Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 92

Chapter 90

Talia’s POV

Aeson’s face pales as my words sink in. I watch the

realization dawn, that his mother is favoring another child.

Just then, Aires’s deep voice cuts through my thoughts. “Eleanor. Stop speaking nonsense. You’ll confuse him.”

I turn to him, my voice flat. “Confuse him? I’ve already done

such a wonderful job teaching him to lie. A little confusion is the least of our problems.”

He has no response to that. The old Eleanor would have

backed down, would have smoothed things over, would have apologized. This Eleanor doesn’t.

After dropping Imema at her place, Aires drives us to the

villa. The familiar streets blur past.

I’ve only been gone a month, but it feels like lifetimes. Like

returning to a home that was never really mine.

In the living room, Aires commands Aeson, “Go upstairs.”

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Aeson nods and starts toward the stairs.

“Wait.” My voice stops him. “There are things you need to

hear.”

His small face pales further.

Aires’s expression darkens. “Eleanor. What are you doing?”

I ignore him, focusing on Aeson. “You know I haven’t been home. I’ve packed all my things. I won’t be coming back.” I pause, letting the words land. “Your father and I are getting divorced. You’ll stay with him.”

Aeson’s eyes go wide. “Divorce?”

He’s five, he knows what it means. I see the understanding

flicker behind his eyes.

Aires’s voice is tight with anger. “Do you have to do this in

front of him?”

I almost laugh. “He deserves to know. He’s been talking about freedom and equality and respect. This is part of that.” I tilt my head. “Besides, you never considered him when you made me apologize to Imema in front of him.”

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Aires’s jaw tightens. “You can fight with me all you want, but

dragging Aeson into it? He’s your son.”

“Biological son.” The words are ice. “The one who spends all

his time favoring outsiders.”

His voice rises. “If Aeson doesn’t like you, that’s your fault.

Stop blaming everyone else and look at yourself.”

I meet his gaze without flinching. “So if you favor outsiders,

that’s my fault too?”

He falls silent.

I’ve been a good wife, a competent wife. Even after Imema

returned, he couldn’t find fault with me. But that was never

the point. Even without flaws, I was the worst person for him.

And even with all the flaws in the world, she will be an innocent angel.

Aires’s voice shifts, almost pleading. “I’ve told you countless times, my relationship with Imema isn’t what you think. Why do you keep attacking a dying woman?”

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He tells the story again. The kidnapping… the threats. The

years abroad, the depression she faced. The terminal illness

she is fighting, all because of her great sacrifice to protect

him.

“Eleanor, I owe her. I couldn’t abandon her.”

I clap slowly, the sound hollow in the quiet room. “Touching. Truly.” My voice hardens. “But what you owe Imema has nothing to do with me. Why should I suffer for your guilt? Why should I be collateral damage in your twisted redemption

story?”

I hold his gaze. “I’m getting a divorce.”

His eyes narrow. “You really want that?”

“Does Imema have you so convinced of your own desirability that you think this is a game?”

He almost smirks. “If you truly wanted divorce, you wouldn’t

bring it up in front of Aeson. You’re hoping he’ll intervene.

You’re using him.”

I laugh, short, sharp and utterly humorless. “He loves Ms. Volkov so much, he’s probably been praying for this day. You 4/8

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think he’ll stop it?”

Aires’s voice drops. “Enough of this nonsense.”

I turn to Aeson, smiling gently. “Aeson. Who do you like better,

me or Ms. Volkov?”

The question hangs in the air like a guillotine blade.

Aeson’s mouth opens, closes and then opens again.

Nothing comes out.

For the first time, he has no instant answer.

Aeson’s POV

Mom is favoring Robin now. The thought hits me like a punch

to the stomach. Why? Why him and not me? Panic claws at

my chest, making it hard to breathe. My face feels cold, pale.

Then she says the other word, ‘divorce‘. The word I never

thought I would hear. Mom and Dad splitting up? That’s not

supposed to happen. Moms don’t leave. They stay forever, no

matter what.

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“Aeson.” Her voice pulls me back.

I blink, realizing I missed something. She’s looking at me with those bright eyes that see everything.

“Who do you like better?” she asks again. “Me or Ms. Volkov?”

My mouth goes dry. I know what I’m supposed to say. Every kid should say their mom. But the words won’t come.

Ms. Volkov is gentler. Prettier. She smells like flowers, not like

grease or medicine. She lets me eat what I want, stay up late,

play as much as I want. When I’m tired the next day, she just

smiles and asks if I’m okay.

When kids at school bother me, Mom makes me apologize. Ms. Volkov says I did nothing wrong. She’s always on my side,

always believes me. That’s why I could fight Robin, because I

knew she’d talk to Dad and I wouldn’t get in trouble.

But whenever Dad scolds me at home, Mom just watches. Silent and never helping.

With all that, of course I like Ms. Volkov better.

But something feels wrong. Dad liking Ms. Volkov more than 6/8

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Mom? That’s not normal. I can’t explain it, but my stomach

twists at the thought.

I don’t want them to divorce. I like Ms. Volkov, but I don’t want

her to be my mom. I want my mom, even if she’s strict. Even

if she makes me apologize. Even if she smells like cooking oil

instead of flowers.

Dad’s voice finally breaks the silence. “There’s no need to

compare you and Imema.”

Mom nods like she expected that. “I know the answer.”

She looks at me. “Go to your room. Your father and I need to

talk.”

I glance at Dad. He doesn’t stop me.

I climb the stairs slowly, each step heavier than the last. At

the top, I pause, listening.

Their voices rise from below. I can’t make out the words, but

the tone is clear. Fighting. Arguing. Breaking.

I go to my room and close the door.

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I just want everything to go back to normal again.

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