Chapter Five
1280 Words
Flora's POV:
I stared at my reflection in the mirror as the maid fastened the final pin into my hair.
Two weeks. That’s how long it had been since I signed that damned contract with Leo, and somehow, everything had spiraled faster than I’d prepared for.
Even Karin had raised her brows when I told her. She understood the revenge part—hell, she loved that part—but she didn’t trust Leo. But she didn’t stop me.
Not when she saw the fire I had for vengeance. And especially not when I told her I’d be walking into Valen’s Luna crowning ceremony… on Leo’s arm.
I stood from the stool, smoothing my gown. It was a deep emerald green that
hugged my body like it was made for me.
The neckline dipped just enough to remind people that I was no longer the shy, doting Luna they once knew.
The suite Leo booked was lavish—of course it was. Midnight Pack’s top hotel didn’t cut corners. We were staying in a penthouse suite, but in separate rooms.
That had been my rule.
I still didn’t trust him enough to sleep under the same roof, let alone the same bed. But tonight… Tonight, we had to play our parts.
The maid gave me a once-over and whispered. “You look… breathtaking, Miss Flora.”
I gave her a warm smile. “Thank you.”
I stepped out into the lounge, to see Leo, already dressed in a dark charcoal suit that fit him far too well.
He looked up from his phone, and for the first time since this mess started, he genuinely looked caught off guard.
“Flora,” He exhaled, standing to his full height. “You’re… stunning.”
“I know,” I said, brushing past him to pick up my clutch. “Shall we?”
He grinned, shaking his head a little as he offered me his arm. “We shall.”
The drive to the Packhouse felt surreal.
The last time I rode in one of these cars, I was Luna. Valen had held my hand the entire ride, kissed the inside of my palm like I was the center of his world.
Now, I sat beside another man. One I didn’t love. One who was part of the reason I was walking back into this storm.
I glanced at my reflection in the car window and almost didn’t recognize her. The woman staring back at me had sharp eyes and her smile was nowhere to be seen.
The Packhouse was already buzzing when we arrived. Guards bowed slightly as we stepped out. Leo placed a hand on my back, a gesture for the crowd and for the role that we were playing.
The second we stepped into the hall, the air shifted.
Every. Head. Literally. Turned.
The gasps were subtle but audible. Whispers followed as eyes widened and jaws dropped. But none of it compared to the moment Valen turned around and saw me.
His eyes locked on mine instantly, and I swear, the world paused.
His expression faltered—just for a second—but it was enough. Enough for me to know I still had power in this room.
My chin lifted a fraction higher, while Leo leaned closer to whisper. “You’ve just made history, darling.”
We walked through the crowd like royalty, and I didn’t miss the way Valen’s gaze followed me across the room.
Like a man who’d just seen a ghost of everything he lost and would never get back.
And then… there was her.
Bailey.
She stood next to Valen, dressed in silver, her eyes narrowed when they landed on me.
She looked… threatened.
Good.
The ceremony began with all its pomp and glory. Speeches. Swearing-in. That ridiculous ceremonial crown.
Valen placed it on her head with such strained calm I almost laughed. His hand trembled, and everyone noticed.
But Bailey wasn’t going to let the spotlight slip. Once the ceremony ended and the crowd erupted in applause, Bailey raised her hand, and the hall quieted immediately.
“I have one more thing to share,” She said, smiling like the Cheshire Cat. “Valen and I are expecting a child.”
A collective gasp swept through the room, followed by polite applause. Some people even cheered.
I didn’t.
My eyes didn’t even move from Valen’s. He wasn’t smiling. Not really.
Leo chuckled and I turned to him but he didn't give me an explanation.
The celebration picked up after that—dancing, wine, food. People tried to pretend the air hadn’t just become stifling.
Leo and I sat at our table, sipping champagne and pretending we didn't come to indirectly declare war.
My back was straight, and I kept my expression soft. I knew how to play this game. I was Luna for years after all.
And then, like I knew he would, Valen walked up to our table. His hands balled into fists at his sides, as he marched forward.
He didn’t even glance at Leo. “Flora. I need to speak with you. Alone.”
I didn’t say a word. I simply tilted my head and waited. Leo, of course, stood before I could even shift.
“I’m afraid that won’t be happening,” Leo said smoothly, placing a hand on my shoulder. “My woman isn’t feeling well. We were just about to leave.”
Valen’s eyes flicked to his hand like he wanted to rip it off. “She can speak for herself.”
Leo smiled coldly. “Yes, she can. And she already said enough by showing up here tonight.”
Before Valen could say another word, Leo gently guided me to my feet. “Come, love. Let’s get you back.”
The ride back to the hotel was silent.
My stomach churned, and by the time we pulled into the driveway, I couldn’t take it anymore. The second the car stopped, I threw the door open and bolted.
I reached our suite, breathless, and cursed under my breath—I had forgotten to pick up the damned key card.
Of course.
Leo arrived seconds later, holding it up with a smirk. “You’re welcome.”
He unlocked the door and I brushed past him, heading straight for the bathroom. My stomach turned violently, and I barely made it to the toilet before I started throwing up.
Tears stung my eyes as I heaved, my body shaking. What the hell was happening to me?
After what felt like forever, I washed my face, stripped, and stepped into the shower. When I finally stepped out, wrapped in a robe, I froze.
Leo was there, sitting on the lounge chair and next to him stood a woman in scrubs.
“What’s going on?” I snapped, glaring at Leo.
He raised his hands. “I asked the hotel to send a nurse because you looked unwell.” He replied.
The nurse stepped forward. “Miss Flora, may I examine you? It’ll only take a few minutes.”
I sighed and nodded, too tired to argue. She took my vitals, asked me a few questions, and then had me sit on the bed while she did a test.
Minutes later, she turned to me, her face unreadable. “Congratulations,” She said softly. “You’re pregnant.”
The room spun.
I blinked. “What?”
“You’re pregnant.”
I looked at Leo, then back at the nurse.
I had s*x with Valen just two days before I caught him with Bailey—and, foolishly, I had a one-night stand with Leo two weeks ago.
So who the hell was the father?
- Writer
