After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Elle’s POV

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A week had passed since Brad stormed out, and I found myself settling into a routine I never thought I’d accept. At first, the sleepless nights had been brutal-every creak of the house made me think he was coming back, every car engine in the distance had me holding my breath. But slowly, painfully, I was learning to live with his absence.

I’d developed this stupid habit of standing on the balcony, staring out at the estate gates. My eyes always lingered on that spot where his car would appear, though I told myself I wasn’t waiting for anyone.

Especially not him.

Every time I heard a car approach, my heart would do this ridiculous little jump, and I’d catch myself leaning forward, only to feel the crushing disappointment when it turned out to be a delivery truck or one

of the groundskeepers.

You’re pathetic, Elle, I scolded myself for the hundredth time as I stood there again, gripping the balcony

railing.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear Martha approaching until her gentle voice broke through my

reverie.

“Ms. Luke is here to see you.”

I turned, blinking in surprise. “Sophia? She’s here?”

“Yes, miss. Shall I show her in?”

A flutter of genuine excitement stirred in my chest-the first positive emotion I’d felt all week. “Yes,

please! Bring her up right away.”

I quickly smoothed my hair and checked my reflection in the window. I looked tired.

Sophia entered with her usual confident stride, but her expression shifted the moment she saw me. Her silver eyes narrowed with concern as she took in my appearance.

“Jesus, Elle. What the hell happened to you?” She crossed the room in quick steps, her hands immediately reaching for my face, tilting it toward the light. “You look like you haven’t slept in days. And you’ve lost

weight-I can see it in your cheeks.”

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I tried to force a smile, stepping back from her scrutiny “I’m fine, really. Just-”

“Don’t you dare say you’re fine.” Her voice was sharp, cutting through my weak protest. “Look at yourself. You’re clearly not fine.” She paused, studying my face with those perceptive eyes. “You’ve fallen for him,

haven’t you? For Brad.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. “What? No! That’s ridiculous, Sophia. I haven’t-I would never-”

“Elle.” Her voice was gentler now, but no less direct. “You can lie to yourself, but don’t lie to me.”

I shook my head frantically, my voice rising with panic. You know the situation! I’m just here to have this baby and then I’ll leave Moonshade Bay. That’s always been the plan-”

“Has it?” Sophia interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Because from where I’m standing, you look like a woman

who’s had her heart broken.”

I opened my mouth to deny it again, but no words came out. The truth of her observation hung between us

like a weight I couldn’t lift.

Sophia’s expression softened further. “You haven’t been out at all this week, have you? Haven’t looked at any news, haven’t been online?”

I shook my head, confused by the change in topic. “What news?”

She pulled out her phone, her face grave.

She held out her phone, and I felt my world tilt on its axis.

The headline was bold and unmistakable: “Alpha Brad and Model Girlfriend Spotted at Luxury Hotel.”

The accompanying photos were even worse. Brad and Marissa, walking hand in hand into an upscale hotel. Another shot of them at what looked like an intimate dinner, Marissa leaning across the table to touch his face. A third photo showed them leaving together, Brad’s arm around her waist in a gesture that looked

natural, comfortable.

I slowly handed the phone back to Sophia, my movements mechanical. “Well,” I said, my voice surprisingly steady. “I guess that settles that.”

Sophia watched me carefully. “Elle, are you okay?”

I forced what I hoped passed for a smile. “Of course I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?” The smile felt wrong on

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my face, like wearing a mask that didn’t fit. “Brad and Marissa… they have history. This isn’t surprising.”

But even as I said the words, my chest felt hollow, like something vital had been carved out of me.

Sophia’s eyes filled with sympathy. “Oh, honey…”

“Really, I’m fine.” I walked to the window, needing to put distance between myself and that look of pity. Outside, the autumn wind was picking up, sending golden leaves spiraling past the glass.

I stared at the falling leaves.

A week ago, I thought I understood Brad’s relationship with Marissa-complicated, but ultimately ending because of the baby I carried. Now it seemed like they were back together, and I was just… what? The

incubator they kept around until the baby was born?

hia’s voi

“Elle.” Sophia’s voice was gentle but insistent. “You can talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” I kept my eyes fixed on the window. “Brad and Marissa belong together. They’re both werewolves. It makes sense.”

“You know,” Sophia said quietly, “there’s something you should know about Marissa.”

I turned to face her, curious despite myself.

“She’s not going to die soon like she said.”

The words hit me like a thunderbolt. “What?”

Sophia nodded grimly. “Her medical records were falsified. The doctor who supposedly signed off on her reports never treated her, never signed anything. It’s all fake.”

My mind reeled. “But why would she-?”

“Because she needed to maintain her relationship with Brad somehow. And now that you’re carrying the Rayne heir, she’s probably desperate.” Sophia’s eyes flashed with anger, “You’re the mother of the future Alpha, Elle. You have rights. You have power you’re not even using.”

She stood up, pacing with agitation. “If you want to confront her, I know where she is right now. I could take you there, and we could-”

“No.” The word came out sharper than I intended.

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Chapter 92

Sophia stopped pacing, staring at me in disbelief. “Elle, what do you mean, no?”

I shook my head firmly. “I said no, Sophia. I don’t want to confront anyone.”

“But Elle-

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“Look,” I interrupted, my voice hollow but determined. Everything that’s happening… it’s all Brad’s choice. If he didn’t want Marissa around, she wouldn’t be there Simple as that.”

I walked back to the window, watching more leaves fall. “Whether I confront her or not doesn’t matter. It

won’t change anything.”

The truth of it settled over me like a heavy blanket. “I have five months left. Five months, and then I can put an end to all of this. That’s what I’ve always planned.”

“You’re really just going to accept this?” Sophia’s voice was incredulous. “You’re going to let her win?”

I turned to face her, and I knew my expression must have looked as empty as I felt. “Win or lose… does it really matter? The ending is the same either way. I’m leaving when this baby is born.”

The words tasted bitter, but I forced myself to continue. “Maybe it’s better this way. Better to cut off these… feelings… now, rather than later.”

Sophia studied my face for a long moment. “You’ve really made up your mind?”

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After One Night with the Alpha