Chapter 41 SPECIAL PREPARATIONS
OLIVIA’S POV
Behind me, my mother stepped forward, watching my expression closely.
“Yes, I did,” she said with a warm smile. “I got it customised just for you.”
I blinked, taken aback. My throat tightened. “For once, I thought that it was…” I trailed off before I could finish, catching myself
too late.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her tone shifted–not unkind, but knowing. “That it was from Dominic?”
I gave a soft, embarrassed laugh and nodded. “Yeah, I guess.”
She sighed and moved closer, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “And why would you think something like that?”
I turned toward the mirror again, watching the conflicted expression on my own face. “Because he did this before. Once,” I said softly. “Took me shopping. Picked a dress that matched my eyes… called me beautiful like it was the only truth that mattered. For a moment, I believed him. He made me feel like I was the most amazing woman in the world.”
My voice cracked. “And then he shattered it like it never meant anything.”
There was a beat of silence before my mother let out a sharp huff. “Well, didn’t we already establish the fact that he is the biggest douchebag in this entire pack?”
A startled laugh bubbled out of me despite the tears that had started to sting my eyes. “You can’t say that.”
“Oh, I absolutely can. And I will. Repeatedly, if necessary.”
I chuckled, turning to her fully now. Her expression softened, and she cupped my cheek with one hand, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Because, my dear girl, my daughter only deserves the best and most unique things in life. Not hand–me–down affection. Not second guesses. And definitely not someone who only sees her when he feels like it.”
Her words hit a tender spot, and I leaned into her touch. I didn’t know how to thank her–not just for the gown, but for standing beside me when everything else was falling apart.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“No need,” she said, smiling. “I’m your mother. I will always choose you.”
Her fingers squeezed mine gently before she pulled away. “Now,” she added, clapping her hands, “I’m going to run a warm bath for you to help you relax. No arguments. You’ve been carrying more than your fair share of pain lately.”
I nodded mindlessly, too full of emotion to form words.
As she walked out of the room, I stared at the gown once more. It was beautiful. But what touched the more deeply was knowing who had placed it here for me–not to win me back, not to manipulate me, not as an apology wrapped in guilt–but out of love. Pure, unshakeable love,
And suddenly, the ache that Dominic had left behind didn’t feel quite as unbeatable
Because even if he never saw me for who I was my family always did.
The scent of warm lavender still lingered from the bath my mother had drawn for me. I sat on the edge of my bed, my fingers grazing, the fabric of the gown laid out before me Mama still hadn’t told me why she bought it for me, but right now, I didn’t have the energy to wonder. My thoughts were tangled with everything that had happened with Dominic, Evelyn, and the ever tightening grip of heartbreak that seemed to follow me like a shadow.
Chapter 41 SPECIAL PREPARATIONS
+25 Bonus
Just then, my mother stepped into the room with a small, encouraging smile.
“The banquet’s in a few days,” she said softly. “And you’ll need something beautiful to wear.”
I blinked, caught off guard. “Why would I need a dress?” I asked, my voice hollow. “Evelyn’s the one who’ll be representing the pack. She’s the one standing next to Dominic now. And I really don’t have the strength for another dose of drama.”
My mother’s expression hardened slightly, but she didn’t raise her voice. Instead, she stepped forward and took my hand.
“Olivia, just because you’re not being called Luna right now doesn’t mean you disappear from the world,” she said gently.” You’re still part of this pack. You’re still my daughter. Beta Jason’s daughter. And that alone makes you worthy to stand with your head held high. You don’t owe anything anyone; in fact the whole pack owe you a huge apology for how they treated you for years and how they are still treating you when you are with child.”
Before I could answer, James entered the room with his usual casual swagger. “And besides,” he added, plopping down on the armrest of the nearby chair, “does being the Beta’s daughter suddenly mean you can’t attend the banquet?”
He gave me a meaningful look. “Even if you’re not going as Luna… you can still go. You’re still you.”
I felt my lips tremble, unsure whether I wanted to laugh or cry. “What would people say?”
James shrugged. “Let them talk. You can’t live your life hiding in the shadows of their opinions.”
Then, as if he hadn’t just said something profound, he grinned mischievously. “So here’s the deal–I’m going to need a date for the banquet. And I’ve decided it’s going to be you.”
I stared at him. “Me?”
“Who else?” he teased. “Besides, there’s someone I want to introduce you to. A good friend of mine.”
That piqued my curiosity, but before I could pry further, my mother clapped her hands excitedly. “Then it’s settled!”
She walked to the wardrobe and pulled the gown off the hanger, holding it out in front of her. “Try it on, Olivia. Let’s see how radiant my daughter looks.”
I hesitated at first. But the way they both looked at me–so full of pride, so full of love–made me rise without another word.
The moment I slipped the gown on, I felt something shift inside me. It was beautiful. Flowing satin that hugged my form gracefully, a neckline adorned with intricate beadwork, and sleeves sheer like whispers. I turned slowly toward the mirror.
The woman staring back at me wasn’t the same broken Olivia from a few nights ago.
She looked… strong.
Poised.
Hopeful.
My mother gasped softly. “You look stunning.”
James gave a mock bow. “If I weren’t your brother, I’d fall in love instantly.”
I laughed for the first time in what felt like ages. That small, warm sound felt like a rebellion against everything that had tried to
tear me down.
“I feel…” I trailed off, placing a hand gently over my belly. “I feel like I can finally breathe.”
“You deserve to feel more than that,” James said softly, his teasing expression fading into sincerity. “You deserve to be happy. And I’ll make sure that you are. You’re the most important sister I’ve ever had.”
I tilted my head at him. “I’m your only sister.”
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Chapter 41 SPECIAL PREPARATIONS
+25 Bonus
He smirked. “Exactly.”
We all laughed again. The tension that had wrapped around me for days began to loosen.
Then, remembering his earlier words, I turned to him curiously. “Who’s this friend you want me to meet?”
James raised a brow. “Now where’s the fun if I tell you that now? It’s a surprise.”
“Oh, come on!” I protested, lightly hitting his shoulder. “You know I hate surprises.”
He stood and walked toward the door, throwing me a wink over his shoulder. “You’ll like this one. Trust me.”
As he disappeared down the hall, my mother wrapped an arm around me again. “You’re going to be okay, Olivia. One day, someone will see you–all of you–and never let you go.”
I nodded slowly, my hand still resting on the small bump beneath my gown.
I wasn’t healed yet. There were still cracks in my heart and memories that made breathing hard. But for the first time in what felt like forever, I was beginning to hope again.
And as I glanced at the dress in the mirror, I couldn’t help but look forward to the ball–not for Dominic, not for Evelyn…
But for me.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
