Chapter 14
721 Words
I dressed carefully, choosing a soft blue sweater that brought out my eyes and jeans that fit well. For the first time in months, I took extra time with my hair and even applied a little makeup. I wanted to look pretty for Ronan when I saw him again.
The dining room was busy when I made it downstairs, pack members eating breakfast and discussing plans for the day. Luna helena was at the head of the table, directing the kitchen staff with her usual efficiency.
And there, at his usual seat, was Ronan. With vivica sitting on his lap.
The sight hit me like a physical blow. vivica was feeding him pieces of bacon while he laughed at something she whispered in his ear. His hands rested casually on her waist, completely comfortable with her intimate position. He looked relaxed, satisfied, like a man who'd had an excellent night.
Just not with me.
"Good morning, Elara," Luna helena called out, noticing my entrance. "How are you feeling, dear? You looked a bit pale last night."
I somehow managed to find my voice. "Much better, thank you."
Ronan looked up at the sound of my name, his amber eyes meeting mine across the room. For a moment, I expected to see recognition there, some acknowledgment of what we'd shared. Instead, I saw polite disinterest, the same expression he'd worn for years.
"Morning, Elara," he said casually, as if nothing had changed. As if he hadn't taken my virginity just hours ago.
vivica smiled at me with feline satisfaction. "Such a shame you missed the end of the party last night. Ronan and I had such a wonderful time, didn't we, darling?"
"The best," Ronan agreed, pressing a kiss to her neck that made my stomach lurch.
I stood frozen in the doorway, watching the man who'd made love to me treat another woman with the intimacy that should have been mine. He didn't remember. Whatever had happened between us, whatever connection I'd felt, he had no memory of it.
This is wrong, Sapphire snarled in my mind. He is ours. They cannot act this way in front of us.
But they could, because Ronan seemingly didn't remember claiming me. In his mind, nothing had changed. I was still the teenage obligation he was avoiding, and vivica was still the woman who satisfied his adult needs. Or worse, he did remember and was choosing to ignore me.
"I should... I'll eat later," I managed to say, backing toward the door. "Are you sure, dear?" Luna helena looked concerned. "You barely ate yesterday."
"I'm fine," I lied, fleeing before anyone could see the tears threatening to fall.
I made it back to my room before breaking down completely. The sheets still smelled like him, still holding the impression of our bodies twined together. But downstairs, he was with someone else, treating our night like it had never happened.
He does not remember, Sapphire said sadly. The alcohol... he was too drunk to form clear memories.
"Then it didn't matter," I whispered through my tears. "None of it mattered."
But it mattered to me. It mattered that for one perfect night, Ronan had looked at me like I was precious. It mattered that he'd been gentle and loving and everything I'd dreamed of. It mattered that I'd given him my heart and my body, and he had no idea.
I spent the day in my room again, unable to face the pack knowing what I knew. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see vivica on Ronan's lap, see the way he touched her like she belonged there. How was I supposed to sit through meals and pack meetings, pretending I didn't know how his hands felt on my skin?
He will remember eventually, Sapphire insisted. Something will trigger the memory.
I wanted to believe her, but looking out my window at the snow-covered territory where Ronan continued his life as if nothing had changed, I wondered if she was wrong.
Maybe some things were too beautiful to remember. Maybe some nights were destined to live only in the heart of the one who treasured them.
The night that should have changed everything had instead become my most beautiful secret and my deepest heartbreak.
And Ronan had no idea that either had happened.
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