Alpha's Chosen: A Love Written in the Stars

Zara I heard the front door creak open, and the sharp, cool scent of bergamot told me instantly it was Marcus. I didn’t bother lifting my head to acknowledge his return. What for? He wouldn’t care, nor would he even want me to. To say I was surprised to see him would be an understatement. His presence had become such a rare occurrence in our home that sometimes, I forgot I had a husband. Days would pass without a word from him. But the ache lodged deep in my chest—persistent and heavy—never let me forget. That ache reminded me that I still belonged to a man who no longer wanted me. His footsteps drew closer. I was seated on the edge of our bed, an open book resting limply in my hands. I didn’t glance up when his shoes tapped against the hardwood floor. Not even when he stopped just a few steps from me. Papers landed with a dull thud on the comforter next to me. Only then did I look up. “What’s this?” I asked cautiously, my gaze locking with his. His slate-gray eyes were cold—empty. His expression unreadable, carved from stone. It was difficult to reconcile this man with the one who once kissed my forehead goodnight, who once whispered promises under the stars. Had it all been an illusion? Had he simply been biding time, waiting for Vanessa to return? “They’re release forms. Sign them,” he said flatly. “Since I never bonded with you, the Council approved a separation without hassle.” His tone made my stomach twist. So casually cruel. It was as if just speaking to me was an unbearable task. I blinked, stunned. So this was the punishment for never receiving his bond mark? The very thing I had begged for—the only thing we ever truly fought over—was now being used to discard me. He always had an excuse. Too busy. Not the right time. Not the right moment. I had been so patient, so understanding, always telling myself he’d do it when he was ready. But clearly, he never intended to. I stared at him, heart pounding. “You’re not serious, Marcus…” My voice cracked. It came out soft, barely audible—more plea than protest. But I couldn’t cry. Not again. I had shed too many tears over the last few months. I thought he was different. I thought he was my forever. I’d believed that when Vanessa abandoned him all those years ago, I was the one who helped piece him back together. I had held him through the darkness. I had helped him rebuild. So how could he now crush everything we created for a woman who left him in ruins? “I’m serious,” he snapped. “Now sign the damn papers!” His fist slammed into the dresser, the wood groaning under the impact. I jumped back instinctively, stumbling into his chest. He smelled like her. Sweet jasmine and heavy vanilla—the scent clung to his skin. My eyes caught a smudge of red lipstick on the edge of his collar. He had just come from her. The realization twisted in my gut like a blade. How could he walk into the home we built together smelling like another woman? How could he insult our vows so brazenly? And worse—how could it be her? The pain was suffocating. Images flashed through my mind—his hands touching her the way they used to touch me, his mouth whispering to her the things he used to whisper to me. I felt sick. Shattered. I pushed away from him and stood my ground. “I’m not signing them.” He narrowed his eyes. “What?” “I said I’m not signing the papers,” I repeated, louder this time. Firmer. His entire demeanor shifted. His shoulders tensed and his eyes darkened with rage. A part of me trembled under his glare, but I didn’t back down. I had to fight for our marriage—for the life we built. Vanessa didn’t get to waltz back into his life and steal everything I had worked for. “I won’t let her destroy this,” I said through gritted teeth. “You either sign, or I swear by the stars I’ll ruin you!” he growled. I met his stare with defiance. “Do your worst, Marcus. You’ve already broken me. What more can you possibly do?” His lips twisted into a sinister smile. “Oh, Zara... you have no idea how much damage I’m capable of.” Then he turned on his heel and stormed out of the bedroom. Moments later, I heard him stomp up the stairs. I stood frozen, my fingers trembling as the final thread holding me together unraveled. My eyes burned, and the tears I had refused to shed finally fell. What did I do to deserve this? Had I offended the gods? Was I being punished? My heart was in ruins, but I still refused to give up on our family. I wouldn’t let Vanessa win. I had so many dreams. Dreams wrapped around the future of our son, Ezra. He had stopped speaking to me the moment he came back. I didn’t recognize him anymore. My own child treated me like I was a stranger in his life. Just like Marcus. And now, the boy I raised and poured my soul into had turned completely against me. He didn’t want me to fight for our family. He wanted me to give up. “Yes, go ahead. I’ll be up soon,” Marcus said gently to Ezra. Ezra nodded, flashing his father a smile, before turning his eyes on me. The glare he gave me was sharp and cold. Then he left the room. “What were you doing in his room?” Marcus asked as soon as Ezra was gone, his voice now laced with venom. I stood, heart weary. “He’s my son, Marcus. I just wanted to be near him.” But Ezra no longer wanted me near. The moment Marcus reintroduced Vanessa into his life, everything changed. Ezra started avoiding me, shouting at me, treating me like I was a threat. All the affection he once gave me… now belonged to her. I clenched my fists. I hated her. That manipulative snake! “He doesn’t want you around,” Marcus sneered. “Get that through your thick skull.” His words pierced through me, but I kept my head high. “That’s because you let her poison him. But don’t think for a second I’ll let that woman raise my son. If you believe that, you’re delusional.” His palm struck me before I even registered the movement. One moment I was glaring at him, the next I was on the floor, head spinning from the blow. My ears rang. My cheek throbbed. “Don’t you ever speak about the woman I love like that again,” he snarled. His voice was ice. His eyes held no trace of remorse. “She is worth more than you ever were!” Then, with a final look of disgust, he spat at me. I stayed on the cold tiles, stunned, as his footsteps disappeared down the hall. Minutes later, I heard the front door slam shut. I lay there, motionless. My face stung. I tasted blood from his hit. The same man who once cradled me in his arms when I cried. The same man who used to wipe away my pain with kisses and soft whispers… had just struck me. And all for her...