Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Chapter 189 "No, Bella, Not Tonight"

Freya

After work, I declined Sherry’s dinner invitation and headed home, planning to eat quickly before continuing my research on AI-related topics.

As soon as I left the company building, my phone rang. Isabella’s name flashed on the screen.

"Mom, are you done with work?" my daughter asked expectantly.

I got into my car and asked, "What’s up?"

"I want crab cake and sushi," she declared in that demanding tone she’d perfected. "Can you come home and make it for me?"

I paused, considering my options. I hadn’t officially divorced Silvano yet, and he hadn’t asked me to move out. If I returned to cook for my daughter, I doubted he would mind.

But Selene growled softly inside me, reminding me of my newly reclaimed independence. I was feeling tired, and I had my own plans for the evening.

Isabella was my responsibility, yes, but I also had my own life now. I wouldn’t sacrifice my time unconditionally anymore - not even for my daughter.

"Mom has something to do today," I replied firmly. "Maybe next time."

In the past, I’d always prioritized Silvano and Isabella in my plans. I almost never said no to either of them.

But today, I’d refused them twice. Though Isabella didn’t seem to notice this shift, simply assuming I was truly busy, it was unprecedented for her to be turned down like this. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Mom, why have you been so busy lately?" she whined, her voice taking on that wounded tone that usually made me cave instantly. "I don’t care, I want crab cake and sushi!"

"Bella..." I felt a headache forming behind my eyes as my daughter’s demanding voice filled the car.

Isabella huffed angrily and hung up the phone before I could explain further. I sat there in silence, my eyes turning red with unshed tears. For a moment, I just covered my face with my hands, feeling the weight of my decisions.

After composing myself, I finally drove away, my wolf’s resolve strengthening mine. This was part of reclaiming my identity - learning when to say no, even to those I loved most.

When I arrived at my apartment, I quickly prepared a simple bowl of noodles. Just as I opened my laptop to begin my research on AI systems, my phone rang with Johnny’s name flashing on the screen.

"There’s a banquet in a few days," he said without preamble. "Would you like to accompany me? I want to introduce some people to you."

My ears perked up at the professional opportunity. "Okay," I agreed.

Johnny then asked, "When can you finish the handover?"

"Soon," I promised. "It should be in the next few days." I could feel Selene’s satisfaction at planning our new path forward.

"That’s good," Johnny replied, sounding pleased.

Author

Meanwhile, at the Shadow Pack house, Isabella’s evening unfolded under a very different light.

After hanging up the call, she had waited—at first patiently, then with growing impatience. She had expected her mother to return soon, to hear the soft jingle of keys at the door, to smell her favorite dinner being prepared just the way she liked it. But as time passed, the silence inside the vast house only deepened.

By almost eight o’clock, even the butler began to worry. He had watched the little girl fidget restlessly, her gaze fixed on the door as though sheer will could make it open. Finally, he approached her with careful gentleness.

"Since Luna is busy, Bella, you should eat something first,"he said softly. "We’ll make a proper meal again when she returns."

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