Chapter 23

In stark contrast to Aria's unexpected calm, Lucas was visibly nervous beside her.

He had never truly believed this day would come. After her "death," he had sunk so deeply into despair that he'd contemplated holding a mating ceremony with her ashes present-a plan his horrified parents had intervened to prevent.

Now his impossible dream had materialized. The mate who had loved him so devotedly, whom he

had come to love in return despite his best efforts not to, would finally become his Luna.

He silently promised himself that he would spend every remaining day making amends, ensuring she never regretted giving him this second chance.

As the officiant guided them through the ceremony, they reached the moment for personal vows.

Though traditionally Aria would speak first, she wordlessly passed the microphone to Lucas.

Despite having delivered countless high-stakes presentations throughout his life, Lucas found

himself uncharacteristically anxious. Though he had prepared an extensive speech, when the

moment arrived, only one sentence remained in his mind.

"Aria," he said, his voice carrying across the hushed room, "I will love you until my final breath."

The simple declaration brought unexpected tears to Aria's eyes. She began crying silently, prompting Lucas to quickly produce a handkerchief, concern etched on his features as he noticed something

deeper than joy in her expression.

Indeed, what Aria felt most acutely was profound sorrow.

alternate reality-one where those three years of calculated cruelty had

have genuinely become Lucas's mate today, sharing the future

had once discussed.

those events had occurred, leaving wounds so deep

woke gasping from nightmares where

breath and accepted

special surprise I'd like to give you right now," she said,

heart.

16:43

Alpha's 99

10.5%

Chapter 23

expression brightened with touched

he was seconds away from his own

she-wolf approached to take the USB drive from

screen

video footage-meticulously compiled evidence of Lucas's three-year

calculated humiliations. The psychological warfare. The deliberate endangerment of her life. The real Alpha Lucas Thornwood-ruthless, vindictive, indifferent

unfold in

watched the assembled guests progress from confusion

representatives transition from bewilderment to

he lunged toward the screen, grabbing a floral arrangement to hurl at the damning

off!" he shouted, lunging toward

into controlled chaos, security personnel converging

through the main entrance, approaching the

secured his wrists, Lucas finally regained his

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255