Chapter 5

(Olivia's POV)

I woke up with a gasp. The nightmare of Lily's death still clung to me like a

shadow.

As my vision cleared, I realized I wasn't alone. Ethan was holding me, his amber eyes unreadable in the dim light.

"Let go of me," I hissed, pushing against his chest.

His grip only tightened. "You were having a nightmare."

"I said let go!" I shoved harder, fury building inside me. "You have no right to touch

me."

Ethan's expression darkened. "I'm still your mate, Olivia."

His words sent rage through me. After everything he'd done-neglecting Lily, celebrating Emma's birthday while our daughter lay dying, choosing Victoria over us-he still believed he had a claim on me.

"Mate?" I spat the word like poison. "A mate doesn't abandon his sick daughter. A mate doesn't celebrate another child's birthday while his own daughter dies alone!"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Stop with these lies about Lily."

"They're not lies!" Tears burned in my eyes. "She died waiting for you, Ethan. She died asking why her daddy loved Emma more than her."

His face softened slightly, and he leaned closer. "Olivia..."

When his lips brushed mine, something snapped inside me. I bit down hard on his lower lip, tasting blood.

Ethan jerked back with a curse, his hand flying to his bleeding mouth. I scrambled away from him, nearly falling off the bed.

"Get out," I whispered, my voice raw from crying. "GET OUT!"

Ethan stood slowly, wiping blood from his lip. His amber eyes flashed dangerously.

I listened

knew exactly where he was headed. To them. To the family he had chosen over

I

(Ethan's POV)

as my car approached. Victoria's elegant residence

me. The

the front door, it burst open. Emma stood in

late," she pouted, crossing her arms dramatically. "I waited for

at my lips. I climbed out of the car and approached

princess. I got

as I

giggled, all traces of annoyance

come," she whispered, wrapping her arms around my neck.

uncomfortable pang through my chest. I pushed the feeling aside as Victoria

your bedtime," she scolded gently, though her eyes were fixed on me. "Ethan,

my expression neutral. "It's

touch my injured lip. "Doesn't look like

implication was clear. I pulled away slightly, uncomfortable

said firmly, stepping past her into the

the door. "Of course. Emma's been waiting for you to

bounced excitedly, grabbing my hand. "I picked

might

who smiled innocently. "I told her not to get her

lip trembled in a way that always tugged at something protective inside

to show you my new drawing in the morning," she whispered,

those tearful eyes. "We'll see,

bedroom was a fantasy of pink and purple. She climbed into bed, patting the space

first," she instructed, handing me

her, opening the book. Emma snuggled against my side, her small

book, her eyelids began to droop. By the third, she was fighting to

knew I couldn't resist. "Will you

had been watching from the doorway, stepped forward. "Emma,

of the dark," Emma whimpered, her eyes filling with fresh tears. "What if I get sick again? The doctor

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