Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 397

Chapter 397: Driving A Tempting Bargain

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Chapter 397

~Ella’s POV~

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Ares took a step closer, his presence still overwhelming, even as he smiled that heartbreaking smile. "You’re my weakness, Ella. And I can’t keep fighting a losing battle. I won’t."

His words twisted in my chest. "You were never losing—"

"But I was," he interrupted, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I was always losing, Ella. Because in the end, it’s not about who fights harder." His jaw was clenched, a flicker of something dark crossing his features. "It’s about who you choose."

Tears burnt in my eyes. "I haven’t chosen yet."

Ares stared at me for a long moment before shaking his head. "And that’s the problem, isn’t it? I never stood a chance. Maybe I had a fraction of hope... after you forgave me when I lied and Kent was out of the way, but the moment you met your mate..."

The air between us grew thick, heavy with words left unsaid.

Ares let out a slow breath and stepped back.

"I won’t fight a Beta for his mate, especially one who won’t decide," he said quietly, his voice laced with finality. "It’s an insult, and I should have known better."

"Ares—"

"I loved you," he admitted, his voice raw. "But I..." He bit his lips and shut his eyes. "Ella, it is hard, but I accept the Moon Goddess’ will."

I felt something inside me crack.

And before I could say anything else, Ares moved and kissed me, but before I could reach for him or respond, he broke the kiss, turned and walked out the door.

And this time, he didn’t look back.

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~Zara’s POV~

The decision had been lingering in my mind for days. I had debated it, weighing every possibility and risk. But in the end, I knew what I had to do in order to get what I wanted.

I picked up my phone and sent a message.

Zara: We need to talk. I’m ready to make a decision.

It didn’t take long for Kaid to respond.

Kaid: Finally. Come to my house.

I rolled my eyes at his usual arrogance but didn’t argue. Before long the address to his hosue was sent to me.

I almost laughed. Finally, he was using his mansion. During one of our earlier talks, he mentioned how he loved staying close to his business and retreating to his mansion when he needed to relax, away from all the buzzing of the city.

An hour later, I pulled up in front of Kaid’s house, a sleek, modern mansion that screamed wealth but in a more understated way than Snow’s.

I stepped out of my car, smoothed my dress, and walked up to the door.

Before I could knock, the door swung open, and there he was—leaning against the frame with a lazy smirk.

"You look serious," Kaid mused, crossing his arms over his chest. "This must be important."

"It is."

He stepped aside, allowing me in. "Then let’s talk."