Autumn– 5 Years Later "Mommy!" Valen's tiny voice echoed from the bathroom. "I'm coming, baby!" I called back, rushing to him. Mornings were always a whirlwind. I quickly helped Valen get ready, then rushed to prepare myself for work. We managed to squeeze in a quick breakfast together—just the two of us, like always. My little man is in school now. Life wasn’t easy after Zane abandoned me. Just two weeks later, I found out I was pregnant. I struggled—desperately—for water, for shelter, for survival. But I didn’t give up. Thanks to my knowledge in soil science, I eventually secured a position at the National Soil Testing Lab. Now, I’m not just working—I’m researching, inventing new farming techniques. I’ve developed methods to grow crops with minimal water and fertilizer while still producing a good yield. Now, I understand why my mother and father always insisted on education. Without my qualifications, I wouldn’t be where I am today. A few days ago, I saw Zane in t
Autumn Today, Marc asked me to accompany him to a business meeting at Hotel Regency. He wanted me to associate with him during the event, and I agreed. I’m not the same simple girl I was five years ago. Life has shaped me, and now I know exactly how to prepare for a high-profile gathering. I know how to walk into a room with confidence, speak with clarity, and carry myself with grace. Tonight, I’ll stand beside Marc—not as someone who’s tagging along, but as a strong, capable woman who earned her place. After dropping Valen off with the nanny, we arrived at the hotel. The place was buzzing with elegance and power. Marc, though not as famous as Zane, carried his own charm and influence. On the way in, he mentioned wanting to close a business deal with a very well-known tycoon. I didn’t press for details—between work, Valen, and everything else, I was too busy to ask. I simply adjusted my dress, held Marc’s hand, and walked into the spotlight beside his. Marc introduced me to a f
Flashback – Five Years Ago The rain hit the old wooden roof like a thousand tiny hammers. I sat alone in that cramped clinic room, my fingers trembling as I held the test result. Positive. I stared at the word for what felt like hours. A baby… Zane’s baby. Tears slipped down my cheeks—not out of joy, but fear. He had thrown me out, cast me away without listening, without even letting me speak. And now… I was carrying a part of him. I didn’t have money. I didn’t have a roof over my head. But I had life growing inside me. And I’d protect it, no matter what. I walked out of the clinic that day soaked in rain, arms wrapped around my belly, whispering softly to the tiny spark inside me: “I don’t know how we’ll survive, baby… but I promise, I’ll never leave you.” : The rain had stopped, but the cold never did. I spent the first night on a torn bench at the old bus stop, hugging my belly and fighting the hunger cramps that twisted inside me like knives. The small pie
Few months later... The winter nights were harsh. I wrapped myself in worn-out blankets, shivering, my belly swollen and heavy. One night, I felt the pain—sharp, relentless, and deep. It was time. There was no one to call. No one to hold my hand. I somehow stumbled out of my rented room, screaming through the pain. A kind old woman from the neighborhood saw me and rushed to help. She took me to a small public clinic. It wasn’t fancy. No high-tech machines or elite doctors. Just peeling walls, flickering lights, and the scent of disinfectant. I labored for hours—biting down on my own arm to stop myself from screaming too loud. There were no soothing words, no partner beside me whispering “You’re doing great.” Just a nurse telling me to push harder. Then… I heard it. A cry. My baby’s first cry. A flood of tears rolled down my cheeks as the nurse placed him in my arms, wrapped in a thin towel. My son. My Valen. The one light in my darkest tunnel. I looked at his tiny
Autumn’s POV Marc’s voice pulled me back from the whirlwind of my thoughts. He was still speaking with a group of investors, smiling with that calm charm of his. I managed a small nod, excused myself quietly, and turned away. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I said softly, though I don’t think anyone heard me. I needed air. I needed space. My heels clicked against the marble floor as I made my way to the restroom. The corridor was dimly lit and empty. Just as I reached for the handle, I felt it. A presence. A familiar tension in the air. That same sensation that always left my skin prickling—like the weight of an unsaid memory. I opened the door slowly. The faint click of it shutting behind me sounded louder than it should’ve. I didn’t need to turn around to know who had followed me. His scent hit me before his voice did—raw, powerful, unforgettable. Zane. My spine stiffened. He didn’t speak, not right away. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The same gi
Autumn’s POV As we were driving back to our apartment, Marc glanced over at me with a casual smile. “I arranged a private dinner at our place tomorrow,” he said, reaching for my hand. “With Mr. Zane Valerian Blackhowl.” My entire body stiffened. Zane. Marc kept talking, unaware of the storm building inside me. “Normally, he’s a very private man. Doesn’t show up to casual events. But he agreed to dinner. That’s a big step. This deal could change a lot for my business.” I forced a smile, nodding like I was okay, like my lungs weren’t caving in just at the sound of that name. “Oh… that’s great,” I managed to say. He squeezed my hand gently, “I wanted you there. He already met you, and I think he was… intrigued. Besides, I want him to see the woman I love standing next to me.” I looked away, hiding the way my heart clenched. If only he knew. If only he knew the weight that name carried. The pain. The past. The truth about the child sleeping peacefully in the backsea
Autumn’s POV “Mommy!” Valen came rushing from his room, holding his new toy car high above his head like a trophy. All eyes turned toward him. For a second, he hesitated—his little feet stopping, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces. He tucked the car slightly behind his back, his confidence shrinking. But then Marc smiled and stretched out his arms toward him. “There’s my little champ!” Valen’s face lit up. He ran straight into Marc’s embrace, giggling as Marc scooped him up and spun him around. “Did you crash your car already?” Marc teased, tickling his side. Valen shook his head fiercely. “Nooo! This one is super-fast!” Everyone chuckled softly, even Amelia. But I saw Zane—his jaw clenched, his gaze fixed. Not at Valen’s car. At Valen. There was something unreadable in his eyes. As everyone settled into their seats, the scent of baked herbs and roasted vegetables filled the space. Marc sat beside me, gently placing Valen on a booster seat between us. He
Autumn’s POV Just a few minutes after Zane walked out, Marc stepped into the kitchen, his eyes wide with excitement. “Autumn!” he said, almost breathless. “Mr. Blackhowl just accepted our proposal. He signed the preliminary agreement!” I blinked, still trying to steady myself from the encounter moments before. “Really?” Marc grinned, nodding. “Yes! This project is going to be big. If it goes well, I’ll finally be recognized not just as a small businessman—but someone who can actually stand beside the big names in the industry.” He looked at me, a proud smile tugging at his lips. “And it’s all because of you.” I forced a smile, swallowing down the storm inside me. “You worked hard, Marc. You deserve it.” He stepped closer and held my hands. “We both worked hard. And I promise, Autumn… I’ll make sure your dreams are safe with me. Yours and Valen’s.” I looked at him—and for a moment, I tried to forget Zane Valerian Blackhowl ever existed. Because right now, Marc was g
The air inside the sacred stone chamber was thick with incense and ancient energy. Autumn held Zane’s hand tightly, her fingers trembling. High Priestess Lysandra appeared in glowing white robes, her silvery eyes gleaming with divine sight. “You’ve come seeking truth,” Lysandra spoke, her voice echoing as if a thousand ancestors spoke through her. Autumn’s voice cracked, “For a week now, I’ve seen the same dream. A man calls me his wife. He’s cold. Dangerous. I’m terrified.” The priestess placed her hands on Autumn’s temples. “Because he was your husband… in a life you no longer remember.” The torches dimmed. Light shimmered in a glowing circle around them. Visions began to swirl like mist, and the past unfolded before their eyes. Flashback Her name had once been Bella—an omega born under a rare celestial sign, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. It was said Bella’s soul held a power unlike any other, a divine light meant to balance darkness. When she turned eighteen, she fo
Autumn’s POV I was running—branches whipping against my skin, my breath ragged, and heart pounding like a war drum. The dense forest felt endless, suffocating. But I could feel it… him—right behind me. His presence slithered across my spine like cold steel. “Run all you want, wife,” a deep, mocking voice echoed behind me. Wife? My eyes widened in terror as I pushed harder, but panic made me clumsy. My foot hit a jagged rock hidden beneath the fallen leaves, and I crashed to the ground with a painful thud. My head struck something hard, and stars exploded in my vision. Dizzy, I rolled over, and there he was—tall, shadowy, with crimson eyes glowing in the darkness. A cruel smile curled on his lips. "Running from your husband isn’t very polite,” he whispered coldly. He grabbed me with inhuman strength, tossing me over his shoulder like I was weightless. “No! I’m not going with you! You monster!” I screamed, flailing, but it was no use. “Shout all you want. No one will help you,
Zane’s POV: As we finished breakfast, I reached for her hand, gently running my thumb over her wrist. “In two days,” I said quietly, looking deep into her eyes, “it will be the full moon.” Autumn tilted her head. “So?” “We need to perform the Soul Bound Ritual,” I explained. “It's a sacred rite… one only true mates or bonded rulers perform.” She blinked, unsure. “What do we have to do?” I stood and pulled her closer, my hands resting on her waist. “We offer our blood to the Moon Goddess,” I said. “Yours and mine… mixed together in the ancient bowl, under the full moon. We’ll speak our vows not just as husband and wife—but as soulmates, bound by fate. Once we do that, her blessings will shower upon us. Nothing can break us apart after that.” Her breath caught. “Is… is it painful?” I shook my head. “No. Just a small cut on the palm. But the moment our blood touches the offering flame, we’ll feel it. A connection… a pulse through our veins. It’s like our souls whisper
Zane gently lifted Autumn into his arms, her soft gasp making his heart race. He carried her to the next room, the door closing quietly behind them. The moonlight slipped through the curtains, casting silver patterns on the bed as he laid her down with care. “I missed your touch… your warmth,” he whispered, brushing his lips along her collarbone. He leaned in, capturing her mouth in a slow, lingering kiss — one filled with everything he had held back for so long. His hand slid to her waist, fingers brushing over the fabric of her dress as he deepened the kiss, savoring her soft sighs against his lips. Their bodies moved in perfect rhythm, like they had waited years for this moment. Every touch was a promise, every kiss a confession. Zane’s lips traveled down her neck, sending shivers through her as his hand caressed her curves with reverence. “I’ve craved you since the moment I met you, Autumn,” he breathed against her skin. “I want all of you… your mind, your heart, your bo
Zane's POV As we sat together in our room, I looked at Autumn, her presence still making my heart race like the first day. I reached for her hand. “Why don’t we get married again?” I asked softly. “This time… with all the love we’ve built.” She blinked, then looked away, cheeks turning a deep shade of red. She was blushing so adorably, it made me grin. Before she could answer, Valen barged in, arms crossed with a dramatic sigh. “It’s getting too boring, Mom.” I chuckled. “What now, little man?” “Dad,” he said with those pleading eyes, “can you buy me a remote-control car?” I ruffled his hair. “Of course, son. Why not?” He paused, then added with a mischievous glint, “I want one more thing… a small baby.” Autumn nearly choked. I smirked. “Ask your mom. I’m always ready.” She gasped and slapped my shoulder. “Zane!” After the chaos Valen stirred with his “baby” request, we all ended up in the living room, laughter still echoing in the air. Zane sat on the floor
Zane's POV As sunlight filtered through the heavy drapes of our room, I gently brushed a kiss to Autumn’s temple and whispered, “Get ready, love. We’re going to the kingdom today. There are people we must meet, and duties we cannot delay.” She nodded sleepily, still curled against me. I kissed her forehead once more and got out of bed to prepare for the day. Later, after reaching the heart of my kingdom, I held a brief but crucial meeting with the high council and key leaders, addressing matters that needed swift attention. My voice carried authority, but today, it also held a hidden excitement—one I hadn’t felt in years. As the meeting neared its end, I stood from my throne and silenced the room with a single raised hand. “Before we conclude, I have something important to announce.” A murmur rippled through the hall. I turned toward the golden doors. “Autumn. Bring Valen, please.” The doors opened slowly, revealing my wife and our son. Autumn’s grace was radiant, dressed in
Autumn’s POV After Clara’s confession, everything felt heavy—my heart, my body, my soul. I couldn’t stand there anymore, couldn’t even look at anyone. Zane didn’t let me fall. He lifted me effortlessly in his arms, ignoring the shocked gasps around us, and carried me out of the hall, up the grand staircase into our bedroom. He kicked the door shut behind him and set me gently on the bed like I was something precious. I curled into myself, wrapping my arms around my knees. I felt small… so small. For a few moments, there was only silence — heavy, raw, suffocating. Then the bed dipped beside me as Zane sat down. He didn’t speak, didn’t force me to talk. Instead, he pulled me gently into his lap, cradling me against his chest. I could feel the strong, steady beat of his heart against my cheek. I clung to his shirt, needing something—anything—to ground me. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice rough and hoarse. "I'm so sorry I ever doubted you... that I ever made you
Autumn’s POVZane grabbed my hand firmly but gently and led me into the vast hall where Clara was already standing, looking extremely nervous. Her hands fidgeted in front of her, her eyes darting everywhere but toward me."Tell her the truth," Zane commanded, his voice low and sharp like a blade.Clara flinched at his tone. She trembled visibly, her mouth opening and closing like she was struggling for breath. Finally, she whispered, "I'm sorry... Autumn, I need to tell you what really happened that night."My heart pounded painfully in my chest. I stepped closer, desperate for answers, dreading what I might hear.Flashback "That night, Mia, you, and I went to the club... you were so happy, laughing freely, dancing without a care in the world. And I—" Clara’s voice cracked, "I was burning inside.""I was jealous, Autumn. I had a huge crush on Zane... and no matter what I did, he never even noticed me. All he ever saw was you."Clara wiped her tears harshly and continued, "I planned t
Marc’s face twisted with a mix of regret and desperation. “You think he’s better than me?” he snapped, his voice cracking. “You think Zane is going to love you the way I did?” I didn’t flinch. “No. He already does… without betrayal.” Marc’s jaw clenched. “You’re mine, Autumn. You were always supposed to be mine.” Suddenly, Zane stepped forward, his presence like a storm rolling in. Calm… but deadly. “I’d be careful with your words, Marc,” Zane said in a low voice, eyes sharp like blades. “You don’t own her. She’s my wife now.” Marc turned, fists clenched. “You manipulated everything—used force, threats—” Zane didn’t even blink. “You gave me no choice. You were playing games while I fought to keep her safe. From people like you.” Marc laughed bitterly. “You kidnapped me, Zane!” Zane’s lips curled slightly. “I spared you. You should be grateful you’re standing here breathing.” The tension crackled in the air. I stepped between them. “Enough.” Zane’s arm immediately came around