.

I asked, suspicion creeping

“I do my best, but the stress of his

me,” I

Elder Blackthorne Couple really push him?” I asked, studying her face. “The evidence

nervous, her hands fidgeting with her

boy looked between us, then nodded slowly. “They pushed me

Chapter 23 The Woo

match his words, Fear, yes, but not of the memory. Fear

mother

take him to the Blackwood Ancestral Manor,” I

absent. Only Grace Burton and two Manor Staff members greeted us

Grace Burton said coolly, “the Blackwood family is already

you understand

with embarrassment. She opened her

as Grace Burton gently led Oliver away, the boy clinging to a

at his mother.

should go.” Sophia

simple farewell. “Take care

(Elena Blackwood’s POV)

He was presumably with Sophia and Oliver, playing the devoted father

out. She cornered me