Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 44

Alpha’s Discarded Luna

Chapter 43

Talia’s POV

Nick stands there, mouth opening and closing like a landed fish. My words have hit their mark, and for once, he has no

clever retort. Good. Let him choke on his own venom for a change.

Then Aeson speaks.

“I saw it.”

The words land like stones in still water.

Everyone turns. My son stands rigid, his small face set in that stubborn expression I know too well–the one he inherited

from his father.

17141

| 16:15

Chapter 43

He points at me. His hand doesn’t waver. “I saw her. She pushed Ms. Volkov down

the stairs.”

Nick’s smirk returns, triumphant and ugly. “There it is, Aires! Your own son witnessed it. What more proof do you need?”

Aires turns to me, his eyes cold and flat as winter ice. “Why would you do this?”

The question is so absurd, so perfectly on–brand, that I almost laugh. “That’s an excellent question. If you don’t know the answer, how could I possibly?”

Nick jumps in, eager to supply the

2/14

| 16:15

Chapter 43

narrative. “It’s obvious! You’re jealous of Imema. You can’t stand seeing her

happy.”

I turn to him, letting a thin smile curve my lips. “Jealous? Of Ms. Volkov?” I let the words hang. “Didn’t she just finish explaining to the entire world that she and my husband are nothing but dear friends? Platonic? Pure? If that’s the case, what exactly is there to be jealous of?”

Nick sputters. “Well–it’s because you’re hung up on their history—”

“Why would I be hung up on history?” My voice remains calm, almost pleasant. “Is it because my husband treats her better than he’s ever treated me? Because he 16:15

Chapter 43

can’t seem to let go of his ‘first love‘? Because they’re constantly entangled in ways that make a mockery of our marriage?”

“Talia.” Aires’s voice cuts through like a blade. “That’s enough. Control your jealousy. Are you really going to speak this way in front of our son?”

I almost laugh again. Our son. The one who just accused me of assault. The one who’s looking at me like I’m a stranger.

For five years, that line worked. Not in

front of Aeson. Think of Aeson. Don’t

upset Aeson. I swallowed my pride, my pain, my truth–all for the sake of this small, solemn boy who now stands,

! 16:15

Chapter 43

against me without a flicker of doubt.

I look at Aeson. At Aires. At the united front they present.

And I feel nothing.

“I’m not jealous.” My voice is flat, factual. “You parade your relationship with Ms. Volkov in public without a care for who watches. I’ve done nothing wrong. Why should I be afraid of speaking?”

Aires’s eyes darken. “Talia.”

“Am I wrong?” I tilt my head. “Let’s talk about today. The parent–child activity. You, Aeson, and Ms. Volkov–a happy family, winning games, posing for photos.

Chapter 43

Why don’t you post those pictures online? Share them with the world?”

His jaw tightens.

“You won’t, though.” I smile, cold and knowing. “In fact, I’d wager you’re already scrubbing every photo, every video, making sure nothing leaks. Because even you know how it would look.”

The air between us crackles with tension.

Nick watches, gleeful, waiting for Aires to destroy me.

The surgery light clicks off.

Nick recovers first, sneering. “We’ll just ask Imema. She’ll tell everyone what

16:15

Chapter 43

really happened.

Aeson looks at me, his small face set in that familiar, stubborn line. “Mom, if you don’t apologize to Ms. Volkov this time, I won’t forgive you. Not ever.”

I meet his gaze without flinching. There was a time those words would have shattered me. I would have begged,

pleaded, done anything to earn back his affection.

Now? I just feel tired.

I look away without responding.

Something flickers in Aeson’s expression 77confusion, maybe. Uncertainty. He’s not

Chapter 43

used to this. Not used to me not chasing

him.

But Diana’s voice echoes in my memory: It’s just an act. She’s trying to get attention. Don’t fall for it.

He steels himself. “Even if you’re trying to get me and Dad to notice you, you shouldn’t hurt Ms. Volkov. If you do it again, I won’t call you Mom anymore!”

My hands clench at my sides. The words hit, despite everything. But I don’t let it

show.

“Fine,” I say quietly. “Suit yourself.”

Aeşon freezes. His mouth opens, then 16:15

Chapter 43

closes. He looks lost, uncertain–like a child whose script has suddenly changed.

He doesn’t know what to do with a mother who won’t beg.

The gurney emerges, Imema pale and bandaged but very much alive. Aires and Aeson’s attention snaps to her immediately, a united front of concern. They follow her into the recovery room without a backward glance.

Nick stays, blocking my path. “You’re not getting away with this, Talia. I’ll make sure of it.”

I don’t bother responding.

9/14

|

16:15

Chapter 43

The hospital room is sterile, white, and cold. Imema lies in the bed, wrapped in bandages like a tragic heroine. Aeson sits beside her, his eyes still red from crying. Aires stands near the window, a silent

sentinel.

Nick pushes me through the door. I let him. I have nothing to hide.

Imema looks up, and her expression shifts into something soft and forgiving. It’s a masterful performance.

“Aeson, I’m okay now.” She pats his hand weakly. “I just… I don’t know if I’ll ever play the piano again.”

16:15

Chapter 43

Aeson’s face crumples. I watch him absorb her words, see the guilt and devotion warring in his expression. Then he turns to me, and his face hardens.

“Ms. Volkov will be fine,” he declares, as if saying it makes it true. Then, directly at me: “If you don’t apologize this time, I won’t call you Mom anymore.”

I don’t react. I walk past him, past Aires, until I stand at the foot of Imema’s bed.

“Ms. Volkov.” My voice is calm, professional. “How are you feeling?”

She smiles, fragile and brave. “Much better, thank you for asking, Ms. Perseus.

11/14

| 16:15

Chapter 43

It’s kind of you to visit.”

Nick explodes. “Kind? She tried to kill you! Why are you being polite to a murderer?”

I glance at him, then back to Imema. “I’m not a murderer, Mr. Thorne. If I were, Ms. Volkov wouldn’t be sitting here having

this conversation.”

He jabs a finger at me. “You pushed her down a flight of stairs! That’s attempted murder! That makes you a murderer!”

I keep my eyes on Imema. On her bandaged hands. On her pale, perfect

face.

12/14

|

16:15

Chapter 43

“I’ve already explained what happened. Ms. Volkov tripped. I didn’t touch her.”

Nick sputters, turns to Aires. “Aires! Are you just going to let her get away with this? Don’t you care about Imema at all?”

Aires looks at Imema. His voice is quiet. “What do you want to happen?”

Imema sighs, the sound soft and sad. She looks down at her bandaged hands, then back up with eyes that glisten with

unshed tears.

‘As long as my hands heal,” she whispers, “as long as I can still play… can we just let it go? I don’t want any more conflict. I’m $9/tired of fighting.”

16:15

Chapter 43

X

Coin Package: get more free bonus

get it

Write your comment

Gifts

14/14