CHAPTER EIGHT

Bella

Living in the Alpha House was lonelier than I had imagined.

The servants were respectful but careful.

They addressed me as "Lady Bella" or "Luna", yet I could still see the hesitation in their eyes. To them, I wasn't the Luna they had expected. I was simply the woman who happened to be carrying the Alpha's child. Nothing more. After breakfast, I made my way downstairs with a notebook tucked beneath my arm. The housekeeper greeted me with a polite smile.

Good morning, Lady Bella.

Good morning.

I've prepared the household accounts you requested.

Thank you.

She placed several ledgers on the table.

They haven't been updated in weeks.

I opened the first book, scanning through the entries. Several figures didn't match. Food supplies had been ordered twice in the same week. Medicine stock had been recorded incorrectly. A few expenses weren't listed at all.

Bella frowned.

Who handled these before?

The former Luna.

And after she passed?

The older woman hesitated.

No one, my Lady.

Bella nodded slowly.

I understand.

She picked up a pen and began correcting the mistakes one by one.

If she had to stay here for a year

She refused to spend it doing nothing.

Harry returned shortly before noon.

He handed his coat to one of the servants before walking toward his office.

On the way, he noticed several maids gathered near the sitting room.

They quickly bowed when they saw him.

My Lord.

What are you all doing?

One of them answered nervously.

Lady Bella asked us to organise the household records.

Harry frowned.

The records?

Yes, Alpha.

Another maid smiled.

She's been working since early this morning.

Without another word, Harry continued walking.

As he passed the sitting room, his eyes drifted inside.

Bella sat quietly at the large table.

Papers surrounded her.

Her head remained lowered as she wrote something in one of the ledgers.

She looked completely absorbed in her work.

She didn't notice him.

Harry stood there for a brief moment before walking away.

He wasn't sure why he had stopped in the first place.

Later that afternoon

Bella carried the completed ledgers toward the study. A servant had informed her that Harry usually reviewed the household accounts himself.

She knocked gently.

Come in.

Harry didn't look up from the document in front of him.

She stepped inside.

I've finished organising the records.

He finally raised his head.

So soon?

They needed more attention than I expected.

She placed the ledgers on his desk.

I also found several missing entries.

Harry glanced through the pages.

The accounts were neatly rewritten.

Every correction had been marked clearly.

Even the smallest expenses were accounted for.

He looked at her again.

You did all this today?

Yes.

You didn't have to.

I know.

Then why?

Bella met his eyes calmly.

Because it's my responsibility.

The answer caught him off guard.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, he closed the ledger.

I'll look through them later.

She nodded.

If there's nothing else, I'll excuse myself.

She turned to leave.

Bella.

She stopped.

Yes, Alpha?

Thank you.

The words surprised both of them.

Bella blinked once before giving a small nod.

You're welcome.

She left quietly, closing the door behind her.

Harry stared at the closed door for several seconds.

Then he looked back at the ledgers.

Everything was perfect.

Not a single mistake.

He leaned back in his chair.

She's trying too hard.

He wasn't sure whether he was convincing himself or someone else.

That evening Bella stood on the balcony outside her room, watching the sun disappear beyond the trees. The cool breeze brushed against her face. For the first time that day, she allowed herself to stop thinking.

She rested both hands over her stomach.

We'll be alright.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

I don't know how.

But we will.

Behind the closed door, the Alpha House remained as quiet as ever.

Two people lived beneath the same roof.

Bound by fate.

Separated by choice.