Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 138

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

—

Leilani.

As I prepared to step into this wedding, a wave of dread washed over me, almost suffocating in its intensity. But then, a flicker of anticipation ignited within me as I recalled the true purpose of my presence. This wasn’t merely a celebration; it was my stage, my moment to exact a long-overdue reckoning from Chalice for the scars she had left on my childhood. While I was ready to confront all those who had wronged me—my parents, Gavin, and even the triplets—Chalice was at the forefront of my mind, the first on my list, the one I was most eager to face.

The moment I crossed the threshold into the wedding hall, a shiver raced up my spine. Heads turned, and I could feel the collective gasp as recognition spread across the faces around me. It was as if time had paused, and all eyes were glued to me, wide with disbelief. But I reminded myself, I wasn’t here for their reactions.

I couldn’t entirely fault them for their astonishment, especially since Maya had worked her magic on me today. Goddess, I knew I was pretty, but Maya, with her flair for fashion, had transformed me into something beyond just beautiful. I felt elegant, daring, and undeniably captivating.

Despite the fluttering anxiety in my stomach—an all-too-familiar sensation around these people—I managed a smile. I winked at Agnes, a silent signal of solidarity, and settled into a chair at the front. Not the back, no; I wanted a front-row seat to the drama that was about to unfold. I relished the discomfort my presence would undoubtedly cause Chalice and the triplets.

“Very well then, since no one objects, we shall proceed. So to seal this union, Alphas… you may now mark your bride!” The priest’s voice sliced through the tense silence of the hall, echoing off the walls like a thunderclap. My body tensed instinctively, my gaze locked onto the stage, which had been transformed into a makeshift altar. There stood the four of them, a chaotic mess of emotions and anticipation.

I watched intently as Caelum stepped forward first. His eyes flicked to mine, and for a fleeting moment, I saw something in his expression—something that sent a chill through me. It wasn’t disgust or that arrogant, prideful smirk I had come to associate with him. No, this time, he seemed almost sick, as if he were battling a wave of nausea. It was as if he wanted to dissolve into nothingness, to weep openly.

I couldn’t help but smile at him, a wickedly triumphant grin that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. Chalice gasped as he marked her, and before she had the chance to fully process the moment, Kael stepped up to follow suit… then Zevran, their eyes still glued to me, even as they claimed their Luna.

Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my body, a visceral reminder of the bond that tied us all together. The agony was a cruel reminder that they had marked another woman. Damn this hateful bond! A dark thought crossed my mind—perhaps I could drug them and trick them into accepting my rejection!

My body convulsed, blood seeping from the corner of my mouth. I quickly wiped it away with a practiced grace, forcing a smile as I mouthed the words, “Congratulations,” to them. I caught the instant realization dawning on their faces, the way they froze as if my words were a bitter pill they never wanted to swallow.

The crowd erupted into applause, their enthusiasm ringing hollow in my ears. I joined in, my smile bright as the dazzling lights overhead, until I felt a familiar presence beside me.

“Leilani?” The voice was soft, laced with concern. “Why are you here?”

“Mrs. Blackthorne,” I replied, my tone dripping with disdain, “congratulations… but I was invited.” I waved my invitation card in her face, a small act of defiance.

Her gaze searched my features, as if she were looking for cracks in my facade. Apparently, she found none, for she sighed and whispered, “You’ve completely fallen out of love with them. That’s good.”

I glared at her, a wave of disgust washing over me. Was that really all she could muster? I turned my back on her, focusing instead on the newlyweds making their way through the crowd, greeting guests as they went.

Gathering the fabric of my dress in my hands, I brushed past my mother, who stumbled back, wide-eyed in shock. Without a backward glance, I approached the triplets and their bride, muttering, “Congratulations.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify