Chapter 323
Third Person’s POV
Trista shook her head, her face showing no emotion.
Zelda leaned in closer, looking for gossip. “I’ve got an idea. I bet it’ll get you out of
this for good p>
Trista put down her patient files and looked up. “I’m listening. What is it p>
“My cousin was in a similar spot,” Zelda whispered.
“Her mate cheated on her and even had a kid on the side, but he refused to let go. He just used her as a convenient, on-call tool for whenever his wolf needed a fix p>
Zelda continued her plan. “So, my cousin played the long game. She acted weak and told him she wasn’t over him and wanted to give things another shot. She talked him into ending the current bond so he could ‘woo her all over again’ from scratch. The idiot actually fell for it and signed the papers p>
Trista went quiet, thinking it over.
Cassian wasn’t exactly easy to fool, but when people are blinded by their feelings, they make mistakes. She decided it was worth a shot.
After work, Trista called home and told them she was taking Sayer out for dinner.
In the healing center’s parking lot, Cassian watched her walk out with Elias’s son, his brow furrowed into a deep knot.
Before she could say a word, he made the first move. “I heard you moved into a new territory. I picked up a marble art piece for the house. I’ll drive you back and pay my respects to your parents while I’m at it p>
Trista stared at him, Zelda’s advice flashing through her mind.
She cleared her throat. “I’m taking Sayer out to eat. I’m not going home yet p>
“Perfect,” Cassian replied. “I’ll join you p>
Trista hesitated for a second, then actually nodded.
Cassian hadn’t expected her to agree to dinner, and the corners of his cold mouth twitched into a tiny smile.
He told himself that as mates who once shared blood, they’d find a way to fix things.
Once he cleared up the mess with Samantha and explained the misunderstanding, they’d be back to how they were.
They took Sayer to a steakhouse.
Trista quietly gave the waiter instructions, “No seafood sauce in the soup, and add some extra cherry tomatoes to the side p>
Cassian sat across from her, watching the way she cared for the boy.
If their own child hadn’t been lost, she would have been the best mother.
The thought of their lost bloodline sent a sharp pang through his chest.
Sayer leaned in and whispered in Trista’s ear, “Mommy, this uncle has a really gloomy scent p>
That “Mommy” made Cassian’s face turn stone-cold instantly. His pheromones grew restless and sharp.
Trista felt the pressure and looked up. “Why do you look like that p>
Cassian’s deep wolf eyes were filled with raw emotion, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “Are you actually worried about me p>
Trista looked down, avoiding his intense gaze. “Look, no matter how much of a jerk you’ve been, we grew up together. We’ve got twenty years of history p>
Cassian got excited, reaching across the table to grab her hand. “Trista, I knew you still cared. I’ll go apologize to Ulya and Randolph tonight. I’ll admitt was wrong and bring you back to Tronthorn, okay p>
Trista tried to pull her hand back, but he wouldn’t let go. She looked at him
coldly You’ve crossed sole
my lines. Do you really think an apology is enough to heal my wolf p>
Cassian gripped her tighter. “Trust me. Give me one more chance. I promise I’ll never make you sad again p>
Trista took the opening. “Fine. If you really want to make things right—if you want me to believe you then sign the papers first p>
Before she could even finish the sentence, Cassian yanked his hand back.
He stared at her, his eyes dark and menacing. “So after all that, you’re still just trying to cut the tie p>
Trista saw his expression darkening and shrugged. “I told you, didn’t I? I’ll only believe you if we start fresh. If you sign, let you woo me again You can make your vows to me, over again before the Moon O Goddess. What’s the matter? Are you not sincere enough for that p>
The waiter dropped off the food and tactfully slipped away. Sayer went back to focusing on his meal.
Cassian swapped his perfectly cut steak for the one in front of Trista, his voice cold as ice. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re playing at p>
He was willing to pursue her again. He was even willing to make new vows.
But he was absolutely not letting that bond break first—because it was the only chain he had left to keep her.
Trista stared at him for a long time. Her plan had failed, and she felt like a popped balloon.
Growing up, she had always looked up to him.
He was tall, handsome, and had the sharp mind of a top-tier Alpha.
Even though he was cold, that distant, untouchable vibe used to fascinate her.
Now, she finally saw him for what he was: obsessive.
He was obsessive when it came to protecting Samantha, and he was just as obsessive about holding onto this mating.
Seeing her go silent, Cassian pulled back his pressure, his tone softening. “I have to fly to the East Coast tomorrow for a project. What can I bring you back p>
Trista looked him straight in those dark gold eyes. “The only thing I want is a signed mating severance decree p>