Lucian’s grip on Liam’s collar tightened before he finally released him.
“I am warning you. Back the hell off!” he growled, his eyes never leaving Liam’s face.
Liam tried to apologize, but Katie wasn’t having it. “Nurses, excuse them from my room. Right
now.”
The nurses hesitated before stepping forward to escort Lucian and Liam out.
Lucian protested, “Are you serious?”
Katie’s voice was firm. “Yes. You’re both giving me a headache.”
As the men were led out, Katie turned to the nurses. “Don’t tell Alpha Lucian about the baby.” Then she mind–linked Liam. “Don’t tell him about the baby either.”
Liam replied quickly. “You know I won’t.”
The commotion died down, and Katie was left alone.
She turned onto her side, burying her face in the pillow.
Tears spilled from eyes. Setting her cheeks.
She didn’t even understand why she was crying.
The pain of what she’d seen earlier felt like a weight crushing her chest.
She felt hurt, betrayed, and lost.
ucian didn’t leave her side though. He stood there at the door watching.
But then left to get the mansion ready for Katie’s arrival.
When Katie was discharged and he brought her home, she was greeted with twinkling lights
irst.
ucian had transformed the space into a romantic haven.
ler favorite flowers.
Vhite roses and lilies. Scattered everywhere.
A beautifully set table caught her eye, complete with fine china and candles.
Her favorite dishes.
Cute little candles. Ribbons. Balloons.
A handful of all the favorite items she loved.
Her favorite scent.
Despite the effort Lucian had put into creating this romantic atmosphere, Katie’s heart felt
heavy.
The images of him and Maya lingered in her mind, refusing to budge.
She forced a smile, trying to appreciate the beauty around her.
Lucian’s hands stilled at the small of her back.
“Don’t you like what I put out? I took a lot of effort to make sure it was to your taste, since you’re my wife.”
3/3 87.1%
She didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. “It’s not that I don’t like it,” she said softly. “It’s just…I’m not really in a good mood.”
His face fell, but he quickly recovered. “I see,” he said, his voice gentle.
“But, it’s really thoughtful of you to consider this. Everything is really beautiful.But right now I
want to rest.”
Lucian’s eyes searched hers, as if trying to read between the lines. “Of course,” he said finally “You must be tired from the hospital. I’ll let you rest. But I just wanted to let you there’s nothing between me and Maya. Again..”
“Nothing happened?”
He took her hands in his. “Nothing actually happened between me and Maya.”
Katie’s hands moved swiftly, pulling out her phone. She showed him the photos.
A muscle tickled in his jaw.
‘What the heck?” he muttered. “Why is Maya being so sneaky?”
He looked at the photos again, his expression darkening. “I can tell you for a fact that nothing actually happened. Maya drugged me last night. She put some aphrodisiac in my food and drink.”
Katie’s anger began to settle. She looked at his eyes, searching for the truth. “Okay,” she sai inally.
I’m really disappointed in her. She went to great lengths to cause a rift between us.”
I was really mad. I was hurt that you weren’t there when I needed you the most.”
His eyes looked really regretful. “I hate that you got hurt, and I wasn’t there to save you from it. From now on, I’ll make sure you’re not in that position again.”
Katie’s heart swelled with emotion.
She thought about telling him about the baby, but hesitated. Maybe some other time, when hings had died down, she’d tell him.
For now, she was content to bask in the warmth of his presence.
To feel his arms around her. She knew she still had questions, but they could wait.
What mattered most was that she believed him, and their relationship was stronger than any obstacle Maya might throw their way.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her even closer. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’ll do better. promise.”
His sudden movement caught Katie off guard. He dropped to one knee, his eyes fixated on hers.
‘What the heck? What are you doing?” she asked, feeling giddy a bit.
“I’m giving you another ring,” he said cheekily. “I want to ask you to be my wife for real.”
Katie’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at the ring still on her finger, and then back at his handsome face. “What do you mean?”
“I know we started this whole wedding thing with a revenge plan, but now I really want to prove to you that I’m committed to you. We’re mates, and we deserve to have a happy life together. I want a real wedding, with you by my side.”
Katie’s face softened, and she smiled. “Is that really necessary?”
Lushan nodded fervently. “Yes, I want to put all this mess behind us and start afresh. I’m going to cut ties with Maya, although I can’t kick her out of the pack because she helped us.”
The ring shone on her finger as he proposed. “Will you marry me again?”
Katie’s grin spread across her face. She stretched out her finger, and he slid the ring onto it. “Yes I’ll marry you again,”
He stood up and pulled Katie into his arms, spinning her about. “I promise to make you happy,” All he could hear was her giggling like a child. It warned his heart even more.
When Katie walked into the office the next day, her presence drew attention from her colleagues. Congratulations poured in from all directions. Everyone seemed to be excited about the rea weddding ceremony between her and Lucian.
Katie smiled graciously, accepting the well–wishes and gifts that crowded her table.
Just as she was about to settle into her workspace, someone had to come ruin the mood.
Liam.
She knew he was definitely there for good.
“What is it this time?” she asked pinching the bridge of her nose.
Liam looked angry. Disappointed. Hurt.
“I heard about everything that was going on. Was he really worth it? Are you really going to marry Lucian?”
“Yes, of course. In fact, we’re already married. We’re just having a wedding ceremony.”
“How can you give him another chance and not do the same for me?”
