Chapter 4
1315 Words
Chapter 4
Maximillian's POV
I raked my hair and stared at the papers on my desk, trying to clear my mind. Divorce? The word kept repeating in my mind, whirling around like an uncontrollable nightmare. How did this happen? I was shocked that Emilia, of all people, had mentioned it.
As a strong Luna, a trustworthy leader, and even my right hand in everything, Emilia had always impressed me with her poise, composure, and calmness. However, this? There was a difference with this.
She made more than one divorce request. She submitted a file. I was having a difficult time understanding her desire to leave. It felt unreal to consider losing her the Luna of my pack, the woman who had supported me for years.
I tried to clear my mind by rubbing my temples and leaning back in my chair. Was she serious? I had to trust that this was all just a brief lapse, that once she cooled down, she’d see reason. She couldn't just walk away from everything. This was especially true in light of everything we had endured together.
It all started with me being late for her grandmother’s funeral. Sure, I could’ve been there sooner, but I had my reasons. I wasn’t a man who made excuses, but I had raced, shifted into my wolf form, and run all the way to the funeral, knowing full well that I’d missed the service. I’d done everything I could, but it wasn’t enough.
I had tried. I always did.
Then there was the episode with Lena. God, what a disaster that was. Emilia and I had been arguing again and Lena had been standing too close to the edge of the stairs. It was an accident. I never meant for her to fall, but of course, it simply made matters worse. Emilia had taken it as a betrayal, and in a way, I understood why.
However, what did she anticipate from me? She put my child's life in peril by pushing Lena, and she expected me to do nothing in the wake of all that? My blood heated at the prospect. I was not to blame for this.
Yes, I had been aloof. Overburdened. I was unable to dispute that. However, a divorce? That is not anything she could want.
I looked up to see my Beta, Ryder, enter my office as the door creaked open without a knock. He could come and go as he wanted; he didn't have to knock. However, I didn't feel like talking. I don't feel like talking right now.
"Maximilian," Ryder remarked in an inquisitive tone. "You've spent hours deep in contemplation. What is happening?
Without even attempting to conceal my irritation in my voice, I exhaled deeply. "Emilia is requesting a divorce."
Ryder blinked, obviously taken aback. "Are you serious?" I didn't blame him for the disbelief in his voice.
"Do I appear to be kidding?" I snapped back, glaring at him with narrowed eyes.
For a minute, he stood silently, reflecting. "So, is this trend a positive or negative thing?"
I was hearing things that I nearly couldn't believe. What sort of inquiry was that? I stated bluntly, "It's a bad thing." She is our Luna. We cannot afford for her to leave us.
Ryder raised his eyebrows in an obvious attempt to interpret it. But you have never treated her well, you and Emilia had such a tight relationship. This contrasts sharply with your relationship with Lena.
Despite the pain his comments caused, I couldn't deny the truth. There had always been friction between Emilia and me because I had never treated her the same way I had treated Lena. It wasn't because Emilia didn't hold any significance for me. In my own way, I did. Lena, however, was unique. She was unique from the beginning.
I softened my voice a little and said, "I know it's complicated." She is still the Luna, though. And we cannot simply discard anything due to errors.
Ryder showed no signs of persuasion. He sat back in his chair and considered what he had said. What are your thoughts on it all? Let's be honest.
I could feel his inquiry weighing heavily on me. How did I feel? Wasn't it clear? Because of what had transpired, I detested myself. I felt terrible for allowing things to spiral out of control. Now, though, this was my duty. I had to correct it.
I firmly said, "I'm going to fix it," and my resolve surprised even me. "I will not allow her to go."
Ryder remained silent for a while, obviously taking in what I had said. And now, what will you do? Simply wait for her to approach you.
"No," I replied, already formulating a strategy in my head. "I must let her know that I care." I'll get her some flowers, specifically lilies. The idea felt perfect, but I had no idea why I had selected lilies.
Ryder's eyebrow went up. "Flowers? Really?
I tried to conceal the frustration that was simmering beneath my shrug. Waiting for her to calm down isn't enough. I must demonstrate my seriousness to her. I have to take action.
Ryder laughed, but his laugh was devoid of humor. "Good luck with that."
I said, already feeling guilty about mentioning it, "Just go get them." However, I was aware that it was my only option. Even though Emilia didn't want to hear it currently, she needed to know that I was making an effort.
With a nod, he moved toward the door. "I'll be right back."
I sat there, thinking as he went. Despite everything pressing down on me, I remained unbroken. I would win Emilia over. I had to think so.
The day dragged on, and I was having trouble concentrating. I couldn't stop thinking about Emilia, our past, and the beautiful and awful times we had spent together. Our initial encounter had been unexpected. I hadn't meant to talk to her, but she was by the pond, talking to the fish as if they could understand her.
She was unlike anyone I had ever encountered. Seeing her so engrossed in her own little world was odd. Then she went down.
I didn't hesitate as she fell into the water, even though she didn't first notice me. Without thinking, I dove in and dragged her out. Although it was a unique beginning to a complex relationship, it was unforgettable.
A tiny smile pulled at my lips as I looked at the flowers that were sitting on my desk. They brought back memories of that day, the odd woman I had rescued, and our early friendship. I thought she would feel the same way about the flowers.
I knew Emilia was furious. Emilia had every right to be furious. However, she did not harbor any desire to depart from the Pack. She had no desire to turn into a renegade.
Was she able to?
As my office door opened once more, the thought tormented me.
Ryder came back holding a little bunch of lilies. After throwing the flowers upon my desk, he replied, "Here you go."
I got up and picked up the flowers. "Thank you."
"Are you certain this approach will work?" Ryder inquired, his expression doubtful.
Even though I was unsure on the inside, I said in a firm voice, "I have to try." "I need to let her know that I'm still committed to us."
I could feel the weight of Ryder's stare even though he just nodded and walked away without saying anything.
With the lilies in hand, I left my office and made my way to Emilia's quarters. I was determined to face whatever came next. For her. For the Pack.
This was especially true for the unborn child who was awaiting birth.
The conversation was about everything that was important to me, not just a marriage.
- Writer
