Chapter 74
Third POV:
A few days ago, Ryan came home to the familiar chaos that had become his reality–his mother, Clara, rifling through his belongings.
The scent of her overpowering perfume mixed with the faint odor of cigarettes clung to the air as she shuffled around in his room, throwing things aside without care. The sight instantly brought a knot of frustration to Ryan’s stomach.
You’re back,” Clara said, her back still turned. Her voice carried the same indifferent tone she used whenever she saw him. Finally turning around, she looked him over with a cold expression. “How’s your relationship with Sofia these days?”
Ryan clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm. He was exhausted, mentally and physically, and didn’t have the energy for another one of her interrogations. “We don’t have a relationship anymore,” he replied.
Clara’s eyes narrowed. She stepped closer, her voice sharper now. “Didn’t I tell you to coax her? Why haven’t you done it yet?”
Ryan felt his pulse quicken, anger bubbling to the surface. “Why do I have to coax her? She’s done with me, Mom! Fired me! Do you want me to beg her to take me back? Do I have no self–respect left?”
In truth, the image of Sofia with Lirian still gnawed at him. The regret, the jealousy–it all lingered under his skin, refusing to go away. But seeing Clara, watching the way she demanded this from him, he felt nothing but disgust.
His mother didn’t care about him or his feelings. She only cared about what Sofia could provide for them. Ryan wasn’t blind to the fact that he was nothing more than a tool to Clara–a means to secure more money.
Before he could finish his thoughts, Clara’s hand flew through the air, slapping him hard across the face. The impact left his cheek stinging, his head ringing from the suddenness of it.
“Useless!” Clara hissed, her voice laced with venom. “If you don’t get her back, how are we supposed 4o survive? Now, how much money do you have? Give it to me!”
Ryan glared at her, his heart pounding in his chest. “I don’t have any money!” he shouted, the frustration finally boiling over. “Did you lose it all again? Or did you give it away to one of your Jowlife boyfriends? Why can’t you stop, Mom? I’m supposed to be the son of the Stardust Pack Alpha, !
but look at us!”
Clara sneered, unimpressed. “You?” she spat. “The son of the Alpha? Your father doesn’t even acknowledge you! You’re just a bastard, Ryan! Don’t talk to me about inheritance.
You were doing just fine with Sofia, with all the money flowing in, but no–you had to ruin it by chasing after that poor little girl! And now look at you! Pathetic!”
Ryan’s chest tightened as his anger surged. “I’m not going back to her just to feed your habits!” he shouted, his voice hoarse with emotion.
Clara scoffed, stepping closer with a mocking smile. “You will. Because if you don’t, I’ll make your life a living hell.” With one last glare, she turned on her heel, tugging at her too–short skirt and leaving the house, the sound of her heels echoing through the hallway.
Ryan stood frozen in place for a moment, his thoughts racing. Once she was gone, he frantically searched his room, tearing through his belongings. It didn’t take long for the truth to sink in–Clara had taken all his money.
The small stash he had saved, planning to use for university expenses, was gone.
Desperation clawed at his chest. He slammed his fist against the wall in frustration, the pain shooting up his arm doing little to alleviate the overwhelming sense of helplessness.
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How had his life spiraled so far out of control? Without Sofia, without his father’s recognition, and now without money, he was cornered. There was no way out.
His gaze drifted toward the window, where rain pelted the glass, the heavy downpour mirroring the storm brewing in his mind. Ryan clenched his fists, the cold, hard determination setting in.
With nothing left to lose, he grabbed his jacket and ran out into the rain, the downpour soaking him within minutes.
The streets were quiet, save for the constant patter of rain on the pavement. Ryan found himself standing in front of Sofia’s house, drenched and shaking from the cold.
His heart pounded in his chest as he watched from a distance. His breath caught in his throat when he saw Lirian walking Sofia home, his arm casually resting on her shoulder. Her laughter rang out, light and carefree, a sound that twisted like a knife in Ryan’s chest.
