Chapter 357: Aurora

1/6

I sighed, stepping up to Dane. Placing my hand on his on the table, I noticed him subtly shift it away.

“Dane?” I called, and he looked up. “I am serious… no one can take your place, not in this pack or in my heart.”

He locked eyes with me, doubt evident in his gaze. Why would he doubt me?

I looked down at the table; he was pushing the invitation card toward me. Trajan had prepared it before our arrival. The ball was happening tonight; Alina would be exposed. Kyle would be there, and everyone would see her true colors.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Dane, I should have told you beforehand… but I…” I paused. What should I tell him? Revealing the truth would only add to his pain. I should keep it to myself until after tonight. Then, he would know everything.

“Just a few hours, Dane… I promise to explain everything… trust me.”

2/6

“I want to… it’s better than hurting myself by mistrusting you, right?”

I smiled, turning to Trajan, who looked away, as if feigning disinterest. “Let’s go, Trajan. Are you done?”

“Yes… I’m coming.”

I walked out; as I crossed the threshold, I saw Dane staring. I looked away and left the room, Trajan following.

3/6

I entered my office, adjacent to his. I slumped into the chair, breathing a sigh. “I can’t wait for all this to be over.”

“I know, right?” Trajan said, sitting opposite me. “I think Dane is upset… your secrecy is causing a rift, and you don’t want to tell anyone.”

I narrowed my gaze. “How did you know I had a secret?”

He chuckled. “I know you, Aurora… I know when you’re lying, and you’ve been doing a lot of it since yesterday. Do you think Dane won’t notice?”

I breathed sharply. “I am doing this for a reason.”

Trajan nodded. “I know… you’re wise, Aurora… but is it worth jeopardizing your relationship with Dane?”

I stared at him silently. He was right; I couldn’t let this damage my relationship. It had to end tonight.

“Trajan, I need to speak with Joclyn.”

4/6

Trajan took a deep breath and stood. He left the office, and I leaned my head on the table. I didn’t feel well; I hadn’t eaten, and I wasn’t hungry.

I raised my head at Joclyn’s call from outside. “Come in, Joclyn.”

She entered and sat. “You called for me.”

I leaned in, taking her hand. “Joclyn, how’s your flower hunt with Trajan?”

“We haven’t gone yet… but we will next week. I’ve been so busy with the pack.”

I nodded. “I called to discuss the ball… I want you to handle it… but there’s something you must do…”

I lowered my voice, telling her about Alina and Kyle, and my plan to expose her lies at the ball.

5/6

Joclyn didn’t seem surprised by Alina’s actions. She was used to Alina’s mischief.

“I promise to handle it,” Joclyn said.

“I trust you,” I said, smiling.

We soon finished drafting the ball’s program, and she left.

6/6

Tristan peeked in as I rested my head on the table, contemplating a nap.

“Mum,” Tristan’s cheerful voice brightened the room, and I smiled, inviting him in.

He reached my table, looking around in wonder. “Wow… Mum, you finished work early today.”

I chuckled. “No, darling… I didn’t have much to do since your father resumed work, and most of the workload was his.”

“Oh.” Tristan nodded. “That’s nice… it means I’ll have more time with you now.”

I pinched his cheeks. “There’s a ball tonight. Do you have an outfit?”

Tristan pondered. “I think I have some nice clothes, but they’re old.”

“Old?” I asked. “You don’t have any old clothes, Tristan… they’re only a few months old.”

“Isn’t that old… I want new clothes for every party.”

My shoulders slumped. “No… Tristan, I’m sorry, but you have to wear something nice from your wardrobe. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Mum,” Tristan groaned.

I opened my cupboard, took out a lollipop, and gave it to him. He happily unwrapped it.

“Thanks, Mum.”

The door burst open; Evelyn entered, carrying two long dresses—a black one with stones and a silver one with blue stripes.

“Aurora… why didn’t you tell us about the ball earlier? Now I don’t know what to wear,” Evelyn said, frowning.

I stood and walked to the window. “You’re pretty, Evelyn, no matter what you wear, you’ll always look sweet.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes; I winked before turning to the window.

“Which is better?” Evelyn asked.

“The black,” I replied, opening the curtains.

“How would you know? You’re not even looking.”

“Well, I saw them when you came in, so…” I paused, narrowing my eyes at the people outside.

What was Alina doing talking to Miles? I hoped he wouldn’t tell her I knew about the man with the tattoo.