Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 102

Talia’s POV

Back in our lounge, Electra is practically bouncing with glee. “That was brilliant! If she’d just exchanged dresses like a reasonable person, she’d be fine right now. Instead, she has to shower, redo her makeup, fix her hair–all because she wanted to be difficult. Serves her right!”

Raymond watches me with thoughtful eyes. “Are you certain it’s wise to provoke them so openly? Aires won’t take this lightly.”

I meet his gaze steadily. “I’m still his wife. Still Aeson’s mother. For now, that,

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protects me from the worst of his retaliation. He can’t push me too far without consequences.”

Electra’s brow furrows with frustration.

“Talia, Aires is being completely unreasonable. Five years of marriage, a child, running his household–and he wants you to leave with nothing? Not a single cent?”

Raymond’s voice is lazy, but his eyes are sharp. “Do you honestly believe he’d agree to a divorce even if you accepted those

terms?”

Electra looks at him sharply. “You think

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“This is stalling. A tactic. Even if Talia agreed to leave empty–handed, he’d find another reason to delay.” He pauses. “He doesn’t actually want to let her go.”

Electra’s face flushes with anger. “The way they treated her today–Diana’s insults, Nick’s attacks, Aires’s silence—and he doesn’t want to let her go? He’s already replaced her with Imema in every way that matters! If he can’t stop obsessing over his first love, he should divorce Talia and marry her. Stringing both women along is despicable!”

Raymond’s voice remains calm, analytical. “Aires’s logic is simple. Talia is a capable wife and mother. Imema is dying. Why would he abandon someone useful for 14:23

Chapter 102

someone with months left?”

Electra stares at him, appalled. “So she’s just… a placeholder? A backup plan until Imema inevitably leaves him? Is that what you’re saying?”

I answer before Raymond can. “That’s exactly what I am to him. And to the Perseus family.” My voice is flat, devoid of self–pity. “But if he won’t give me a divorce, I’ll make his life—and theirs—a living hell.”

لو

Raymond studies me with renewed interest. “Aren’t you worried he’ll target your loved ones?”

laugh, short and hollow. “I don’t have 14:23

Chapter 102

any loved ones. Not anymore. If he wants to come after my family, I’d welcome it. At least then I’d know who to fight.”

The words hang in the air. Raymond’s expression shifts–surprise, maybe, or respect. Something flickers in those calculating eyes.

Interesting, he seems to think. Very interesting.

A knock interrupts the moment. Raymond’s assistant enters, carrying a garment bag.

“Mr. Capaldi, Ms. Perseus’s clothing has

arrived.”

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4

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Raymond arranged this immediately after the juice incident a new dress, similar to my original performance outfit, delivered within the hour. I take the bag, grateful for his foresight.

As I head to change, I hear Raymond ask Electra quietly, “About that wager with Imema. Should I apply some pressure to the judges? Ensure a favorable outcome?”

Electra sounds confused. “Pressure?”

“However unpleasant Imema may be, her talent is real. I had her investigated- she did graduate from Altheria, and her academic standing was above average. Talia will have difficulty beating her without assistance.”

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Chapter 102

Electra’s voice shifts to something approaching disbelief. “You investigated

Imema but not Talia?”

Raymond pauses. “What do you mean?”

“Clearly you didn’t dig deep enough.”

Electra sounds almost amused. “Imema

went to Altheria. So did Talia. And Talia

was better. Significantly better.”

Raymond’s eyebrow rises. “I’d heard rumors she dropped out of high school.”

“Who started that lie?” Electra’s voice sharpens. “Talia was so talented she received a special early admission offer to Altheria while still in high school! She

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didn’t drop out—she was recruited.”

Understanding dawns in Electra’s tone.

“Now I get it. Diana kept pushing that narrative about Talia’s lack of education, but no one ever actually investigated. Including you, apparently.”

I emerge from the changing area, the new dress fitting surprisingly well. Raymond and Electra fall silent, but the knowledge hangs between us.

୮

They don’t know the half of it. But soon, everyone will.

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The competition is delayed nearly forty minutes. Not because of me–Imema’s shower and makeup redo take far longer than anyone anticipated. Even now, with the first performers already on stage, she’s still not ready.

Forty minutes is the absolute limit. Any longer, and the other families would revolt. The competition must appear fair, even when it isn’t.

I’m already changed, my makeup untouched. I make my way to the auditorium just as the lights dim.

The first group takes the stage–a piano performance. A young girl, maybe seven, sits at the grand piano with the solemn14:23

Chapter 102

concentration of someone much older.

Her fingers find the keys, and music fills

the hall.

I watch, letting the notes wash over me. Calming myself, finding my centre.

Soon, it will be our turn, and when I step onto that stage, the world will see exactly who Talia Perseus really is.

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