Chapter 20
A slight tremor ran through my hand, and the fork in my grip wobbled.
Suddenly, I felt warmth–Ethan’s hand gently closing over mine, I looked up, meeting his steady gaze filled with concern. His touch anchored me, helping me regain my composure. Ryan, still standing at the doorway, was seething, his rage barely contained, but I refused to let it affect me any longer.
I turned my attention back to my plate, taking a slow bite, even though the food tasted like ash in my mouth. It was hard to swallow, but I forced myself to keep eating. I was too weak, too fragile right now. To stand up to Ryan, to break free of his influence, I needed to grow stronger–physically and mentally. I needed more food, more training. Only then could I truly fight back against him and his
mother.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ryan’s glare fixed on me as I ate. The way he watched me hungrily reminded me of the time Linda had made me kneel and watch as they ate lavish meals without me, laughing at my empty plate. Now, I took my time, eating each bite slowly, relishing in the quiet power of the moment. Ryan could wait.
After a while, I finally set my fork down and wiped my mouth. My stomach was full, and the tension in the room had simmered down to a quiet unease. I glanced at Ryan, who stood at the door, waiting Like a scolded child.
“Alright,” I said, pushing my chair back. “Let’s talk.”
Ethan’s brow furrowed as I stood up. His protective instincts were on high alert, and I could see the worry etched in his features. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” he asked gently, his tone filled with concern.
I offered him a small, reassuring smile. “No, it’s fine. I can handle this on my own.” I nodded toward Ryan. “We won’t be long.”
Ethan still didn’t seem convinced, but he respected my decision, letting me walk out to the small garden with Ryan. The crisp air outside helped clear my mind, and I braced myself for what was coming.
As soon as we were out of earshot, Ryan’s façade dropped. His face twisted with anger, and his voice was sharp as he snarled, “Why didn’t you wait for me to eat? And what’s Ethan doing here?” His jealousy was palpable, the bitterness in his tone unmistakable.
“I met his gaze, unfazed by his outburst. “Ethan is my brother,” I said, my voice calm but firm. “And the Alpha of Moonshadow Pack. Why wouldn’t he be here?”
Luma: & Heart Claimed, A Soul Reborn
20.1%
Byan’s eyes darkened. He was always jealous of anyone I got close to, even my own brother. I used to distance myself from everyone just to keep Ryan happy. But not anymore.
“You only invited him to dinner to piss me off, didn’t you?” Ryan said through gritted teeth, struggling to keep his voice even. “I upset you today, so I’ll apologize, alright? There’s no need to fire my mother over this.”
His attempt to sound contrite was laughable. He was trying to play the good boyfriend, pretending to care when I knew better.
“You’re overthinking it, Ryan,” I said, shaking my head. “You’re not that important to me.”
The words hit him like a punch, and his face visibly darkened. He had always believed that he was
was, I had outgrown him. The pedestal I once placed him on had crumbled, leaving nothing but disgust in its place.
the center of my world, that everything revolved around him. But the truth”
Ryan’s patience with me had a limit, and I had just crossed it. His expression hardened, and his voice dropped dangerously low. “Why did you fire my mother?” he could say all this to me now only because He never disclosed it in front of anyone that Clara was his mother. He only called her mother in front of me or in private with Clara
I let out a small, humorless laugh. “Do I need to explain to you when I fire a maid?”
Ryan’s jaw clenched, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice to a threatening whisper. “You know she’s my mother. I’ll let you take your anger out on me, but she has nothing to do with this. If you’re mad, just come at me. Kick me out if you can.”
My lips curled into a slow, mocking smile as I leaned in slightly. “Kick you out?” I said, my voice dripping with amusement. “That’s not a bad idea.”
Ryan froze, his eyes widening in shock. For a long moment, he couldn’t speak, his mind struggling to process what I had just said.
Finally, he stammered, “W–what did you say?”
I didn’t waver. “You heard me. There’s no place for you here anymore.”
