The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 26

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**

Bella

As I sat at the dining table, the morning paper lay before me like a portentous omen, its headlines looming with a weight that felt almost tangible. I stared at the image, my heart racing, as if the blurred face of the woman in the peach dress might leap from the page and point directly at me. My fingers gripped the edge of the paper tightly, a reflexive action born from the fear that someone might recognize me. This felt like a target painted on my back, and the thought sent a shiver down my spine.

With a sudden surge of anxiety, I pushed the newspaper away, treating it as if it were a contagion that could infect my very soul. Resting my forehead against my arms, I let out a groan that was more a mixture of frustration and despair. It was abundantly clear to me: men like Scott were not meant for women like me. He was a man whose wealth could rival that of the gods, while I was merely a fleeting moment in his life. The idea of falling for him was akin to dancing on the edge of a precipice. I couldn’t bear the thought of my children’s disappointed faces if he were to cast them aside. The weight of that possibility pressed heavily on my chest.

Just then, the familiar sound of Nancy’s footsteps echoed through the hall. She entered with a frenetic energy, her hair hastily tied into a bun using a pencil she had snatched from the counter. Her eyes fell upon the newspaper, and as she read the headline, her expression morphed into one of exaggerated shock. “Oh my God! Look at him! Scott Moore is such a womanizer!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with indignation.

Before I could muster a response, she thrust the paper back at me, her finger jabbing at the blurred figure with an intensity that could pierce through steel. “He’s out there kissing some mystery woman in his car in broad daylight, while he’s flirting with you like you’re the only one in existence! Men like him should come with warning labels!” she seethed, her voice almost a shout. “You need to steer clear of him!”

I sat up slowly, arching an eyebrow at her dramatic outburst, a mix of annoyance and amusement bubbling within me. Internally, however, a small spark of relief ignited. Nancy hadn’t recognized me. Not even a flicker of suspicion crossed her mind.

If Nancy was oblivious, then perhaps no one else would be the wiser. A tiny bloom of confidence unfurled within me, and I let out a small chuckle, which Nancy misinterpreted as disbelief in her serious admonition. “You think this is funny? I’m being serious, Bella! Stay away from him!” she snapped, her voice laced with urgency.

“I will,” I replied, standing up and making my way to the kitchen. Breakfast awaited. I whisked together pancake batter, my mind racing with thoughts I didn’t want to entertain. Just as the toast began to brown, my phone buzzed insistently on the counter. It was Scott. My heart sank. Why was he calling me so early? I hesitated before answering. “Hello?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I’ll be there in half an hour,” his deep voice rang through the line, cheerful and casual.

“Half an hour? It’s barely nine! We’re supposed to meet at eleven,” I reminded him, stealing a glance at the clock that seemed to mock me.

“I have an urgent meeting at eleven,” he replied, the nonchalance in his tone making my stomach twist.

“Oh, okay,” I muttered, disconnecting the call with a sigh. Of course, he had a meeting. How naïve of me to think I would be a priority in his busy life? It was clear I would have to mold my schedule around his whims.

I hurriedly finished preparing breakfast, my thoughts racing as I got ready. I opted for white trousers paired with a bright yellow floral blouse, hoping the colors would lift my spirits. I adorned myself with the pearl necklace my grandmother had gifted me, a token of her love and a reminder of the long years that had passed. I hoped it would soften her gaze after all the chaos of the past. After everything that had happened, I was ready for a confrontation.

Stepping outside, I noticed Scott’s car already parked at the curb. I slid into the passenger seat, adjusting my blouse nervously as he greeted me with a bouquet of white lilies. “These are for your grandmother,” he said, his smile warm and genuine.

A wave of warmth flooded my chest as I accepted the flowers, my heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. “That’s really thoughtful of you,” I murmured, touched by his gesture.

“Did you see the paper?” he asked, a low chuckle escaping his lips.

“Of course. I think the photo is terrible. Your face was hidden. I wish everyone could see you. They spoiled my fun,” he continued, his tone light but with an undercurrent of seriousness.

I turned to him sharply, my eyes narrowing. “What?”

“I want to claim you publicly,” he declared, his confidence unwavering.

“That will never happen,” I hissed, my voice barely above a whisper. “And remember, you’re supposed to lie to my grandmother today. We’re going through a divorce, okay?”

His grin widened, as if I had just shared a joke. “Relax. I’m a great liar when I have to be.”

“Great!” I replied with a hint of sarcasm, the rest of the drive mercifully quiet, punctuated only by the occasional glance he threw my way.

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