Chapter 142
Later, when Ryan emerged and collapsed into bed, Linda followed. She slipped under the covers and draped an arm over him. “What’s wrong?” she murmured, her fingers trailing lightly over his chest. “Did work not go well?”
Ryan shifted uncomfortably and pushed her hand away. “I’m just tired,” he muttered.
But it wasn’t work that had left him feeling drained. It was seeing Sophia again–so radiant, so self–assured. Her presence had stirred something in him, a bitter mix of regret and longing. How had he let someone like her slip through his fingers?
Linda’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You’re sure? You’ve been so distant lately.”
Ryan sat up and looked at her, his gaze sharp. “What do you want, Linda?”
Her lips pressed into a pout. “I heard Director Matthews is casting for a new film. I was thinking… maybe you could help me get an audition?”
Ryan’s jaw clenched. He knew Linda had been desperate to revive her acting career ever since her reputation had taken a nosedive a few years back. But her persistence grated on him now more than “Ever.
“I’ll think about it,” he said, his tone dismissive.
Linda scooted closer, attempting to wrap her arms around him again. “Ryan, you know how much this means to me-”
“Enough,” he snapped, pulling away. “I’m not in the mood.”
Linda froze, hurt flashing across her face. She watched him lie back down, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. “What’s really bothering you?” she asked softly.
Ryan didn’t answer. How could he explain that the sight of Sophia had thrown his world into disarray? That being with Linda, once a source of pride and revenge, now felt hollow and suffocating?
He turned onto his side, away from her. As he closed his eyes, memories of Sophia’s confident smile and dismissive tone replayed in his mind. The contrast between her and Linda was stark and unrelenting. For the first time, he began to question whether his choices had truly led him to happiness–or just further away from it.
The Alph alestitute Luma. A Heart Clamard, A Sisil Reborn
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In the darkness, Linda lay awake, her thoughts racing. She could feel Ryan slipping through her fingers, and it terrified her. Determined not to lose him, she resolved to do whatever it took to keep Jum by her side.
But as Ryan drifted into a restless sleep, one thing became clear: the life he had built with Linda was no longer enough.
Sophia’s POV:
The excitement bubbling within me was hard to contain as I wondered what kind of surprise Lirian. had prepared. Ethan, who usually found joy in teasing me, refused to spill a single detail, his smug grin making my curiosity grow tenfold.
As we arrived at a chic boutique, I was ushered inside without any explanation. The air was filled. with the faint scent of lavender and polished wood, and the decor exuded understated elegance.
The staff, professional and precise, immediately began their work, their efficiency almost disorienting.
A stylist gently guided me to a plush chair, her hands moving with practiced grace as she styled my hair into soft, cascading waves. Another artist began working on my makeup, her brushes whispering against my skin as she painted a vision of glamour.
The light dusting of shimmer on my cheeks and the perfect sweep of eyeliner made me feel like I was preparing for something monumental.
“Ethan,” I said, my voice laced with suspicion, “what’s going on? Why the makeover?”
his lin
He chuckled from the doorway, his arms crossed and his lips curled into a knowing smile. “Just trust me. You’ll see soon enough.”
Before I could press him further, a series of gowns were brought out by the staff. Each one was breathtaking, but my eyes were drawn to an emerald green dress with subtle gold accents.
The moment I slipped into it, I felt transformed. The fabric hugged me perfectly, its soft waves flowing to the floor in a way that seemed almost magical.
Ethan’s gaze lingered on me as I emerged, his playful smirk replaced by something softer, almost reverent. “Perfect,” he murmured, offering his arm. “Now, let’s make this night unforgettable.”
Once I was ready, Ethan led me back to the car, but instead of heading towards Moonshadow, the car veered in an entirely different direction.
han, we’re going the wrong way,” I said, peering out the window.
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Chapter 142
Nope. We’re going the right way,” he replied with a wink, his hands steady on the wheel.
As the surroundings grew more familiar, realization dawned. We were heading towards the Iron Claw Pack. The streets leading to the pack’s heart were alive with celebration
.Strings of lanterns hung overhead, casting a warm glow, and vibrant decorations lined every corner. Pack members bustled about in excitement, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
“What’s going on here?” I asked, but Ethan only smiled.
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