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Chapter 43 A PIECE OF CHILDHOOD
OLIVIA’S POV
“I don’t think we’ve met before…” I tilted my head, studying his chiseled features, “or have we?” My brow furrowed. “I feel like I’d remember such a charming face.”
His smile widened, slow and deliberate, and it lit up his already handsome features. “Well, thank you for the compliment,” he said, a teasing edge in his tone. “You really think I’m charming?”
“Huh–what?” I blinked, suddenly self–conscious. Had I said that out loud?
His low chuckle rolled over me like a warm breeze. “No, Olivia,” he said, eyes gleaming with amusement. “I can’t hear your thoughts, but… it’s written all over your face. You’ve always been easy to read.”
My mouth fell slightly open, and a hot blush rushed to my cheeks. I quickly averted my gaze, horrified. He knew I was flustered. I’d always hated how expressive my face was, how easily people could read every emotion I tried to hide–but the way he said it … it wasn’t mocking. It was… fond.
He laughed softly again, the sound like something from a half–forgotten childhood memory. “It’s still so easy to read you, Olivia.”
My heart skipped. Still?
“What do you mean?” I asked slowly, blinking up at him. “Have we… met before?”
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching mine as though trying to decide if I was playing with him or truly didn’t remember. “You really don’t recognize me?” he asked, voice soft.
I shook my head. “No… I’m sorry, I don’t.”
He placed a hand lightly over his heart, pretending to be wounded. “Ouch. That stings.”
Now I was really intrigued, scanning his face for any trace of familiarity. Alpha Derek of the Silver Shadow Pack–the youngest Alpha to be accepted into the Northern Alliance Council. I had heard about him in passing, mostly through politics and pack meetings Dominic never took me to. He was a rising force in the North, known for his sharp mind, fearless leadership, and steady growth of his pack’s influence.
And yet… I couldn’t place him.
Derek took a step closer and smiled gently. “St. Mary’s Elementary. You used to sit behind me in class. You always brought two sets of colored pencils–one for yourself and one for the kid who always forgot his. That kid was me.”
My eyes widened. “Oh my Goddess… Derek Miller? The one who cried when we lost the spelling bee because you forgot how to spell ‘caterpillar‘?”
He laughed again, shaking his head. “I still can’t spell that word without double–checking.”
Abright, unexpected joy bloomed in my chest. I gasped and, without thinking, wrapped my arms around him in a hug. He didn’t hesitate to return it warmly.
The ballroom melted away for a moment. It was like I was ten again, back in that old classroom with the smell of chalk and fresh paint, passing secret notes to Derek during math class and sharing sandwiches on the playground when he forgot his lunch.
“I can’t believe it’s you,” I said, stepping back but keeping my hands on his arms. “You’ve changed so much. You’re… taller, obviously. And the muscles–wow.”
He winked. “Well, I try.”
Then, his eyes softened, scanning my face as if rediscovering something long lost. “But you’ve changed too. Olivia… you’ve grown into someone extraordinary. You’re graceful, confident… stunning.”
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Chapter 43 A PIECE OF CHILDHOOD
+25 Bonus
I felt my cheeks flush. It had been so long since someone looked at me without judgment, pity, or entitlement. Derek’s admiration wasn’t forced–it was genuine. He wasn’t comparing me to Evelyn. He wasn’t measuring me against a prophecy. He
was just… seeing me.
Before I could respond, I caught a flicker of movement from the corner of my eye.
Dominic.
He stood across the hall, his golden eyes fixed on me like a predator tracking prey. His jaw was clenched, his fingers curled tightly around the rim of his glass. But I didn’t flinch. If he could parade Evelyn around all night, why should I bow my head?
“I think someone’s jealous,” Derek murmured, his tone light but knowing.
“He doesn’t have the right,” I said, squaring my shoulders. “Not anymore.”
As the slow music shifted to a waltz, Derek extended his hand with a playful smirk. “Care to dance, Olivia of St. Mary’s?”
I couldn’t help but grin. “Only if you promise not to step on my feet.”
He laughed. “I can’t make promises I might not keep.”
We stepped onto the floor, and within seconds, we were gliding in perfect rhythm. Derek moved with elegance and ease, his
hand firm at my back, guiding me through every turn. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this light on my feet–maybe
never.
“You really haven’t changed much,” I whispered. “Still the same sweet boy with a big heart.”
“And you,” he replied, spinning me gently, “are finally letting the world see how bright you shine.”
That warmth inside me bloomed again.
But then, a shadow fell across us.
Dominic.
“May I cut in?” His voice was tight, clipped, and cold. But the underlying tension in his jaw and the muscle twitching in his temple said everything,
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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.
