Chapter 29
“Nora,” Harrison saul, his face fushed weath excitement, “you can’t tell me you’re not in love with her now. Isn’t she just amazing?
Noca hestated, a small smile playing on her lips
Noua found herselt standing amidst the deafening cheers of the crowil, her emotions a quiet storm compared to the chaos around her.
She looked at Arnold once again, his focus entirely on Lista.
eyes glimmered with admutations, a book she had long yearned for but never truly received.
A sadden thought crossed her mind
What if I reached out? What if past this once, he responded?
Het bears wavered, and despite her better judgment, she decided to try. Mindlinking Arnold, she sent a tentative message. “Arnold?”
Suence
Her shoulders sagged as the realization settled in though deep down, she wasn’t surprised.
swer. She thought, watching him with a bitter smule. Arnold’s gaze never left Linda, as if the world had narrowed to only her. Nora’s chest tightened, but she managed to sinile, calm and composed, even as the faint sting of rejection lingered.
Turning on her heel, she walked away from the awards stage.
She didn’t glance
nce back, didn’t want to see Arnold’s oblivious face or Linda’s radiant triumph,
As she wove through the thinning crowd, Harrison’s enthusiastic voice still carried over the noise
“Sierra is a legend” Not only is she the reigning champion, but did you know she’s the only daughter of the Snowmoon Pack Alpha? She’s smart,
– Tearless, and fuss a personality that’s as magnetic as her skills. No wonder she has so many fans?”
Nara heard every word but let it roll off her like water. Harrison hadn’t even noticed her leaving, too engrossed in singing Linda’s praises.
Her footsteps:
kened, her thoughts a jumble of frustration, hurt, and an odd sense of clarity
he wasn’t angry at Linda Linda was simply being herself, shining in her own right.
The issue lay with Arnold and the years she had spent hoping for something that never materialized.
rking lot, a rool breeze brushed against her face, offering a small moment of relief,
fleeting moment, she thought it might be Arnold.
It was nothing – a genetic notification
shaking her head, she shippest the phone back to her pocket
into
Leaving alinadya are interrupted her thoughts soft yet deep
a
(the fand glow of
sota burriedly walked toward ber
her thoughts preoccupiest,
sharply siel almost collided with someone coming trouu the opposite
Chapter 29
“Nora “he replied, his expression hardening instantly.
Cole was tall, with a musenlar build and an air of arrogance that matched his reputation.
He had always carried himself with an air of superiority, a reflection of the tight–knit pack hierarchy he thrived in
His already cold demeanor turned glacial as he studied her, his gaze sharp and unwelcoming.
They stood in an awkward silence, and Nora’s mind briefly wandered to the past.
Despite being married to Arnold for years, she had never been introduced to his friends properly.
The few times they had crossed paths had been marked by indifference at best and subtle disdain at worst.
Linda, on the other hand, had been warmly embraced by Arnold’s circle, her charm and charisma making her an instant favorite.
Cole broke the silence with a sneer. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“What’s the matter? Following Arnold around now? Thought you two were done.”
The words hat like a slap, but Nora remained
composed
She straightened her posture and fixed him with a steady gaze.
not here for Arnold,” she said firmly. “And even if I were, it’s none of your concern.”
Cole let out a derisive laugh, shaking his head.
“Sure you’re not. Just happens to be a coincidence that you’re lurking around here, of all places. Don’t tell me you’re still clinging to the idea of fixing things. You should know better by now.”
The old Nora might have lowered her gaze, mumbled an apology, or simply walked away to avoid confrontation.
this time was different. Something inside her had shifted, a spark of defiance igniting in her chest
1157
