Chapter 3

Elvina’s POV

I pulled into Helena’s  driveway, the engine idling for a moment as I took a deep breath. 

Seeing Felix had drained whatever leftover relaxation I’d managed to cling to from the beach, but the moment I stepped out of the car and saw Iris running through the front door toward me, all of that tension melted away.

"Mommy!" iris squealed, throwing her little arms around my waist.

"Hi, sweetie," I laughed, lifting her up for a tight hug before setting her back down. "Go grab your bag, okay? We'll head home in a minute."

Helena stepped onto the porch, leaning against the railing with a knowing grin as Iris darted back inside. "So," Helena drawled, crossing her arms. "How was the beach vacation? Did you actually relax, or did you spend the whole time worrying about work?"

"I relaxed," I admitted, following her into the kitchen. "A little too much, maybe."

Helena eyes lit up instantly. "Wait. What does that mean? Elvina, did something happen?"

I hesitated, feeling heat creep up my neck, but Helena was my best friend and confidante, there was no keeping secrets from her. 

"I met someone. His name is Arthur. We uhm... spent the night together."

Helena gasped, slapping her hands over her mouth before letting out a quiet shriek. "You had a one-night stand?! Tell me everything!"

I gave her the abbreviated version, the giant wave wiping out my bikini top, the rescue, the Italian silk bikini from the boutique, and the candlelit dinner before ending up in his penthouse suite.

"Elvina!" Helena practically squealed. "A man who takes you to a restaurant like that and buys you a designer bikini doesn't just want a casual fling. He must really like you!"

"He disappeared the next morning, Helena," I said flatly, pouring myself a glass of water. "No note, no text, nothing. I don't even know his last name. Besides, a man like him, wealthy, unattached, powerful, would never choose a divorced single mother. It was just a one-night stand, and it's over."

Helena softened, giving me a sympathetic look, but before she could push the topic any further, Iris ran back into the room with her backpack strapped tight.

A month passed in a blur of long hospital shifts and routine, until the evening of the Ashbourne Pack banquet arrived.

Helena happily agreed to babysit Iris at my house while I got ready. I stepped out of my bedroom wearing a dark navy floor-length gown that fit closely to my curves, my hair styled in elegant waves.

"You look stunning," Helan said, adjusting the strap of my dress. "Now go get this over with so you can force Felix to leave you alone forever."

When Felix arrived at my front door in a tailored black tuxedo, his eyes widened slightly, but I didn't give him the chance to compliment me. I walked straight past him to his car without saying a word.

The banquet hall was magnificent, filled with high-end decor, crystal chandeliers, and elite pack members chatting in small circles. 

The moment we walked through the grand double doors, several familiar faces approached us. Old friends from our marriage greeted me warmly, completely unaware of the divorce, and even Felix's parents came over to hug me tightly. 

They showered me with affection, talking about how wonderful it was to see us doing so well. It took everything in me to smile politely and nod along, stomach churning at the deception.

Halfway through the evening, Felix excused himself to network with a few pack elders. Relieved to finally be alone, I made my way to the bar and ordered a sparkling glass of cider.

"Well, well. I didn't think you'd have the nerve to show up here."

I turned my head to see Agnes standing beside me. She was wearing a dramatic red dress, her heavy, suffocating floral perfume instantly invading my space.

"Agnes," I said calmly, taking a sip of my drink.

"Are you really this desperate, Elvina?" she sneered, leaning in closer so passersby wouldn't hear. 

"Shamelessly clinging to Felix even after your divorce? You think coming to a pack function will make him forget that he threw you away?"

I rolled my eyes, setting my glass down on the marble counter. "I have zero interest in getting back together with Fekix, Agnes. I'm only here as a favor so he doesn't embarrass himself in front of his elders. You can have him."

Agnes let out a harsh laugh. "Do you honestly expect me to believe that? You're only here to try and seduce him back because you realized you can't survive without his status."

The combination of her shrill voice and the heavy, sickening scent of her perfume suddenly made my stomach turn.

A sharp wave of nausea hit me out of nowhere, making my throat tighten. I didn't have the energy or the stomach to deal with her petty jealousy tonight.

"Believe whatever you want," I said curtly, turning on my heel to leave the hall and get some fresh air.

I hurried through the crowd toward the exit, my vision slightly blurred from the sudden dizziness. But as I rounded a corner near the main entrance, I collided right into a firm, broad wall of a chest.

"I'm so sorry," I started, stepping back and looking up to apologize.

The words died in my throat.

Standing right in front of me, immaculate in a bespoke charcoal tuxedo, was Arthur. His piercing gray eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of genuine shock crossing his features before settling into an intense, unreadable stare.

I froze, my heart dropping straight into my stomach.

Before I could process what was happening or turn around to run, familiar footsteps approached from behind me.

"Ah, there you are, Elvina," Felix voice called out cheerfully as he stepped up beside me. He turned toward the broad-shouldered man with deep respect, lowering his head slightly. "Alpha. I see you've met my companion for the evening."

Alpha?

Felix placed a hand on the small of my back, completely oblivious to the sudden drop in temperature between us.

"Elvina," Felix said proudly, "this is my boss, Arthur Thornridge, Alpha of the Ashbourne Pack."