Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Mild Envy

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Chapter 85

~Tempest’s POV~

Aira was in a pale green bikini that showed off her beautiful body, while Zara’s was more modest—a one-piece with thin straps and a deep blue colour that matched her eyes. They both looked serene and effortlessly content.

And here I was, raw, still trying to scrub away every trace of yesterday.

My chest tightened—jealousy, resentment, and something I couldn’t name— all fuelling my thoughts. I couldn’t take it, watching them so easily and free.

Aira—my twin—the one who had everything I didn’t—love, kindness, strength that didn’t come from anger, seemed to be enjoying herself better than I did.

I spun around, ready to slip back where I’d come before they could see me.

"Tempest!" Aira’s voice carried across the space, stopping me in my tracks. Her tone was soft but threaded with something that wouldn’t let me ignore her.

Too late.

I took a deep breath, masking my emotions as best I could, and turned to face them.

Zara’s face lit up upon seeing me as she waved. "Hey," I replied, forcing a small smile as I approached them, wishing I could just turn and leave.

"Wanna join?" Aira asked, a bit casually. I could see she was trying to act normal and as awkward as it sounded, it brought a smile to my lips.

"Sure."

I slipped off my cover-up, folding it neatly before sitting by the pool’s edge. The water shimmered coolly, inviting me as Aira and Zara slipped in effortlessly, their laughter mingling with the soft splashes.

Aira swam over to me with a soft smile, as though she knew I needed the quiet comfort she always brought. Her hand reached out openly for me to take.

"Come on," she encouraged. "It’s perfect in here."

I sighed, slipping my legs into the water and feeling the coolness seep into my skin. It felt grounding and calming, like a balm on everything Koda had stirred up inside me.

With a small smile, I took Aira’s hand and slid into the water, letting the chill ripple over me.

Aira swam backwards, her face breaking into a wide grin. "See? I knew you’d like it."

I splashed her, letting a genuine laugh slip free. "Fine, fine, you win. But don’t expect me to join you every morning."

Aira rolled her eyes playfully, nudging Zara, who chuckled. "I’ll take what I can get," she said with a wink.

Watching Zara laugh, her head tipped back, her eyes sparkling under the sunlight, I felt something strange.

She was almost... luminous, like someone who belonged. It was a rare look for someone who wasn’t born into this life—my life.

I found myself staring, unable to shake the curiosity in my mind. "Zara," I asked, leaning back against the pool edge. "You seem... I don’t know, comfortable here. I wouldn’t have expected it."