Semua Bab Stronger Than Pain: From Beta To Luna: Bab 11 - Bab 16

I stepped into my office, barely able to catch my breath. My heels clicked against the tiled floor, each step echoing the unease that had lodged itself in my chest since last night. The silence of the office felt heavier than usual. There were no colleagues around—just the hum of the air conditioner and the smell of paper and stress.Dropping my bag onto the desk, I sank into my chair. My fingers automatically reached for the stack of pending files, but my thoughts weren’t with the documents. They were back at home. With Jayden’s confused eyes. With Jonathan’s fake smile. With Luna Samira’s name on that damned emergency contact form.I rubbed my temples, trying to push the chaos away. If I just worked hard enough, maybe I could numb it all again. Drown out the lies, the manipulation, the panic clawing at my insides. Maybe if I worked hard enough, I could stop feeling so small in my own life.I had barely flipped through two pages when a knock, firm and deliberate, rattled the door. My

Just then, a message blinked onto the screen. I picked up my screen and jumped slightly when I saw the message. Alpha Conan: Something came up. I need you at the cabin. Bring the ring. No greeting, no smiley face. It was expected, but it reminded me of his nature. Just like him. I typed back: When? Alpha Conan: Now. Come alone. I glanced back at the clock. 8:42 a.m. I looked around the house, brushed my hair hurriedly, and dusted my shoes. Then I grabbed my bag, locked the house, and left before I could think twice. Because if I stayed, I was going to shatter.And if I shattered, no one would be able to pick up the pieces but me. The drive out to the old forest trail was long, dark, and silent. My hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, and I wasn’t sure if it was the

The kitchen was warm with morning light, but it felt like a trap.The soft golden rays touched everything—the marble counter, the ceramic plates, the photo of Jayden in his Halloween costume—but none of it felt safe. My hands moved like they belonged to someone else, flipping pancakes, slicing strawberries, pouring juice in his dinosaur cup.All the things a good mother did.All the things a perfect wife should.I heard Jonathan's footsteps before I saw him.His cologne reached me first, that expensive mix of leather and pine I used to crave. Now it made my stomach twist.He came up behind me, arms wrapping around my waist like we were still that couple. Why was he still doing this? His lips brushed my cheek.“Good morning, beautiful.”I smiled. Trained. “Morning.”He leaned against the counter like he belonged there, gaze resting on me with too much ease. Watching. Always watching.“Have you seen my silver watch? The one with the blue face. I could’ve sworn I left it on the dresser.”