I refuse to let what happened in the past define me. Yes, I’ve made mistakes–huge ones. I’ve been selfish, reckless, and prideful. But I’m not that person anymore.
My past actions were influenced by others, by the rumors that surrounded me, by the expectations that I was supposed to uphold as the daughter of the late alpha. I’m tired of trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for me. I’m tired of letting the world dictate who I am.
08:36 Sun, 20 Apr 2
Chapter 17
62%
I look down at the new proposal I’ve been working on. This one’s different. This one feels like it’s truly mine. It’s a refined version of my first plan, more thorough, more realistic. It’s my chance to prove myself, not just to Zion, but to everyone. To Raiden, to my pack, to myself.
I push my hair back from my face, letting out a long breath. It’s not easy. Every time I try to focus, memories of my father’s disappointment, the image of Raiden’s indifference, flood my mind.
I push them away. I’ve spent too much of my life hiding in their shadows. It’s time for me to step into the light.
The sound of the door creaking open breaks my concentration. I turn to see my assistant standing in the doorway, looking a little nervous but offering me a small smile.
“Siena,” the assistant says hesitantly, “there’s someone here to see you.”
I frown, wondering who could be coming to see me. The only person I’ve been in contact with lately is the noble who agreed to invest in me. But I didn’t expect them to show up in person.
“Who is it?” I ask, still wary.
The assistant steps aside, revealing the last person I expect to see.
Raiden.
I swallow hard, my heart skipping a beat. His presence fills the room like an electric charge, making my pulse race. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him up close like this. His posture is as imposing as ever, his usual confident, almost arrogant air surrounding him like a protective shield. His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, it’s like nothing has changed. Like we’re still that couple who used to share everything, even if it was only for appearances.
But things have shifted. I’ve changed, and so has he. Our marriage isn’t what it once was.
Raiden walks in slowly, his gaze never leaving me. He’s dressed in his usual dark, tailored clothes, his shoulders broad and commanding, exuding the authority of the alpha king he is. But something in his eyes tells me he’s not here on business..
I stand up, trying to keep my composure, but the flutter in my chest refuses to go away.
“Raiden,” I say, my voice steady but unsure.
“Luna,” he responds with a nod, sitting next to me without asking. His arm brushes against mine as he settles in, the heat of his body seeping through the fabric of my dress. I try not to let it affect me, but it does. He’s always had that power over me.
He leans slightly toward me, his gaze softer than it usually is. “How’s the competition preparation going?”
I take a deep breath, forcing my mind to focus. “It’s coming together,” I say, trying to hide the tremor in my voice. “I’ve got a new plan, one that will impress everyone, including the investors.”
Raiden raises an eyebrow, a flicker of interest crossing his face. “Impressing the investors, huh? You’ve really changed, Siena. else.” You used to care more about impressing me than anyone
I flinch, but I don’t let it show. “I’ve always cared about what I could do for my pack,” I reply, trying to remain calm. “But now, I’m doing it for myself. I need to prove that I’m capable, not just to you, but to the world.”
Raiden doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he just watches me for a long moment, as if trying to understand what’s really going on behind my words.
Finally, he sighs, his arm slipping off the back of the couch as he leans back. “I don’t know what to think of you anymore, Siena. You’ve changed so much. Sometimes, I wonder if the woman I knew is still in there.”
I freeze, the weight of his words hitting me harder than I expected. For a moment, the room feels colder. The silence between us stretches long and thin.
08:36 Sun, 20 Apr
Chapter 17
སཊཱི62%
And yet, despite everything, despite all the pain and bitterness, I find myself wishing he could see me for who I am now. The person I’ve worked so hard to become.
“I’m still here,” I say softly, my voice steady but my heart aching. “I’m still Siena.”
