Chapter 5 Open Wounds

Aria's POV

Even though there was a lot on my mind, I was happy to see him back home. I had missed him a lot. But when he told me that his parents would be joining us for dinner, I lost all hope, and unfortunately, I couldn't hide my feelings.

"I know this is difficult, but please try to survive this evening," Andrew said, pulling me back into his embrace.

I had just lost my baby, faced the fact that I had an illness with only a fifty per cent chance of a cure, and if that wasn't enough, I was uncertain about how the treatment would affect my marriage. Now, on top of everything, I had to deal with Andrew's parents as well.

After he went to the bathroom, I walked down to the kitchen and ordered dinner that Andrew's parents liked. I asked the Omegas to set the table elegantly, wanting everything to be perfect. The last thing I wanted was for them to be dissatisfied.

Once I finished in the bathroom myself, I chose a light green floral dress and tied my hair back into a ponytail. A light touch of makeup helped cover the torment of the past two days, and when I finally appeared, Andrew whistled.

"You are beautiful," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around me. As an Alpha, my body recovered quickly. I still felt a little uncomfortable, but externally, there were no traces of my miscarriage from two days ago.

I gently pushed him away. 

"I told the Omegas to prepare your parents' favourite meal and to set the table elegantly for them. The least I want is for them to be disappointed," I said, and Andrew smiled at me.

"There’s no way they could be unhappy with a Luna like you," he replied, kissing my forehead. 

"Ready?" he asked me, and I faked a smile. "Yes," I said.

He led me downstairs. We settled in the hall, and at exactly six o’clock, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper led his parents inside.

"Alpha, Luna," she announced as she stepped into the room. "Mr and Mrs Lennox have arrived," she said, bowing slightly before stepping aside for the former Alpha and Luna to enter.

Benjamin and Olivia walked in, dressed elegantly—though I found their attire a bit dull. They smiled only when they looked at their son, Andrew.

"Andrew, darling, you look so great," Olivia said, stepping to him first. She kissed and hugged him before coming to me.

"Aria," she greeted, and I did my best to return a genuine smile as they approached me, kissing me on the cheek in turn.

Andrew then led us to the dining room, and the discomfort began.

"How was your business trip, son?" Benjamin asked Andrew.

"It was successful. After a long negotiation, we agreed and signed contracts with two leading companies. Both contracts could earn us at least three million in six months," Andrew replied proudly, which made Olivia glance at him in surprise.

"I can't believe how wonderful you are," she said, clearly making Andrew proud. "You should take Aria with you next time. Even though I like Seraphina a lot, I don’t think your Beta should accompany you on a business trip," she suggested.

Andrew smiled. "Mum, I'd prefer Aria to stay home. Business might bore her," he chuckled. "And the pack needs her," he sighed, glancing at me with a smile.

"Well, I think she should work a little harder then," Olivia commented, which made my chest ache. "I visited the elite school last week, and they said they haven’t seen the Luna for months," she added.

I wiped my mouth with my napkin. "I've been focusing on the lower-ranked werewolves recently. I also visited the orphanage not long ago," I responded, hoping to make an excuse, but it only seemed to inspire her for the next topic.

"First, as a Luna, you are expected to take care of all the pack members. The upper class is very important, as they are the best supporters of the Alpha couple. If you are eager to care for pups, then it's time to consider having a successor," she said, reopening my still-healing wounds. I tried to remain calm.

"Mum, you don't need to worry. We have plenty of time to have a baby," Andrew attempted to intervene, but it seemed futile.

"I can't understand what the two of you are waiting for. An heir is important. That’s how you show the pack that you care about their future," Benjamin added to the conversation.

"Besides," Olivia continued, "you are strong and young, Aria, but you wouldn't believe how quickly youth fades away. Your age is ideal for pregnancy and giving birth without complications. Your body is at its strongest now, making this the perfect time to bear a strong and healthy successor," she said, unaware of the pain she was inflicting on me.

"Mum, we've already discussed this. We are still young. I have the business to focus on, and Aria has her responsibilities with the werewolves of the pack. A few years won't change anything," Andrew asserted, his voice showing he wanted to end this conversation. Perhaps he felt the same way I did; neither of us had fully moved on from our lost baby.

Olivia shook her head and turned back to her plate. They didn't bring up the topic of a successor again during dinner. She chatted with me after the meal while Benjamin asked Andrew about the business trip and the contract they had signed. It took great effort for me to listen to Olivia, and I was immensely grateful to the Moon Goddess when they finally rose to leave.

We walked out with them to their car.

"Aria, I have an idea," Olivia said as we reached the vehicle.

"What is it?" I asked, and she smiled.

"I'll call my doctor tomorrow. It’s time for me to have a checkup," she declared, and my heart raced at the thought of going to the doctor. I nodded.

"I'm glad to accompany you," I replied, but she rolled her eyes.

"I don’t want you just to be there; I want you to come with me. A checkup never hurt anyone. The pack deserves to know that their Luna is healthy," she said, causing both me and my wolf to feel a surge of panic.