All Chapters of The Ex-Luna's Return: No Longer His Doormat: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

~ 61 ~~ Mia ~The glass doors of Maren & Dolice swung open, releasing the subtle scent of crushed orchids into the cool morning air.This time, there was no haughty lingering at the threshold, no dismissive once-over from junior stylists, and Priya was nowhere in sight. The moment I crossed the entrance with Hailey, the general manager himself hurried forward, bowing his head with crisp, tailored deference."Dr. Quinn, welcome," he said, gesturing gracefully toward the sweeping velvet curtains of the VIP private salon. "Everything has been prepared for your arrival as requested."I offered a polite nod, stepping into the spacious suite where champagne flutes and soft leather armchairs awaited.I had come for a very specific purpose. The salon staff moved with quiet, practiced discretion, unboxing a piece from the house’s newest, most exclusive label—a brand that had taken high fashion by storm across the northern provinces, though its reclusive founding designer had never been public

Chapter 63~ Mia ~It was a trap with two exits, both bad, and I saw the architecture of it instantly.If I walked up to that stage and drank to "the late Luna," I would be publicly ratifying my own death — clearing the Luna seat, ending the mourning term cleanly, and gift-wrapping the pack throne for Fanny right in front of the council. If I refused the toast, or falter for even a second, I would only look very suspicious.Well Fanny, I am no longer that Mia Lancaster you use to know. I didn't flinch. I slowly pushed back my chair, my burgundy dress rustling softly against the floorboards as I rose with steady, effortless grace. The dark silk pooled around my feet before flowing behind me as I picked up a champagne flute from a passing server's tray and stepped toward the front of the pavilion.Fanny watched me approach, her eyes glinting with triumphant anticipation. She held her glass high, waiting for me to step into the trap she had carefully laid.I reached the stage, and I tur

~ 65 ~ ~ Mia ~Monday morning arrived with an unnatural quiet.I stood by the tall, arched window of my university office, staring down at the branches of the oak tree where a small, neat figure in academy blazer usually sat waiting.The stone bench was entirely empty.No small, trembling hands holding pressed leaves. No paper bag stamped with the bakery's gold logo. No wide, hazel eyes watching the doorway for my shadow."He's finally given up," I said aloud, my voice echoing slightly in the sterile quiet of the office.Olga let out a sharp, distressed whimper deep within my chest, scratching furiously against my ribs. I crossed my arms tightly, shutting down the rising tide of unease with a wall of cold, professional resolve.This is what you wanted, I told myself, turning away from the window with deliberate briskness. This is better. He is an Alpha heir, and he belongs in the main estate under proper care, not standing outside a visiting scholar's lecture hall.Yet, by Wednesday

~ 67 ~~ Mia ~The door of the private consultation room clicked shut, sealing us off from the sterile hum of the pediatric wing.“I am glad he is fine.” Darian stood by the small window, his broad shoulders tense under his dark shirt, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made the air in the small room feel heavy.“Yeah, me too,” I said dryly. The tone came out sharper than intended, born purely from the exhaustion of hours spent worrying over Nick and fighting to ensure he was safe.A fierce protective instinct surged through me. I would take charge of his care myself, because I refused to risk losing my son to the carelessness of his father and the neglect of the entire East Lake pack.I turned to excuse myself, but Darian stepped into my path."You can't keep building walls between us, Mia," Darian said, his voice dropping into a low, rough rumble. "Not after he almost slipped through our fingers.""I am not building walls," I replied, my voice hard and flat as I crossed my

~ 69 ~~ Mia ~The first weekend arrangement began on a bright Saturday morning. I sat behind the wheel of the delegation sedan, my hands resting on the steering wheel as I parked in the circular drive of the East Lake estate. Darian had sent two messages at eight o'clock offering to have Kade drive Nick down, or to bring the boy himself. I rejected both options. I refused to let Darian deliver our son to my doorstep, and I would not owe that manor a single favor. If I was going to reclaim my weekends with Nick, I was going to take him myself.The double doors of the manor swung open. Nick stepped out onto the stone portico. He wore a dark jacket and carried an overnight bag that looked too big for him. He had been packed since dawn, because the moment he saw my sedan, a smile broke across his face, and he started walking fast toward the car."Morning, Dr. Quinn!" Nick called out, taking two quick steps before a voice stopped him."Hold your ground, Nicholas," a cold voice said from t