Chapter 3
Snowflakes
Finished
For a long time, we only stared at one another, Ares and I, until he smiled, that same smile I had foolishly fallen for over the years.
“Snow, you didn’t inform me you were coming. I didn’t believe it when Veyron told me you’re here. Are you okay p>
I didn’t respond. Not a word. I could only stare at him, wondering how much he must have laughed behind my back at everything that had happened. How much he had mocked me, seeing me as a fool, and himself as superior because he got away with everything.
When I gave no answer, he raised an eyebrow and stepped closer, reaching for my hand tenderly.
“Missing your husband?” he cooed softly, leaning in to kiss the nape of my neck, the exact spot he loved so much.
I swallowed when his lips brushed me, and when his hands wrapped around my waist, I allowed him to turn me so we could both watch the city and the massive billboard looping our picture.
“A great view, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice soft, but I couldn’t reply. My mind was still reeling from it all.
After a while, I pulled away from his arms and turned to him, staring into his eyes before walking past him.
With my pain unraveling and aching, I entered his office, only to see my brother Dante still sitting in the chair. He rose as I appeared, as though ready to leave.
“Dante,” I greeted quietly. He was my second brother.
“Who would have thought you’d be wandering around at a time like this? Shouldn’t you be recovering and preparing to heal… and become pregnant?” His voice barely concealed his intolerance, and I swallowed hard.
My two biological brothers had always been like that. From the moment I set foot in Mooncrest Pack, they never hid the fact that I wasn’t welcome. They loved Viviana, not me.
“She’s only come to check on me. My sweet wife is tender that way whenever she misses me, right, honey?” Ares‘ voice interrupted as he stepped inside, his palm resting lightly on my lower
back.
Dante looked at me again and murmured,
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Chapter 3
77
Finished
“She likes making everyone worry. Viviana isn’t always like this.” Then he picked up his car keys from the table. “It’s been a while since you came to Mooncrest Pack. Father said you both should show up for dinner tomorrow p>
“No worries. Inform him we’ll be there on time,” Ares said, and without waiting for response, Dante left the office, leaving me alone with my
husband.
my
After a while, I took a step forward to create some distance between us. I looked at his face; he appeared slightly baffled.
“I came to check on Dove, who’s working down the blocks, so I thought I should check on you,” I finally explained, lying.
I saw his shoulders
sag
in relief.
“But you shouldn’t have stepped out on a night this cold. How about you go home and wait for me, hmm p>
He was tender, and I swore if I hadn’t overheard his earlier words, I wouldn’t have believed he could act this way.
Before I could speak, the door opened, and Lencia walked in, his secretary. She was startled to see me in the office, and her expression clearly said she thought I had left.
“Ah, Ares… I apologize, Mr. Bani. I didn’t know you were still receiving a guest. I came to submit some documents, but maybe I’ll come back p>
She had called my own husband by his first name, as though they were casually acquainted.
I didn’t take my eyes off Ares, and he seemed to sense the tension. He set his jaw, staring Lencia down until she bowed and left the office. The door closed, but the damage had already been done. I looked away, struggling to breathe.
“I should get going before the road is covered in flakes,” I murmured.
Ares reached for my hand, glancing at his wristwatch.
“How about I tell Veyron to drive you p>
“It’s fine. I came with my car,” I replied quietly, leaving his office without another word.
As much as I tried to act natural, I couldn’t. I got into my car and drove away from Frosty Airline and Resort immediately. A few blocks down, I had to pull over and try to breathe.
My fingers gripped the wheel, trembling. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t fathom such betrayal. I looked down at the ring he had given me, the one I had accepted with gratitude and love.
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Chapter 3
Finished
I remembered how he had taken a huge loan just to get it for me. And now, before I could even think, my vision blurred and tears streamed down my checks, dripping onto the ring.
Four years of everything reduced to nothing. Perhaps I had misunderstood. Perhaps it wasn’t real.
That thought lingered when laughter sounded ahead, and I looked up, recognizing it instantly.
There they were, Ares and Lencia, alighting from his car, walking hand in hand into a luxurious suite as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
They stopped midway, security guards granting them entrance. I watched as Ares pulled Lencia into his arms, staring into her eyes as if she were the center of his universe.
“I hate that you stare down at me before her. Is she your wife? She’s nothing but a decoration anyway, right?” Lencia pouted in mock anger. Ares kissed her lips, his palm sliding down to grip her waist and pull her closer.
“I apologize. She’s sensitive “I apologize. She’s sensitive at t
at times like this… you know, with what happened to her p>
“Ah yes. Tomorrow marks four years since she was raped, right? I know that story,” Lencia murmured, shrugging. “Let’s forget her and have fun. Come in p>
Minutes passed after they disappeared, and I sat there in the car. Snow fell around me, the festive aura of the season seeming to mock me as my eyes shed the last of my tears.
Then, my gaze fell on an old woman sitting on a nearby space bench. Beside her were stacks of firecrackers for the holiday season. I swallowed hard.
I stepped out of the car, walked toward her, and without saying much, pulled out my wedding ring and placed it in her open palm.
“Merry Christmas in advance, Grandma. Santa remembers you p>
Without looking back, I got into my car and drove away.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.