Chapter 185
Juno’s POV
My fingers trembled as I sorted through the guest list for the upcoming gala, the names blurring before my eyes. I kept glancing toward the whats expecting to see her arrive early–Cassandra, Augustin’s ex–girlfriend, the woman he’d once loved before me.
She’s coming here.
The thought made my stomach clench. When Augustin had told me Cassandra would attend the game, something cold had settled in my chest and refined to leave. Every time he mentioned her name, that invisible hand tightened its grip around my heart.
I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept conjuring images of a beautiful, sophisticated woman who shared history with my mate–history! could never be part of. What if seeing her rekindled something? What if their unfinished business became finished, at my expense?
At night, I curled into the corner of our bed, pretending to sleep while Augustin’s breathing deepened beside me. My thoughts raged. Was Cassandra mare suited to be his Luna?
I bit my lip to keep from making any sound that might wake him, only realizing I’d broken skin when the metallic taste of blood touched my tongue. I knew Augustin noticed something was wrong, I caught his concerned glances when I avoided his eyes.
Though the rational part of me knew Augustin wouldn’t betray me. Still, doubt was a persistent shadow.
As I passed the meeting room doorway, I noticed Amelia pausing, watching me with worried eyes as I stared at Cassandra’s name on the guest list. She sighed softly, as if foreseeing the trouble ahead, then continued on her way.
Four days before the gala, I sat in the great hall surrounded by seating charts and guest lists. I tried to focus. My hair was disheveled, dark circles prominent under my eyes from nights of restless sleep.
“Another rejection,” Freya announced, waving a formal letter. “The Forestvale Alphas and Kieran all claim ‘scheduling conflicts. No specific reason given.
She tapped the desk irritably, her mouth turned down in disapproval. “At least they’re still coming to the polo match,” she added, her tone softening slightly as she reviewed another confirmation. “They know better than to miss that, I suppose.”
I barely registered her words. A sudden wave of nausea hit me without warning. I lurched toward the nearest trash bin, violent heaves wracking my body as I emptied my stomach. I trembled, unable to control the spasms.
Amelia rushed to my side, pressing a cool, damp cloth to my face. Her hand rubbed gentle circles on my back, her eyes filled with maternal concern.
“You need to have faith in my son,” she said softly. “That girl means nothing to him now. Augustin has chosen you.”
I looked up at her with tear–filled eyes. “I’m scared,” I admitted, my voice shaking. “What if he wants her back? They have so many memories together.
Amelia pulled me into a firm embrace. I could smell the faint scent of her perfume as she held me.
‘My son has made his choice,” she said firmly. “And so have I.”
I curled into her embrace, but my mind flashed with a terrifying image, Augustin asking me to share my position with Cassandra. The thought made my stomach twist again painfully.
Amelia handed me a steaming cup of herbal tea, the soothing aroma helping to settle my nerves. “Drink this and rest. Saskia and I will handle the rest.”
The cup shook in my hands, the steam blurring my vision as I took a small sip.
When I returned to our bedroom, Augustin was/sitting at his desk, the blue light from his laptop screen highlighting his handsome profile. He was so focused he didn’t immediately notice me enter.
I didn’t speak to him, walking directly to the bathroom instead. My footsteps made almost no sound on the plush carpet. As I closed the bathroom door, I caught Augustin looking up, confusion and concern crossing his face.
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Chapter 185
Inside the bathroom, I slowly removed my clothes, revealing my slightly rounded belly. I gently caressed the small bump befour turning on the dan letting hot water wash over my exhausted body.
As steam filled the room, my thoughts became as thick as the fog surrounding me. Seraphine’s voice emerged in my mind, clearer and donger than về
We must be strong, she growled. We must be prepared.
Water droplets slid down my cheeks, mixing with silent tears.
She might see him before the gala, Seraphine continued. Most guests are already arriving. It could happen any time.
Chapter Comments
Visitor
Juno is terrified. Freya and Scarlett must be also. What the council has done is unforgettable.
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