Chapter 3 3

Aria didn't remember how she got through the party-her heart was consumed with worry for the future of her unborn baby.

The next morning, she stood in front of the mirror, staring at the pale reflection looking back at her. Her eyes were dark and swollen; she clearly hadn't slept well. With a bitter smile, she shook her head and quickly got dressed. It was a new week, and she had somewhere to go.

She curved her lips slightly as she stood before the signboard of the cafe: Silver Bloom Cafe. It was the only place in the city that helped distract her from the chaos at home. Thankfully, she'd managed to find a job there.

"Aria!!" A voice called the moment she stepped inside. Her smile widened when she saw Nora walking towards her, arms spread wide for a hug.

"I missed you so much," Nora muttered, wrapping her arms tightly around Aria.

"Seriously? I was only gone for a day," Aria signed, and Nora immediately understood.

"A day? It felt like forever! Do you know how hard it was to manage this cafe alone yesterday?" Nora pouted.

"So, you didn't miss me just my work?" Aria teased, and Nora laughed.

"You get what I mean."

"Well, I'm back now. No need to miss my service anymore," Aria signed again, playing along. They both burst into laughter.

Nora was the only true friend Aria had made since joining the Shadow Keeper Pack. Though not much older, Nora treated her like a younger sister. She had even learned sign language just for Aria-she wasn't great at it, but she tried, and that meant everything.

Time passed quickly with Nora, and soon, the café was bustling. When a delivery order came in and Nora was too busy, Aria offered to go. The address wasn't far.

But when she arrived, her heart dropped-it was Ronan's company.

How had she not noticed earlier? Ronan had made it clear-she was not to be seen in public with him, especially not at his workplace. His company was off-limits.

She considered turning back but didn't want to create problems for Nora. With a steadying breath, she walked inside. The receptionist kindly directed her to his office.

"I'll just leave it at the door and go," she thought. But just then, she heard a voice-one she recognized.

"How long do I have to wait, Ronan?"

It was Seraphina, her voice sharp with frustration.

"I'm tired of seeing that woman in my place! You're MINE-we were meant to be married!"

MINE? Aria's heart burned. That word... it was meant for mates. How dare she claim it?

"He's MINE," Aria screamed in her mind. But was he?

Her fingers moved unconsciously to her neck. Ronan hadn't marked her-he found the idea repulsive. Slowly, she pushed the door open just enough to see.

She regretted it instantly.

Ronan was holding Seraphina close in a way he never held Aria.

"My marriage to her means nothing," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Seraphina's hair.

"It's only for my father's dying wish. You're the only one in my heart."

Tears welled up in Aria's eyes. Her heart shattered.

She turned to leave, but Seraphina spotted her.

"Aria?" she called, eyes wide. Ronan looked up.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was furious, his eyes red with rage. Aria had never seen him this angry. She bowed her head, trembling.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Seraphina said mockingly, walking over.

"Did you come to see your husband?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Aria raised the coffee tray, trying to leave it on the desk.

"Oh... you were just delivering our order," Seraphina sneered, grabbing the drinks and walking back to Ronan.

"Relax, baby," she purred, trailing her fingers down his chest in Aria's presence.

Aria watched silently as Ronan softened at her touch.

"You spoil me too much," Seraphina said sweetly, "even ignoring your own wife for me."

She was enjoying this-humiliating Aria.

Aria glanced at Ronan, but his eyes were only for Seraphina.

"Why do I still hold onto the stupid illusion that he could love me?" she asked herself. "He never gave me a chance-his heart always belonged to her."

She turned to go.

"Wait-you forgot your tip," Seraphina said. She opened her purse and pulled out a few large bills, stretching them toward Aria.

Aria stared. The amount was excessive. An insult.

She shook her head.

"Why not? I'm sure you need it," Seraphina mocked. "Isn't that why you're working at a small café, even though you're the Alpha's mate?"

Aria clenched her fists. She wanted to speak, to yell, but no sound would come.

"Just take the damn tip and leave!" Ronan snapped, his voice cutting deep.

Did he truly despise her that much?

Fighting her tears, Aria forced a smile and took the money. She turned to leave when he stopped her again.

"Remember your place, Aria," he said coldly.

"Don't delude yourself, and never break my rules again. Or I'll make you pay."

She nodded silently, though her heart broke. She stepped outside just as the rain began to fall in heavy sheets.

Good, she thought-it would hide her tears.

But then a dark figure stepped into the road, and in the confusion, she lost control of her motorcycle.

She crashed hard.

Pain exploded in her body. Her vision blurred. She tried to scream, to call for help-

but no sound escaped.

"Someone... please... help. I don't want to lose my baby!