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

back at me, and I saw recognition in her eyes. She

Rivers‘ name flashed on the

to the window before answering, putting

on hysterical. “Oliver fell and injured himself.

for you.”

my chest. “How badly is

scared of the strangers here,” Sophia continued, her voice breaking. “He

me. He keeps crying

had turned away, deliberately avoiding my gaze. Her indifference

I told Sophia, ending the

Elena was already preparing ingredients. The

that had just

speak, Elena asked without looking up. “Will you be staying

said, though the words felt like a lie even

urreal

“I’ll eat the lunch I prepared.

I stayed or left. The realization hit harder

expected.

Healing Institute

the corner of his bed, flinching away

this since the fall, Sophia explained, her eyes red–rimmed, “The trauma from that incident

has made him afraid of

studied Oliver carefully. He was thin and pale, his small frame seeming even

circles shadowed

radiant despite her supposed distress. Her skin glowed

and well–nourished.

for him?” I asked, suspicion creeping into

flushed. “I do my best,

me,” I interrupted. “Away from whatever is

him?” I asked, studying her

seemed nervous, her hands fidgeting with her

us, then nodded

Chapter 23 The Woo

in his eyes didn’t match his words, Fear, yes, but not

mother

take him to the Blackwood Ancestral

notably absent. Only Grace

is already doing you a favor by

you understand

face reddened with embarrassment. She opened her

led Oliver away, the boy clinging to a small comfort toy. He didn’t

at his mother.

go.”

nodded, offering only a simple

(Elena Blackwood’s POV)

Marcus. He was presumably with Sophia and Oliver, playing the devoted

Northern Territory Central Healing Institute, Sophia deliberately sought me out. She cornered me near the Surgical Wing,