Chapter 21

I looked at Grayson with empty eyes. "It's too late."Those three words hit him like a physical blow. His face went pale and his hands trembled.But before he could respond, I turned to Lucas with a gentle smile. "Yes, Lucas. I'll marry you."The garden erupted in cheers. Elena and Derek had been watching from behind the trees, and they rushed forward to congratulate us."Oh sweetheart!" Elena cried, pulling me into a hug. "I'm so happy for you!"Derek clapped Lucas on the back. "Welcome to the family, son. Officially this time."Lucas slipped the ring onto my finger with shaking hands. "I love you so much, Ember.""I love you too," I whispered back.Grayson stood frozen, watching our celebration. His face was a mask of pure agony."This isn't over," he said suddenly, his voice breaking. "I won't give up on us."Lucas turned to face him, his arm still around my waist. "There is no 'us' anymore, Grayson. She chose me.""She's confused," Grayson insisted desperately. "This whole thing is

Chapter 22

My birthday arrived faster than expected. Lucas had been planning something special for weeks, disappearing for hours to make mysterious phone calls."It's going to be perfect," he promised, kissing my forehead. "Just wait and see."The day of the party, I woke up to rose petals scattered across our bedroom floor. Lucas was already dressed in his best suit, grinning at me."Happy birthday, beautiful," he said, pulling me into his arms. "Ready for your surprise?"He led me downstairs to the main ballroom. I gasped when I saw what he'd done. The entire room was decorated with thousands of white and gold balloons. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Tables were covered with elegant floral arrangements."Lucas, this is incredible," I breathed."Only the best for you," he replied, spinning me around.Guests started arriving around seven. All our closest friends came, along with Elena and Dad. Everyone was dressed beautifully and carrying wrapped gifts."You look stunning," Elena said, hu

Chapter 23

Victoria's wild appearance sent the ballroom into complete chaos. Screams echoed off the walls as guests fled in every direction."Security!" Lucas shouted, pulling me behind him protectively.But Victoria was already moving toward us with terrifying speed. Her eyes were completely unfocused, filled with pure rage."You destroyed everything!" she shrieked, waving the knife wildly. "My life, my future, everything I worked for!""Victoria, stop this!" I called out desperately. "You're only making things worse for yourself!""Worse?" she laughed maniacally. "How could it get worse? I've lost everything because of you!"She lunged forward with the knife raised high. I closed my eyes, bracing for impact.But instead of pain, I heard Grayson's voice shouting, "No!"I opened my eyes to see him throwing himself between Victoria and me. The knife plunged deep into his shoulder, and he cried out in agony."Grayson!" I screamed.Blood immediately soaked through his white dress shirt, but he didn'

Chapter 24

The next few days blurred together at the hospital. I moved between rooms constantly, checking on everyone's recovery.Father was awake but weak. His stomach wound needed careful monitoring. I helped him sit up to eat and made sure he took his medications on time."You don't have to do this," he said quietly as I adjusted his pillows."Yes, I do," I replied without looking at him.Mother had gotten stitches for her cuts and bruises. She winced every time she moved, but she was healing well."Ember, sweetheart," she called as I changed the water in her flower vase. "Can we talk?""About what?" I asked, still not making eye contact."About us. About how we can fix this family."I set the vase down harder than necessary. "There's nothing to fix. Some things stay broken."Finn's arm was in a sling, but he was recovering quickly. He watched me carefully whenever I came to check his bandages."You're good at this," he observed as I rewrapped his wound. "Taking care of people.""I had to lear

Chapter 25

Two years had passed since the night Victoria attacked us. Two years of weekly visits to the hospital, sitting beside Grayson's motionless form.Today felt different though. I knew it would be my last visit."Hey Grayson," I said, settling into the familiar chair beside his bed. "I've got some news for you."The machines beeped steadily around us. His face looked peaceful, almost like he was just sleeping deeply."Victoria got life in prison. No chance of parole." I smoothed the blanket over his chest. "I thought you'd want to know she can't hurt anyone else."I reached into my bag and pulled out a newspaper clipping. "Look at this. They wrote an article about my art exhibition. 'Rising Star in Contemporary Art' - that's what they called me."I held the article where he could see it, even though his eyes remained closed."Remember those paintings Victoria claimed were hers? Well, the truth came out during her trial. All the awards, all the recognition - it's mine now. Finally."The aft

All Chapters of Abandoned Alpha Mate After Rebirth: Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25