Chapter 14
1388 Words
The next month passed in a hazy blur.
Every waking moment, I was consumed by one goal: winning the million-dollar prize to secure a proper resting place for Ellie.
I poured my heart and soul into my work, losing track of day and night. I pushed my body to the limit, exhaustion gnawing at me with each passing hour, but I refused to stop.
Finally, the day of the awards arrived.
Backstage, I ran into Julian. "Julian," I said, my voice respectful despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. To my surprise, his usually stern face softened into a rare smile.
The results were already decided, and as he looked at me, his eyes sparkled with admiration.
"Olivia, I knew it. If you entered, you'd take the crown." His words echoed the same confidence he'd shown five years ago.
Even so, I found it hard to believe.
I'd given this competition everything I had, but until the moment the winner was announced, I couldn't shake the uncertainty. I needed that million dollars more than anything. It wasn't just about the money—it was about giving Ellie the peace she deserved.
I clung to Alpha Sean, my body lurching with every stride he took. A nauseating churn roiled in my stomach, each jolt sending waves of discomfort coursing through me. My features contorted as I desperately tried to fight back the rising tide of sickness.
As we reached the bed, a overwhelming wave of nausea crashed over me. "Urp—" The sound escaped my lips, and I watched as Alpha Sean's expression shifted from hungry desire to sheer horror.
"Olivia, don't you dare—" His threat hung in the air, but it was too late. A violent retch wracked my body, and I spewed vomit all over him. The fierce fire in his eyes died out instantly, replaced by pure disgust.
Without a moment's hesitation, he tossed me onto the bed like a piece of discarded trash. I let out a weak groan as the impact sent another jolt of pain through my already battered body. Looking up, I saw him standing over me, his once - clean clothes now stained, his face darkening as the stench of vomit filled the room. I could almost feel the murderous rage radiating off him.
Unable to stand the sight or smell of me any longer, he stormed into the bathroom.
I lay there, feeling humiliated and utterly alone. Half an hour later, he emerged, dressed in fresh clothes that someone must have brought him. His face was thunderous, and without so much as a glance in my direction, he slammed the door behind him, leaving me in deafening silence.
The next month passed in a hazy blur.
Every waking moment was consumed by one single goal: winning the million - dollar prize to secure a proper resting place for Ellie. I poured my heart and soul into my work, losing all sense of day and night. I pushed my body to its absolute limit, exhaustion gnawing at me with each passing hour, yet I refused to stop.
Finally, the day of the awards arrived. Backstage, I ran into Julian. "Julian," I said, my voice respectful despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. To my surprise, his usually stern face softened into a rare smile.
The results were already determined, and as he looked at me, his eyes sparkled with admiration. "Olivia, I knew it. If you entered, you'd take the crown." His words echoed the same confidence he'd shown five years ago.
Even so, I found it hard to believe. I had given this competition everything I had, but until the very moment the winner was announced, I couldn't shake off the uncertainty. I needed that million dollars more than anything. It wasn't just about the money; it was about giving Ellie the peace she so deserved.
I yearned for Ellie to find peace soon, to be reborn into a loving pack where she'd be cherished and adored.
Swallowing the excitement that threatened to bubble over, I asked Julian cautiously, "Julian, you mean…?"
"I'm waiting for your victory toast. Don't forget to invite me," he replied, clapping my shoulder. His words were as good as a confirmation, and my heart soared.
"Okay," I nodded, fighting back the tears that stung my eyes. As soon as he left, the dam broke.
I rushed to the nearest bathroom and locked myself in a stall.
The moment the door clicked shut, sobs wracked my body, all the pent - up emotions finally spilling out.
Ten minutes later, I emerged, feeling both emptied and resolved.
I'd been too nervous to eat lunch, and now, with the tension easing, hunger hit me like a truck.
I decided to grab a quick bite before getting ready for the ceremony.
After eating, I stepped out of the restaurant and froze.
In the distance, I saw two all - too - familiar figures: Alpha Sean and Claire.
She had her arm looped through his, their closeness making my stomach churn.
They were walking with the competition's director and head judge, who treated Alpha Sean with obvious deference.
Claire's smug smile sent a sharp pang through my heart, and a wave of unease washed over me.
I shook my head, trying to dismiss the feeling, but it clung to me like a shadow.
Four hours later, I was backstage getting my makeup done when my phone rang.
It was Julian.
"Sorry, I need to take this," I told the makeup artist and stepped into the hallway. "Julian?"
"Olivia, don't take what I said earlier to heart. There'll be other chances."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I nearly dropped the phone.
I clung to a sliver of hope. "Professor, what do you mean?"
He sighed, and I could hear the regret in his voice.
"One loss doesn't define you," he said, trying to console me.
But he didn't understand.
This win wasn't just about pride; it was my only chance to give Ellie the future she deserved.
My voice trembled.
"Was there something wrong with my work?"
"Absolutely not!" he said firmly.
"Then why?" I demanded, my emotions spiraling out of control.
"Olivia, in this world, sometimes money and power outweigh everything. But don't lose heart. Your talent will take you far."
The mention of "money and power" instantly brought back the image of Alpha Sean, Claire, and the judges. My worst fear was confirmed. "It's Claire, isn't it? She got first?"
"How'd you know?" His reflexive response was all the answer I needed.
I bit my lip hard, fighting to keep it together.
"Professor, I understand," I managed to say before hanging up. My vision blurred with angry tears, and I felt like a cornered beast.
I sprinted to the VIP lounge where I knew Alpha Sean would be.
Seeing the slightly ajar door, I didn't hesitate.
I slammed it open and stormed inside.
He was by the window, on the phone.
At the noise, he turned, his face darkening.
His cold gaze swept over me as he ended the call.
"What's this about?" His tone was dismissive, dripping with the arrogance of an alpha used to getting his way.
My chest heaved with rage.
I charged at him, grabbing his collar.
"Alpha Sean, first place was mine! What right do you have to give it to Claire?"
His brows furrowed, and he effortlessly pried my hand off, shoving me against the window.
His body pressed close, and his lips brushed my ear as he spoke in an icy voice.
"Olivia, why do you always have to compete with Claire?"
"What do you need first place for? Didn't you swear you were done with me? What's this about now, huh?" His mocking words cut deeper than any physical wound.
I finally understood his implication.
At the hospital, Charlotte had made it clear that Claire entered the competition to win Charles 's approval.Charles had only agreed to our bond because of Eleanor's pressure.
And now that Eleanor was gone, seeking treatment in another pack, it seemed all bets were off.
- Writer
