Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 247

Talia’s POV

Electra stares at her phone, scrolling through the trending topics with wide eyes. Her mouth hangs open. She refreshes the page, and the numbers climb higher.

“Jesus, how are these people so fast?” She looks up at me, incredulous. “They figured out it was Nick already?!”

I am sitting by the window, flipping through sheet music for my upcoming concert. The afternoon light filters through the sheer curtains, casting soft shadows across the pages. I pause for a moment, my finger resting on a measure I have been struggling with.

“They are impressive,” I admit, turning back to the music. “They caught on to the smallest details. The watch. The shoes. The way he walks.” I shrug. “Recognizing him was inevitable. But it would not have happened this fast on its own.”

Electra, an experienced manager who has spent years in the industry, immediately catches on. Her eyes narrow, then widen with understanding. A knowing smile spreads across her face. She gives me a thumbs–up.

“Lena, did you hire some bots?” She laughs, delighted. “Smart move!”

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I am completely unfazed. I turn another page of sheet music. “Just giving them a taste of their own medicine.”

“Exactly!” Electra nods vigorously, her grin widening. “That is what they deserve!” She pauses, her expression shifting to something more businesslike. “So, what is next? What do I do

now?”

I shoot her a casual glance, a hint of amusement in my expression. The corner of my lips quirks up.

“Next…” I set the sheet music down and stand up, stretching my arms above my head. “We treat ourselves to a nice new car.”

Electra blinks. Then she bursts out laughing.

Aires‘ POV

My phone has been ringing non–stop in my office. The vibrations buzz across my desk like angry insects. I ignore it.

I stand by the floor–to–ceiling window, gazing at the city skyline spread out below me. The buildings stretch toward the clouds, glass and steel glittering in the afternoon sun. A dull ache spreads through my stomach. The familiar gnawing pain that comes when I have not eaten properly for days.

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It has been a long time since I have felt this kind of pain. Not just physical. Something deeper.

A soft knock interrupts my thoughts.

My assistant, Olivia, steps in. Her posture is formal, her voice carefully measured. “Mr. Perseus, there is someone here to see you—”

Before she can finish, I cut her off coldly. “I said I am not seeing anyone today.”

“Alpha, not even me?”

A soft, familiar voice fills the room. Imema walks in, carrying a thermos in her hands. Her steps are light, her smile gentle.

My eyes darken slightly. “Imema? What are you doing here?”

She smiles, warm and tender. “I heard your stomach has been acting up again.” She holds up the thermos. “So I brought you some chicken soup.”

My sharp features soften slightly. The tension in my jaw eases.

“You did not have to go through the trouble.”

Imema chuckles softly and opens the thermos. Steam rises from

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the opening, carrying the scent of herbs and simmered chicken. She pours the soup into the lid, careful and deliberate.

“Aeson told me Ms. Green used to make chicken soup for you.” She looks up at me, her eyes warm, filled with tenderness. “I spent some time with Mr. Carter and learned how to make it

too.”

She holds the cup out to me. “From now on, I can make chicken soup for you and Aeson as well.”

Imema’s POV

If Talia could do it, so can I. I never thought I was any less than Talia. Not in talent. Not in dedication. Not in the way I care for the people I love.

Aires’s gaze is unreadable. His dark eyes study me, searching for

something I cannot name.

“Imema, your health is the priority right now.” His voice is calm, measured. “You do not need to worry about these things.”

For a moment, I stiffen. My body goes rigid. I bite my lip instinctively, the familiar taste of copper filling my mouth.

Eyer since Aires’s divorce, he has been distant. He stil showsu

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when I need him. He still answers my calls. But the favoritism he once had for me is gone. The easy warmth, the protective edge, the way he looked at me like I mattered most.

It has all faded.

I take a deep breath and force a smile onto my face. “Alpha, do you remember?” My voice softens. “That day in the garden when I was playing Moonlight from Star? You told me you had never heard anything more beautiful…”

I pause, letting the memory settle between us.

“I had no idea it was your birthday that day.” I shake my head. “If I had known, I would have played something special for you.”

Aires’s expression shifts slightly. Something flickers in his eyes, there and gone.

His voice is low, distant. “Back then, I did not know you were the one who saved Nick.”

My lips curl into a faint smile. “Nick wanted to introduce me to his closest friend.” I meet his eyes. “I was completely shocked when I saw you.”

Those were simpler times. Before the marriage. Before the divorce. Before everything became so complicated. Even

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someone as guarded as Aires cannot help but show a flicker of nostalgia. I see it in the softening of his jaw, the slight relaxation

of his shoulders.

Noticing his moment of softness, I seize the opportunity.

“Alpha, have you found out who trashed my studio?”

Aires’s tone is indifferent. “Yes. It was orchestrated by some of your haters.”

I look at him closely, searching his face for any sign of deception.

“So… Talia’s fans?”

A brief silence follows. The air between us grows heavy.

Finally, he says, “Yes.”

A quiet smile forms on my lips. “And you still believe Talia had nothing to do with it?”

His expression remains unreadable. “There is no evidence linking Talia to the incident.”

My gaze does not waver. “But it was her fans, was it not?”

Aires’s deep black eyes remain calm. Unmoved. “Imema, you know speculation is not evidence.”

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I meet his gaze head–on. The challenge is clear in my voice. “So we are just going to let the real culprit walk free?”

His Adam’s apple bobs slightly. He swallows, but he says nothing.

My long lashes tremble slightly. I feel the sting of unshed tears pressing against my eyes.

“Alpha, I know she is your ex–wife.” My voice cracks. “She is Aeson’s mother. It is only natural for you to protect her.” I pause, gathering myself. “Normally, no matter how she humiliates me, I would never say a word.”

I lift my gaze, letting him see the fierce determination beneath my soft exterior. The usual gentleness is gone, replaced by something harder.

“But you know me.” My voice is steady now. “Even when I was sick, I never stopped performing. I never missed a competition. I have given up everything for my piano. My time. My health. My life.” I hold his eyes. “And I will never let anyone disrespect what I love.”

A flicker of emotion crosses Aires’s dark eyes. Something unreadable. Something almost like guilt.

I continue, pressing my advantage. “I do not want you seeking regnge on Talia for me. I do not want you to cause he any 12:48

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trouble.” I shake my head. “Right now, all I care about is making this concert a success and fulfilling my dream.”

I pause, letting the silence stretch.

“And…” I hold his gaze, my eyes filled with unspoken emotions.

“I just want you and Nick to be okay.”