Chapter 214
Chapter 214
Trista’s POV
Zander and I had just reached the clinical floor when my comm–stone buzzed.
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It was a text from Cassian. Short, blunt, and totally typical, “I’ll be there to pick you up after work. On time p>
I stared at the screen for a second before locking it. I didn’t bother replying to a “notice” that felt more like a parole officer checking in.
A few senior healers in sleek silver–grey uniforms met us at the elevators.
After Zander did the rounds of introductions, he led me to my new office.
I did a double–take–it wasn’t just a desk. It was a massive suite with a private lounge and a high–tech, soundproof meditation room.
I felt a little out of place. “Zander, isn’t this a bit much for a new hire p>
Zander reached over and toyed with a calming diffuser on my desk, giving me a reassuring smile. “You’re not just ‘staff‘ here, Trista. You’re the most important partner the Sheptran Healing Center has. For a high- level specialist, an office like this is just standard procedure p>
He hit the intercom, and a moment later, a young girl in a light grey lab coat walked in.
“This is Zelda,” Zander said. “She’ll be your assistant healer p>
I looked at her–there was something in her bright, wide eyes that felt incredibly familiar.
I shot Zander a questioning look, and he just gave me a mysterious little smirk.
Zelda leaned in and whispered a name in my ear. Her cheeks turned bright red the second she said it.
My heart softened instantly. I looked at Zander with genuine gratitude. “Thank you. Truly, That means a lot p>
It turned out Zelda was–Hera’s niece.
Zander knew Hera had been my violin teacher years ago, and he’d gone out of his way to put someone from my “inner circle” in this role.
Having a friendly face in a room full of strangers made me feel like I could actually breathe.
The rest of the day was a blur of orientation and getting to know the equipment.
By lunch, I already had a roadmap for my first few patients.
It felt good. Focusing on complex neural wave patterns felt like the only therapy that actually worked for
My top priority was simple: fix Isaiah’s insomnia, make a name for myself, and get out.
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As we were wrapping up, Zander suggested a team dinner to celebrate.
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As the project lead, I didn’t want to be a killjoy, but I knew the rules of my “contract.” Outside of work hours, I was expected to be back at that tomb of a Blue Bay apartment, playing the role of the perfect wife.
I stepped outside and called Cassian.
All his “attentive husband” energy lately was just a hollow mask for the elders. He wanted me to stay compliant so I could keep covering up his messy affair.
If his “shield” stopped working, I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to pull rank and drop that Alpha aura on me again.
“The team is going out for dinner. I’ll be home late,” I said, trying to make it sound like a casual heads–up rather than asking for permission.
There was a dead silence on the other end, followed by a sharp click. He hung up.
I frowned, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach.
I was debating whether to just go anyway when that signature, overbearing scent of wood and musk hit me.
Cassian appeared out of nowhere. He reached over and took my bag off my shoulder, his voice eerily level. “I had a table booked. I wanted to celebrate your first day at Sheptran p>
I expected a fight—or at least a lecture on my “duties“-but he surprisingly agreed to let me go.
His only catch? He insisted on driving me there personally.
When we pulled up to the restaurant, he got out and opened my door. Right in front of my coworkers, he took my hand and gave me a look so full of “devotion” it could have made someone’s year. “Have fun. I’ll be back later to take you home p>
I looked into his eyes and felt a chill run down my spine.
Cassian had been acting so bizarre lately. Between the pressure from the elders and the fact that he couldn’t go public with Samantha, he looked like he was on the verge of a total psychological break.
I heard my colleagues giggling behind me. I pulled my hand back, my face a mask of indifference. “Drive safe p>
Cassian didn’t leave until he watched us walk through the front doors.
To anyone watching, we were the ultimate power couple. No one would have guessed we were actually on a countdown to a messy divorce.
Inside the private room, the gossip started immediately. “Trista, your husband’s Alpha energy is insane! He’s better looking than most movie stars p>
Zelda, my little assistant, was practically swooning. “The way he looks at you… and that voice? My god, I think my ears just got pregnant p>
I caught Zander’s eye and could only offer a bitter, fake smile in return.
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grandfather whip me for the sake of his mistress.
A coworker poured me a drink, and I didn’t say no.
Between the alcohol and the familiar professional buzz, I finally felt a tiny flicker of the freedom I’d lost.
Halfway through the night, I got up to use the restroom.
I was just heading out when I ran straight into a wall of trouble: Samantha and Madison.
Madison was decked out in head–to–toe designer gear, looking me up and down with pure contempt. “For a Luna of Ironthorn, you’re looking a little budget tonight, Trista. Guess Cassian isn’t exactly spoiling you anymore, huh p>
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Chapter 214
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If only they knew. The “perfect Alpha” they were gushing over was a man who trashed his vows and let his grandfather whip me for the sake of his mistress.
A coworker poured me a drink, and I didn’t say no.
Between the alcohol and the familiar professional buzz, I finally felt a tiny flicker of the freedom I’d lost.
Halfway through the night, I got up to use the restroom.
I was just heading out when I ran straight into a wall of trouble: Samantha and Madison.
Madison was decked out in head–to–toe designer gear, looking me up and down with pure contempt. “For a Luna of Ironthorn, you’re looking a little budget tonight, Trista. Guess Cassian isn’t exactly spoiling you anymore, huh p>
The Heartbroken Luna’s Choice: Banish Love
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