Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 99

Chapter 99: Crash

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Chapter 99

~ Zara’s POV~

The scent of pine and earth filled my senses as I stepped out of my car in front of the Crescent Moon pack house.

As I entered, I could feel my heart rate quicken, anticipation and unease intertwining. I had no idea what kind of reception I’d receive, especially with how my last visit went.

When I entered the sitting room, my mother looked up, and her gaze had a strange mix of relief and judgment.

"So, you’ve finally come back after... fixing things with Ivan," she said coldly, yet undeniably grateful. "Whatever you did, I suppose we can thank you for buying us a moment’s peace."

"Mother," Elias’s voice cut in with a warning tone. He gave me a small, supportive nod before turning back to her with a furrowed brow. "Maybe we shouldn’t act like Zara owes us for fixing Ivan’s mess."

Sitting in his usual chair, my father cleared his throat, halting any brewing argument. He motioned for me to come closer, his worn face etched with worry. As I approached, he took my hand gently.

"Thank you, Zara," he murmured, barely above a whisper. "I don’t know how you managed it, but I know it wasn’t easy. I... I don’t know what to say either. Ivan... he’s been a thorn and I... we should have supported you when you decided to leave him."

His gratitude brought a small, unexpected ache to my chest. This was the father I’d grown up admiring—the man who had taught me strength.

I could see the toll of recent events in the lines etched on his face, and I knew he was fighting his own battles against the shadows Ivan had cast.

But then everything felt scattered. All that beautiful emotion was lost when my mother scoffed.

I glanced back at my mother, her face tight with frustration. She was biting her lip, her pride clashing with a rare moment of gratitude.

But before she could voice her resentment, my father’s grip tightened around my hand, silencing her.

"We’ll put Ivan behind us," he assured me, keeping his gaze steady. "The only debt we owe now is to ourselves, to rebuild without relying on him."

Relief washed over me, a weight lifting as I squeezed his hand back. I’d finally done something he could be proud of—something for myself, for them, and no one else.

And that was leaving that scum.

After we talked, I informed him I had to leave. As much as Elias wanted me to spend the night over, I refused.

I did not see myself spending a night under the same roof as my mother.

What had changed her, I had no idea. But prior, she used to be more loving and attentive. Or was everything just geared towards a future where I would be of use as a tool for her to get what she wanted?

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Elias suggested we take a stroll in the garden.