The proposal

Aveline POV   

My legs felt stuck to the ground.   

My breath came out shallow and uneven, as if my lungs had forgotten how to function.   

I still couldn’t understand what was happening.   

My father...?   

Gone?   

Gone where?   

For what?   

Just a few hours ago, I was at my engagement party, laughing and smiling, believing my life was finally coming together. I was going to be Ethan Blackwood’s fiancée.   

Then everything shattered in a single night.   

I found my fiancé with another woman.   

Now I had come home to find my father taken away.   

Neighbors had gathered outside, whispering in low, anxious tones. Their eyes flickered between the flashing lights and my broken mother.   

“Dear, you should take your mother inside. It’s too cold out here,” an elderly woman said softly, her voice heavy with pity.   

I blinked rapidly, still in disbelief, then forced myself to move.   

I walked to my mother and gently pulled her from the ground.   

“Mom, let’s go inside,” I whispered, my voice shaking as I fought back tears.   

She didn’t resist.   

She couldn’t.   

Together, I guided her into the house.   

Inside, I sat her on the couch. Her body trembled as she tried to process everything. A few of her friends followed us in, murmuring quietly among themselves.   

Two of them headed into the kitchen, but I didn’t move.   

I just stared at my mother.   

Finally, I spoke.   

“Why?” I whispered. “For what?”   

My mother looked at me for a long moment.   

Then she looked away.   

Somehow, that simple action terrified me more than any answer could have.   

“What happened?” I cried again, louder this time.   

“They said...” Her voice cracked. “They said there were accusations against him.”   

My chest tightened painfully.   

“What accusations?”   

“I don’t know.”   

For the first time that night, Ethan didn’t exist.   

The betrayal didn’t matter.   

The humiliation didn’t matter.   

Nothing mattered anymore.   

Only one thing echoed in my mind, 

My father was gone.   

And I had no idea how to get him back.   

The faint sound of sirens still lingered in my ears, as if the world refused to let me forget what had just happened.   

The women returned from the kitchen holding two cups of water.   

One handed a cup to me, the other to my mother, before sitting down across from us.   

“Aveline, your father—”   

“Why was he arrested?” I interrupted quietly, my eyes fixed on the floor.   

A heavy silence filled the room.   

Then one of them exhaled.   

“Your father had been involved in several failed investments,” she explained carefully. “It led to a very deep debt situation.”   

My lips slowly parted.   

“How am I just hearing about this?” I whispered, lifting my gaze between them.   

“I wasn’t aware either,” my mother said quickly, her voice strained.   

“The people he owed money to reported him,” another woman added. “They pressed charges. The authorities had no choice but to arrest the Alpha.”   

My heart thudded painfully in my chest.   

“How much debt are we talking about?” I asked.   

No one answered immediately.   

The silence grew heavier.   

Then my mother slowly shook her head.   

One of the women stood, walked toward the side table, and picked up a thick brown envelope.   

She returned and placed it in my hands.   

“Aveline...” she said softly. “You should see this yourself.”   

My fingers trembled as I took it.   

The paper felt heavier than I expected.   

Like it already carried something I wasn’t ready to face.   

Slowly, I opened the envelope.   

Inside were documents.   

Stacks of them.   

Bank records.   

Loan agreements.   

Confession statements.   

And one number at the top of the first page that made my entire body freeze.   

$48,700,000.   

My breath stopped.   

No.   

That couldn’t be right.   

My eyes moved faster now, scanning the page, desperate to find a mistake.   

But instead, I found more.   

Loan sharks.   

Private syndicates.   

Unregulated lenders from outside pack territories.   

Multiple overdue contracts.   

Interest rates that made my stomach twist.   

Then the worst part.   

A breakdown of how it all started.   

My father hadn’t just borrowed money.   

He had been trying to save something.   

A collapsing investment project tied to pack infrastructure—one he believed would strengthen Crescent Moon’s territory economy.   

But it failed.   

Instead of stopping, he doubled down.   

Borrowed more.   

Risked more.   

Until everything collapsed.   

Until he couldn’t pay anyone back.   

My hands began to shake violently.   

“No...” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “No, this can’t be real...”   

The room felt like it tilted.   

The paper slipped slightly in my grip.   

My vision blurred.   

“Mom...” I turned slowly toward her, my voice breaking. “Tell me this is a mistake...”   

But her face told me everything before she even spoke.   

And just like that, 

My knees gave out.   

The envelope slipped from my hands and scattered across the floor.   

My chest tightened painfully.   

I couldn’t breathe.   

I couldn’t think.   

Everything around me faded into a dull, distant blur.   

The last thing I remember was my mother shouting my name as the world went black. 

  

Ethan POV 

I sat in the back seat of my car, scrolling through a few reports on my tablet while my driver navigated through the morning traffic. 

In two weeks, Blackwood Enterprises would be celebrating its fifth anniversary. 

This year's event had to be perfect. 

Not just successful. 

Perfect. 

The kind of celebration that would impress the most powerful man in the kingdom. 

The Lycan King. 

My future father-in-law. 

A small smile tugged at my lips. 

Everything was finally falling into place. 

My phone vibrated. 

Mom. 

I answered immediately. 

“Good morning, Mom.” 

“Ethan, dear,” her warm voice greeted. “How are things progressing?” 

I leaned back against the leather seat. 

“Better than expected. The preparations are nearly complete.” 

“That's my son.” She sounded pleased. “I knew you wouldn't disappoint us.” 

I smiled faintly. 

“You give me too much credit.” 

“No, I don't. You've always known how to seize an opportunity when it presents itself.” 

There was a brief pause. 

Then her tone shifted. 

“And Aveline?” 

My expression hardened. 

“What about her?” 

“Have you ended things with her yet?” 

I looked out the window. 

“We're no longer together.” 

“Good.” 

The answer came so quickly that it almost sounded rehearsed. 

“Aveline was never suitable for you, Ethan. She may be sweet, but sweetness doesn't build legacies.” 

I remained silent. 

My mother continued. 

“You're on the verge of becoming part of the Lycan King's family. Do you understand what that means?” 

“Of course I do.” 

“No distractions. No loose ends. No emotional mistakes.” 

Her voice lowered. 

“Vivienne Draven is exactly the kind of woman you should be standing beside. Powerful family. Powerful connections. Powerful future.” 

I glanced down at my watch. 

“I know, Mom.” 

“Your father and I didn't spend years building this family name for you to throw it away.” 

“I said I know.” 

The sharpness in my voice made her fall silent for a second. 

Then she sighed. 

“I'm not trying to lecture you, dear. I simply want what's best for you.” 

A faint smirk appeared on my face. 

“And what's best for me happens to be the Lycan King's daughter.” 

“Among other things,” she replied smoothly. 

I chuckled. 

“At least you're honest.” 

“Someone in this family has to be.” 

That earned a genuine laugh from me. 

“Don't worry, Mom. Everything is under control.” 

“Good. Because once this anniversary celebration arrives, I want the Lycan King looking at you and seeing his future successor.” 

“I'll make sure he does.” 

“That's my boy.” 

The call ended shortly afterward. 

As the screen went dark, the car gradually slowed. 

“We're here, sir,” the driver announced. 

I glanced through the window. 

A restaurant stood across the street. 

And just as I was about to step out, a familiar figure entered my line of sight. 

Blonde hair. 

Slim frame. 

Aveline Hale. 

Heading toward the entrance. 

A slow smile spread across my face. 

What a coincidence. 

“Allow me to get your breakfast, sir,” my driver said as he stepped out of the vehicle. 

“I can do that..” I replied. 

My eyes remained fixed on Aveline. 

Because something told me this morning was about to become very interesting. 

  Aveline POV 

I walked to the counter and ordered my food before finding an empty table by the window. 

As soon as I sat down, I took out my phone. 

My lock screen lit up. 

It was a photo of Dad and me. 

My chest tightened. 

“How did it come to this?” I whispered. 

Just yesterday, everything felt normal. 

Today, my father was in jail. 

I had no idea how I was supposed to save him. 

The waiter brought my breakfast. 

“Thank you,” I said quietly. 

He nodded and walked away. 

I stared at the food in front of me. 

I wasn't even hungry. 

All I could think about was that number. 

Forty-eight million dollars. 

Where was I supposed to find that kind of money? 

How many lifetimes would it take me to earn it? 

I reached for my fork when a chair scraped against the floor. 

Someone sat down across from me without asking. 

“I wonder what's going on inside that pretty little head of yours.” 

My whole body stiffened. 

That voice. 

I slowly raised my head. 

Ethan. 

He smiled. 

The same smile I once loved. 

Now it made me sick. 

“Hi, princess.” 

My face darkened. 

“You should leave.” 

His smile widened. 

“That's no way to greet your ex-fiancé.” 

“Funny. I don't remember inviting you to sit down.” 

“Do I need an invitation?” 

“Yes.” 

“Well, unfortunately for you, I didn't come for one.” 

I scoffed and looked away, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. 

“Still angry?” 

“Still breathing?” 

His smile faltered a bit. 

Good. 

“You know,” he said, leaning back in his chair, “I've always liked that attitude of yours.” 

“I don't care.” 

“No, you never did.” 

I kept eating. 

Or at least pretending to. 

Anything to avoid looking at him. 

“You aren’t wearing the ring.” 

The mention of it made my stomach turn. 

I slowly looked up. 

“Are you serious?” 

“What?” 

“You cheated on me.” 

“You weren't supposed to see that.” 

I laughed. 

Actually laughed. 

The audacity was unbelievable. 

“You don't even sound sorry.” 

“Because I'm not.” 

His words hit harder than I expected. 

Not because they hurt, 

but because they confirmed everything. 

Every doubt. 

Every suspicion. 

Everything. 

“Then why pretend?” I asked quietly. 

“Why spend years acting like you loved me?” 

Ethan sighed dramatically. 

“As harsh as this sounds, Ava, you served your purpose.” 

My grip around the fork tightened. 

“What does that mean?” 

“It means you were convenient.” 

I stared at him. 

“Convenient?” 

“You were sweet. Loyal. Easy.” 

My stomach twisted. 

“You really are disgusting.” 

“No. I'm realistic.” 

His expression hardened. 

“You honestly believed I was going to make you Luna?” 

I said nothing. 

“You?” 

He laughed. 

Actually laughed. 

“Aveline, you can't even shift.” 

The words landed like a slap. 

“You have no rank.” 

Another slap. 

“No influence.” 

Another. 

“No political value.” 

And another. 

“You're the adopted daughter of a struggling Alpha from a minor pack.” 

I could feel my blood boiling. 

“You spent years pretending none of that mattered.” 

“Because it didn't matter then.” 

“And now?” 

“Now I'm marrying Vivienne Draven.” 

His smile returned. 

Slow. 

Arrogant. 

Satisfied. 

“That's the difference.” 

I wanted to throw my drink in his face. 

Instead, I forced myself to stay calm. 

“Vivienne.” 

“Future Lycan Queen.” 

His eyes glittered. 

“Her name alone opens doors.” 

I felt disgust crawl through me. 

“You don't love her.” 

“Love?” 

He laughed again. 

“You still believe people like us build empires with love?” 

“You are pathetic.” 

“No, Aveline. I'm ambitious.” 

He leaned forward.  

“You know what separates you from Vivienne?” 

I didn't answer. 

“Power.” 

His voice dropped. 

“Vivienne walks into a room, and Alphas stand.” 

I clenched my jaw. 

“She comes from the most powerful bloodline in existence.” 

His eyes swept over me.  

“And you?” 

The disdain in his face made my stomach churn. 

“You're still waiting for your first shift.” 

The words struck deeper than he knew. 

“You don't even know what wolf you carry.” 

Silence. 

Then he delivered the final blow. 

“Assuming there's one in there at all.” 

I stood up, and my chair scraped against the floor. 

“Watch your mouth.” 

“Or what?” 

His eyes narrowed. 

“Going to shift and attack me?” 

I hated him. 

I hated him. 

He smirked. 

“Sit down.” 

“No.” 

“Fine.” 

He shrugged. 

“Let's discuss your father instead.” 

My body went rigid. 

His satisfaction grew. 

“Ah. There it is.” 

“Don't.” 

“I heard he was arrested.” 

“Don't.” 

“Massive debt, wasn't it?” 

I clenched my fists. 

“Aveline.” 

His voice suddenly softened. 

Dangerously so. 

“You know everyone is talking about it.” 

I looked away. 

Humiliation burned through me. 

“Poor Damien Hale.” 

The fake sympathy in his voice made me sick. 

“Spent years pretending to be successful.” 

“Shut up.” 

“Borrowed money from lenders, private investors, even loan sharks.” 

“Shut up.” 

“And now his daughter gets to carry that shame too.” 

My hand slammed onto the table. 

“Shut your mouth!” 

Several people turned to look. 

Ethan remained perfectly calm. 

Then he sighed. 

“Alright.” 

I narrowed my eyes. 

“What?” 

“I'll help you.” 

My stomach twisted. 

“No.” 

“You haven't even heard the offer.” 

“I don't care.” 

“You should.” 

He leaned forward. 

A smug smile spread across his face. 

“Once I'm married to Vivienne, you'll become my private companion.” 

I stared at him, sure I had misheard. 

“What?” 

“You heard me.” 

Disgust crawled through every inch of my body. 

“You want me to be your mistress?” 

“Such an ugly word.” 

“Are you insane?”  

“I'll clear your family's debt.” 

He shrugged. 

“Your father walks free.” 

I felt sick. 

“You disgust me.” 

“Aveline—” 

“I would rather sleep with your future father-in-law than ever touch you again.” 

For the first time, Ethan's smile vanished. 

I continued. 

“You make me sick.” 

His jaw tightened. 

Then suddenly, he grabbed my wrist. 

“Aveline.” 

I yanked against his grip. 

“Let go.” 

“Think carefully.” 

“No.” 

“Forty-eight million dollars isn't something you earn waiting tables.” 

“I said let go.” 

“You need me.” 

“No.” 

His grip tightened. 

“You'll come crawling back eventually.” 

That was it. 

I grabbed the plate in front of me and smashed the pie right into his face. 

The restaurant went silent. 

Cream slid down his expensive suit. 

Across his cheeks. 

Into his hair. 

I stepped back, breathing hard. 

“You stay the hell away from me.” 

Ethan slowly wiped his face. 

His eyes darkened. 

“You'll regret that.” 

“No.” 

I grabbed my purse. 

“You'll regret underestimating me.” 

Then I turned and walked out of the restaurant without looking back.