Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 249

Chapter 247

Aires‘ POV

I search Talia’s face, looking for any flicker of guilt, any tell that might betray her involvement. There is nothing. Her expression is smooth, unreadable.

Either she truly has no idea, or she is a masterful actress.

My eyes darken as I take in the tension on her face. The slight furrow of her brow. The firm set of her jaw. She is worried about

Rafael. Defensive. Protective.

And suddenly, at that moment, I understand something I have been missing for years.

For so long, Talia had been everything I wanted in a wife. She was gentle. Understanding. Considerate. She never complained. Never demanded. Never made my life difficult. Yet, I always felt… unsatisfied. Like there was a hollow space I could not fill.

Now, I finally know why.

“You have never defended me the way you are defending Rafael right now.”

Talia frowns, her brow creasing with confusion. She clearly does not understand why I am bringing this up now, in the middle of

+2 Bonus

< Chapter 247

a contract negotiation.

She responds coolly, her voice detached. “You have plenty of people willing to defend you. Do you really need me?”

I gaze at her, at the icy detachment on her face, and let out a quiet scoff. The sound is bitter, even to my own ears.

“I used to think you were like a pre–programmed robot.” I shake my head slowly. “Never angry. Never difficult. Never wanting anything for yourself.” I pause. “But now I see… you do have emotions.” My voice drops. “Just not for me.”

For as long as I have known Talia, she has been the perfect wife. It did not matter if I was not there when she gave birth. It did not matter if she needed me and I never answered her calls. She

never got angry. Instead, she would always reassure me, telling me she was fine, telling me to focus on work.

She never seemed to need me. Not once.

People often say that marriage comes at the cost of personal freedom. But not for me. I have always done whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, with no restrictions whatsoever. Marriage had never held me back. If anything, it gave me an advantage. A flawless, dependable wife who allowed me to focus entirely on my career without any distractions.

Dalways thought this was ideal.

12.49

B

2 Bonus

IMM

< Chapter 247

Though… at times, there was a vague sense of something missing. A hollow space I could not identify.

But I never bothered to figure out what.

Until now. Until she defended Rafael, a practical outsider, in front of me.

Talia’s POV

I study Aires with an odd expression, my head tilting slightly. What is wrong with him? His words make no sense.

“Are you feeling too comfortable in life?” I ask, my voice dry. “Looking for some drama?” I pause. “Should I slap you so you can finally witness my temper?”

What is wrong with him? Is he the type who thrives on conflict? Does he actually like being yelled at, hit, and mistreated? If that is the case, then I am definitely not his type.

No wonder he is so obsessed with Imema. She is the walking definition of unnecessary drama. The fainting spells. The tears. The endless emotional performances.

Honestly, they deserve each other.

Aires snaps out of his thoughts. His expression returns to its

3/7

12:49

+2 Bonus

< Chapter 247

usual detached indifference, the mask sliding back into place.

“I will give you three days to reconsider.”

“There is nothing to reconsider.” My voice is even colder than his. “My answer is no.”

“No need to be so hasty.” His gaze is steady, unblinking. “Talia, even if you do not care about yourself, you should at least think about the people around you.”

I chuckle, the sound dripping with sarcasm. “You are willing to throw endless money and resources at Imema.” I shake my head. “But somehow, a hundred million in compensation is where you draw the line?”

My eyes lock onto his. The amusement in them fades, replaced by something harder.

“Or is it just that you have gotten used to picking on people who will not fight back?” I step closer. “And when you realized I would push back, you decided threats were more effective than money?”

I smirk, letting the expression linger. “Hate to break it to you, but I do not scare that easily. Either pay up, or we will settle this the hard way.”

Without waiting for a response, I turn and walk away My heels 9

13

+2 Bonus

< Chapter 247

click against the floor, steady and unhurried.

She and I are never going to see eye to eye. I have accepted that. I have moved on.

I have better things to do. Like warning Rafael to be careful.

By the time I return to the main event, the hall is buzzing with people. The chandeliers cast warm light across the crowd, and the hum of conversation fills the air. I scan the room

and spot Rafael surrounded by a group of musicians, deep in conversation. His posture is relaxed, his hands gesturing as he speaks.

Rafael is an Altheria University graduate. While he has not made it into the Hall of Fame, he was one of the top students in his department. Still, with the university’s elite standards, only ten students per year make it into the Hall of Fame. It is an exclusive club, and Rafael, despite his talent, never quite broke through.

Noticing my return, Rafael waves me over, a smile breaking across his face. “Lena, come meet some of the best musicians in the city.”

I walk over, offering a polite smile as I greet the people around Rafael. They are a mix of ages and backgrounds, some in formal

2 Bonus

< Chapter 247

wear, others in artistic ensembles.

One of them, a woman with sharp glasses and an even sharper gaze, immediately recognizes me. “Wait, are you not that stunning pianist who went viral online?” She clasps her hands together. “I have seen your videos. Your playing is truly impressive.”

Another person steps forward, a man in a tailored suit. “Ms. Green, our company is organizing an international music exchange event. With your skills, I doubt any foreign competitors would stand a chance.” He hands me a business card. “Are you interested? The prize money is quite generous.”

A woman in an elegant dress chimes in, her voice warm. “Ms. Green, you are both a pianist and a charity ambassador. That aligns perfectly with the image of our upcoming brand campaign.” She smiles. “Would you be open to an endorsement deal?”

(*

The moment people realize who I am, their interest skyrockets. They eagerly surround me, pressing business cards into my hands, exchanging whispers about my online fame.

A music gathering is not just about art. It is also about business. No matter how talented a musician is, they still have to make a living. Commercial partnerships are inevitable, and opportunities like these do not come every day.

6/7

12:49

&

2 Bonus

< Chapter 247

I am about to respond when a mocking voice rings out behind me, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Well, well. Look who it is.” The voice drips with scorn. “The middle school graduate piano prodigy.”

→Write your comment