Chapter 45
Lirian’s presence was almost magnetic.
In this life, he seemed completely different–polished, poised, and well–bred. It was a stark contrast to how I remembered him from before, back when he had just left the rough, dangerous world of the Black Streets.
He carried himself like a leader now, someone who had risen above his circumstances.
“Lirian, what brings you here?” Ethan asked, his tone friendly, though there was a slight curiosity in his voice.
“I came to have a suit fitted for an event later this month,” Lirian replied smoothly, glancing at me as he spoke. His gaze lingered on me, soft, as if I was the only person in the room. “What about you two?”
“We’re here to get a performance dress for her competition,” Ethan answered, but his eyes flicked between me and Lirian, clearly noticing the subtle connection. “Why don’t you join us for dinner after this? We can catch up properly.”
Lirian’s eyes met mine, as if waiting for my approval. I smiled and nodded. “You should join us.”
“I’d like that,” Lirian said, his voice warm.
Wer
continued browsing through the dresses, the shop assistant taking my measurements for the custom gown I’d need.
As I slipped into different dresses, both Ethan and Lirian watched closely, their eyes lighting up each time I emerged from the fitting room.
I felt a little embarrassed under their attention, but their compliments were genuine.
After picking out a few more dresses for other occasions, we headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
It was one of those upscale places, with dim lighting and an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a quiet evening.
As the menus.
We settled into our seats, the waiter brought c
When I glanced up, I froze.
The Alpha’s
Chapter 45
The person standing in front of me, wearing the restaurant’s uniform, was none other than Ryan.
For a moment, I couldn’t speak, stunned to see him here of all places.
“Why are you here?” I finally asked, my voice soft but steady.
Ryan’s eyes gleamed with a flicker of something–hope, maybe?
He leaned in slightly, his tone defensive yet smug.
“I should be the one asking you that. You knew I worked here and came on purpose, didn’t you?”
I blinked, taken aback by his assumption.
Even now, after everything, he still thought I was chasing after him. In his mind, he was the one with the upper hand, convinced I was only here to see him.
The irony was strange. Before, he had always believed I wasn’t worth his time. Now, he couldn’t believe that I had moved on.
“I said, you’re overthinking it,” I replied, keeping my tone calm but firm.
It was the truth–pure coincidence. Yet, Ryan didn’t seem to buy it.
His gaze drifted to Lirian, and I watched his expression darken, his brows furrowing with frustration.
The tension in the air thickened, and for a moment, it looked like Ryan wanted to say something.
But instead, his face twisted into an angry frown.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his shoulders stiff, clearly upset and unwilling to engage further.
I stood there for a second, watching him go, baffled by the arrogance he still carried.
What was he so proud of? His cold, condescending attitude was all too familiar now, yet it still amazed me how little he had changed.
Shaking my head, I turned
back to Ethan and Lirian, ready to leave the strange encounter behind.
Dinner had been pleasant, and both Ethan and Lirian walked me home afterward, their voices blending into the night air as they chatted quietly beside me.
The Alpha’s Substitute Laina: A Heart Claimed. & Soul Belinen.
wasn’t quite sure what they were discussing after I left them at my door, but they lingered together, deep in conversation. I had other things on my mind.
The next few days passed in a blur of rehearsals.
My dance teacher was tough but patient, pushing me to perfect every step.
The upcoming school performance loomed large, and I had spared no expense, purchasing the most exquisite costumes and custom props to ensure my routine would be a showstopper.
I was determined to make a statement, and it showed in the hours I poured into practice.
In contrast, Linda’s piano solo was far simpler. Her white dress and the solo itself were almost
minimalistic.
I wasn’t sure what her plan was, but it seemed she was banking on something other than talent.
Perhaps that was why she had been crying in front of Arman.
One evening, after another grueling practice, I arrived home to find Arman waiting for me in the garden. His face was hard, expressionless, but there was a cold intensity in his eyes.
“Sophia,” he said, his voice flat and commanding. “Your performance for the school event–drop out.”
