Chapter 58
Her heart skipped a heat before it started
She hadn’t expected this. She thought she would have to prove herself again, that she would need to fight for a place, but here was Colton, offering her another chance. A second chance.
Joy surged through her chest, making it almost difficult to breathe. I would be honored,” she said immediately, her voice slightly breathless with excitement. “It would be my privilege to be your disciple:”
A rare approving nod from Colton was her answer.
When she and Leo stepped out of the lounge, both of them were smiling. Leo stretched his arms and glanced at her with a teasing smirk. “Well, little saster,” he said with exaggerated seriousness, “I guess you’re officially part of the family now.”
Nora smiled softly and shook her head. “Should I call you senior now?
Leo shrugged. “Maybe so, after all, you’re the new kid on the block in Colton’s world.”
Despite the playful banter, a part of Nora still felt a little nervous. After the excitement of officially becoming Colton’s disciple settled, reality hit her–she had a long road ahead. Colton had already given her several tasks, and even as they walked, her mind was racing, conceptualizing how she would complete them.
As they stepped into the main hall, they were immediately met with the stares of the crowd.
Curious eyes followed them, filled with a mixture of admiration, envy, and shock.
Among them were Arnold and Linda.
Clark and Jenna were there too, their faces painted with disbelief.
Nora caught their skeptical expressions and felt an odd sense of satisfaction. These were the very people who had once looked down on her. They had dismissed her as unimportant, insignificant. And now, they had to watch as she walked out of that lounge, not as someone in the shadows, but as Prodemor Colton’s new student.
But she didn’t let her emotions show. Keeping her composure, she walked past the crowd, her steps steady
the was nearing Arnold’s vicinity, someone near her suddenly turned around without warning
The unexpected movement caught her off guard, and before the could react, their shoulder collided with hers.
Thrown off balance, she stumbled forward.
A started gasp escaped her lips as she lost control of her footing.
Before she could hat the ground, a firm grip caught her.
She barely registered the strong arms around her before she found herself pressed against a familiar, solid chest.
The scent of pine and something distinctly masculine enveloped her
For a second, everything felt
Arbold
Her heart pounded in her chest as the tilted her head up, only to find his golden brown eyes staring down at her
i was tinreadable, but his hold was steady, his grip firm yet careful.
Nora stiffened, realizing the poution they were in
Arnold’s grip on Nora was firm but cold, his expression e
away. There was no warmthe in his touch, no flicker of emotion in bus golden brown eyes.
as he held her upright for only a
- nt. Then, without hesitation, he pushed ber
12.01
Chapter Ss
Nora harely had time to register the familiar scent of pine and something uniquely Arnold before she was abruptly pushed back.
Her heart clenched
It was only then that she fully realized who she had fallen into,
Her husband
Or rather, the man who once was,
A sharp sting of embarrassment flushed through her veins. Her face turned pale as she straightened herself and took a step back. The weight of a hundred eyes pressed down on her. She could feel the judgment radiating from all around.
The whispers had already started.
She did that on purpose, didn’t she?”
“Trying to throw herself into Alpha Arnold’s arms? How shameless
Nora’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. She co
could hear them. She knew exactly what they were thinking.
A deep ache settled in her chest, but she refused to show weakness.
With a quiet, steady voice, she murmured, “Sorry,” and turned to leave.
But as she took a step, a sharp pain shot through her ankle.
She winced
The pain was sadden and piercing, making her falter slightly. She had twisted her foot when she stumbled earlier, but she had been too focused on
Arnold’s reaction to even notice
Arnold remained where he was, unmoving. He didn’t ask if she was alright. He didn’t offer a hand to help.
He simply watched.
The cold indifference in his gaze made her chest tighten.
vas about to force herself forward, Leo appeared beside her. His concerned voice cut through the whispers. “Nera, are you okay?
She looked up at him, startled
Leo didn’t wait for an answer. Seeing her pale face and the way she slightly favored her left foot, his expression darkened. Without hesitation, he reached down and scooped her up into his arms.
Nora gasped “Leo, 1—”
“Don’t argue,” he said firmly, has tone leaving no room for discussion
