Aiden paced his office, back and forth, the weight of last night heavy on his chest. Every thought pulled him to the same dark conclusion, Amelia would leave. And if she left, he would lose her again.
His hands raked through his hair, frustration clawing at him. He could see his father’s disappointment, hear his mother’s faint breaths in the hospital.
And Amelia, her cold eyes burned in his memory. This was the Moon Goddess’ cruel second chance, and he was about to ruin it.
There was only one way. He would have to apologize, to her and even to Damien. His pride hated the thought, but his heart left him no choice.
Grabbing his car keys, Aiden strode out of the office and down the stairs.
In the living room, Sofia was fussing with a maid, while Ethan stood dressed for school.
“Daddy!” Ethan beamed, running to him.
Aiden’s face softened. He scooped the boy up, kissing his cheek. “How was your night, champ?”
“Good, Daddy,” Ethan answered with a sleepy smile. Aiden set him down gently, his eyes flicking to Sofia. She was overdressed today, too polished for a school drop-off. He wondered where she was really headed, but he didn’t care enough to ask.
The air between them was heavy. Ethan watched them, sensing the unspoken tension. Aiden didn’t want his son burdened with it, so he crossed the distance and brushed a kiss over Sofia’s cheek.
“I’ll be heading out,” he murmured.
Sofia rolled her eyes, lips pressed tight. She hadn’t forgiven him for yesterday. He saw it, the hurt lingering. He pulled her briefly into his arms anyway. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
She didn’t answer. He sighed, kissed Ethan’s hair, and walked out.
“Seriously?” Sofia thought bitterly, staring after him. That’s it? One sorry and you’re done?
Turning to Ethan, she forced a smile. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s not be late.”
Outside, Aiden slid into his car, determination sharpening his jaw. Today, he would face Amelia.
Meanwhile, at Cassia’s house, breakfast lingered warm in the air. Outside, Kate and Matthew were loading Damien’s bags into the car.
Arthur clung to Damien’s leg. “I’m going to miss you, Uncle Damien. Please come back soon.”
Damien crouched, lifting him into his arms with a smile, “I will, buddy. But you have to promise me something. You will protect your mom and keep her safe till I return.”
“I promise!” Arthur said proudly, sealing it with a high five.
Setting him down, Damien turned to Cassia. His voice was low, certain. “I’ll be back. I promise.”
She nodded, but her chest tightened. When he pulled her into a hug, she held on longer than she meant to.
“Damien, you’ll miss your flight,” she whispered against his shoulder.
He chuckled, reluctant to let go. At last he stepped back, heading for the car, until her voice stopped him.
“Damien.”
He turned. She crossed to him, and before he could speak, her lips pressed against his. For a heartbeat he froze, too stunned to respond. By the time she pulled away, his eyes were blazing with shock and something more.
A faint smile touched her lips. “I’ll be waiting when you return.”
Damien’s chest swelled. He leaned in, claiming a quick kiss of his own. They shared a quiet smile before he slid into the car. Matthew started the engine, and the vehicle rolled away.
Across the street, Aiden’s car slowed. He had arrived just in time to apologize to Amelia and he had witness the most heart breaking scene in return.
Cassia’s lips on Damien’s. Damien kissing her back.
The sight punched the air from his lungs. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tight his knuckles went white.
“Mommy, please forgive him,” Arthur piped up, his big eyes pleading.
“Seriously?” Cassia muttered, staring at him.
He pouted, lips trembling. Her resolve cracked. She sighed. “Fine. I’m not leaving.”
Relief softened Aiden’s features.
“Where’s Damien?” he asked, pretending not to witness the scene of Cassia and Damien kissing and Damien leaving in the car.
“I was hoping to apologize to him too.” that was a lie. He just wanted to punch him in the face again for kissing his mate. He could feel his wolf growling inside.
“He’s not here,” Cassia said flatly. “He left.”
Aiden’s brows lifted. Left? He wondered where he had gone, but before he could ask, Arthur tugged his sleeve.
“Alpha Aiden, come in for breakfast! Mommy made spicy chicken and rice. You’ll love it!”
Cassia’s eyes widened. “Arthur, he can’t… he’s busy.”
“No, I don’t have anything today,” Aiden cut in quickly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “And I am hungry.”
Cassia’s hands curled into fists. Why won’t this man just leave already?
Arthur grinned, already pulling him toward the door. “Come on! You’ll see, my mommy cooks the best!”
Cassia stood rooted outside, jaw tight, fury simmering. The last thing she wanted was Aiden in her house.
But he was already walking in.

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