Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 196

**The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood**
**Chapter 196: I Don’t Love Him**

**Deanna’s POV:**

Ruth was undeniably correct.

As an Omega, I felt like I was perpetually fighting to maintain my place within the pack—how could someone as insignificant as me ever hope to assist a pure-blood Alpha? The very thought seemed absurd.

In that moment, clarity washed over me like a cold wave; I was acutely aware that my presence would only serve to drag him down, to weigh him with burdens he didn’t deserve.

I balled my fists tightly, my nails digging into my palms, and turned my gaze towards Ruth. “About those 30% shares of Mistbane Group you mentioned earlier—does that offer still stand? I want them now.”

Ruth raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, her demeanor calm and collected, as if she had all the time in the world. “So, you’ve come to a decision, have you?”

With that additional 30%, combined with the 30% I already possessed, I would become the largest shareholder of Mistbane Group. The power that came with it would be enough to challenge my own father’s authority—a prospect that both thrilled and terrified me.

Yet, I was painfully aware of what accepting this gift truly meant.

As I softly uttered my agreement, it felt as if my heart was being drenched in wolfsbane. The sensation was searing, pulsating, and soon, I could feel the numbness creeping into my limbs, a harbinger of the loss I was about to endure.

Deep down, I understood that I was on the verge of relinquishing something irreplaceable.

Ruth issued a quiet command to a nearby servant, instructing them to summon the lawyer and prepare the necessary documents. She then turned to me, her smile polite yet calculating. “Ms. Wiley, you possess undeniable talent. Luis genuinely cares for you.”

“But, as I mentioned before, you will never set foot in our Mooncrown Pack. Still, when faced with the choice of leaving Luis with nothing, at least you’ve shown the wisdom to accept this deal.”

I bit down on my lip, the urge to explain myself bubbling within me, but I knew it would be futile.

“Luis and I made a promise regarding time,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “So, I’ll leave when it’s time.”

A slight curve appeared on Ruth’s lips, but her tone shifted, turning sharp as a knife. “Good. I sincerely hope you keep your word—because I cannot guarantee what I will do if you fail to do so.”

The lawyer arrived shortly after, carrying the notarized papers with an air of professionalism that felt almost suffocating.

My hand trembled as I signed my name, each stroke of the pen feeling like a betrayal, yet I forced myself to complete the act.

Ruth sipped her tea leisurely, her gaze fixed on me as she asked, “Ms. Wiley, what are your true feelings for Luis?”

I had already made my choice, sealing my fate. There was no turning back now.

After all, I could never be his mate.

Love, it seemed, no longer held any significance.

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