The Rejected Mate's Curse のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 51 - チャプター 60

“Christine, I need you to get her for me,” I said, my voice trembling as I struggled to calm my breathing.Christine’s brows furrowed, her arms crossing tightly over her chest as she gave me a sharp look. Her gaze was unreadable, but the tension in her posture screamed a mix of frustration, concern, and perhaps even a desire to smack some sense into me. She exhaled heavily, tilting her head slightly to glance past the pillar. I mirrored her movement, peering out into the garden where Ryker stood.He was animatedly speaking to Audrey, his deep voice carrying on the breeze. His stance was relaxed, but there was a subtle tension in the way his eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings like he was searching for something—or someone.I ducked back behind the pillar, pressing myself against the cool stone, my heartbeat hammering against my ribs. “Please,” I whispered desperately, my voice cracking. “Before he asks who her mother is and she mentions me. I can’t face him yet—I’m not ready

As soon as I crossed the threshold of the pack's protective walls, the façade I had carefully maintained all day shattered. My breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as I leaned against the cold, unyielding stone for support. I had thought dealing with Ryker would be the most challenging part of today, but I hadn't accounted for Tyson's presence.For years, I had forced him into the shadows of my mind, locking the memories away where they couldn't hurt me. I wasn’t still hung up on what he did—at least that’s what I told myself. I had fought tooth and nail to reclaim my life, to move forward. Yet seeing him again felt like being plunged into frigid water, the air snatched from my lungs, and no means to resurface.For a fleeting moment, the thought of calling off the ceremony crossed my mind. But the weight of my duty crushed that idea before it could take root. I couldn’t let two men—two ghosts of my past—derail the future of our kingdom. Still, understanding my responsibilities didn’t

Morning came like a heavy weight pressing on my chest, a reminder that my life had already veered down a path I couldn’t undo. The realization stung, sharper than I cared to admit. Christine had warned me, told me not to cling so tightly to what I thought was normal. But I hadn’t listened. Instead, my stubborn grip on the past had set in motion everything I feared most.Last night was a battle of patience. Putting Audrey to bed took twice as long as usual. She was brimming with questions, her little voice bubbling with excitement about her father. Could he put her to bed? Could he tuck her in? Each question was like a pinprick to my resolve. I had to tell her no, explaining gently that he wasn’t allowed on palace grounds after dark since he wasn’t part of our family. The disappointment in her big, hopeful eyes was almost unbearable. It broke something in me—a mother should never be the source of her child’s sadness.This morning wasn’t any easier. Audrey wanted her dad to help her get

I woke up first, and immediately the weight of my actions pressed down on me, suffocating in its heaviness. Ryker’s arm was still draped around my waist, his body tucked close to mine, a warmth that had once felt comforting now felt like a mistake. I tried to slowly untangle myself from his embrace, but his grip was tight, not ready to let go. It was harder than I expected, and I couldn’t help but slap my forehead in disbelief. He had another child back home—another child—and here I was, tangled up in him like some naive teenager.My hands ran down my face in frustration, my heart aching with the reality of it all. Ryker stirred beside me, his eyes blinking open. As he stirred, I pulled a robe around my body to shield whatever was left of my dignity. I gathered the clothes strewn across the floor, trying to ignore the emptiness settling in my chest. I stuffed mine into the laundry bag, arranging his neatly at the foot of the bed as if trying to keep the distance between us clear, even

I noticed my distracted silence. She'd asked me twice already today if I was okay, and I had lied both times. How could I explain what was going on in my head when I couldn't even make sense of it myself? If it were anyone else, I would have snapped, called them out right there, and ended it. But it was Riley, and I couldn't fight her. She had a right to be angry. As much as I wanted to argue, I knew I had a bigger right to be angry too. And yet, all I felt was this tangled mess of confusion and guilt.“Camilla,” Christine's voice cut through my haze, harsh and urgent. It snapped me back to the present, and I realized I was somewhere I shouldn't be lost in my own head.I was in the council room, sitting with my mother and the elders, discussing the details of the upcoming ceremony. I had zoned out, unaware of their eyes on me, waiting for me to speak. Panic surged in my chest, and I quickly turned to Christine, silently pleading for guidance. She rolled her eyes, her lips barely movin