Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299: Escaped

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Chapter 299

~Zara’s POV~

The day had been perfect, as far as outings with my mother went. We’d visited the farmer’s market, stopped by that quaint café she had been raving about, and even indulged in spa treatments that left me feeling more relaxed than I had been in weeks.

But deep down, I knew this was it. My final day here.

As we pulled into the packhouse driveway, I spotted an elder waiting by the grand entrance. The moment he saw the car, his expression lit up.

"Luna Zaria! And Princess Zara!" he called out as we stepped out of the vehicle.

I winced slightly at the title but managed a polite smile. "Elder Faris," Mum greeted warmly, striding toward him.

He bowed slightly before turning his attention to me. "Princess Zara, it’s so wonderful to see you here. Your presence truly lifts the spirit of this pack."

"Thank you, Elder Faris," I replied softly, avoiding my mother’s sharp gaze.

"Luna Zaria," Faris continued, his tone shifting to one of urgency, "I’ve come to discuss the final arrangements for tomorrow’s ceremony. The opening of the new foundation is a historic event for our pack. Your leadership has been instrumental, and, of course..." He glanced at me again. "It would be an honour to have Princess Zara present as well."

"Princess? Last I checked, we aren’t a kingdom."

Elder Faris smiled at me. "We used to be."

"But not anymore," I interjected.

He parted his lips to retort but smiled instead. Quickly, Mum interjected. "Well, concerning your idea..." she beamed at him, clearly pleased. "Of course, Elder Faris. Zara would be delighted to attend, wouldn’t you, darling?"

I offered another polite smile but didn’t commit to anything. "We’ll see," I murmured vaguely, hoping to keep my exit strategy under wraps.

The elder nodded, satisfied with my noncommittal response. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mum excused herself, leading me inside.

As soon as we entered the packhouse, I turned to her with a forced smile before she could suggest any more fun activity. "I need a shower after such a long day. I’ll see you at dinner."

"Don’t take too long," she advised in a tone still laced with that motherly authority I couldn’t shake.

"Of course," I replied, heading upstairs to my room.

Once inside, I wasted no time. I locked the door and grabbed my phone, dialling a trusted maid’s number.

"Hello, Lady Zara," the maid answered promptly.

"Is everything ready?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"Yes, My Lady. Your luggage has been taken to the airport as per your instructions. Silvia is waiting for you there."

A wave of relief washed over me. "Thank you, Mariam. You’ve been a great help."

"It’s my pleasure, Lady Zara," she said warmly.

"Sure. Please come to my room quickly and carefully to avoid any suspicion."

Fuck.

What Mum didn’t know—what no one knew—was that this had been my plan all along.

The night before, when she’d found me packing, I’d realised she was trying to keep me here. And while I understood her reasons, I couldn’t let her guilt me into staying longer.

So, after she left my room that evening, I had finished packing everything and stashed my luggage in a discreet spot for Mariam to collect. This morning, I made sure to be the first to meet Mum and lead her out for the day.

Now, as I walked away from the packhouse, a small smile tugged at my lips. I had played my cards carefully, and for once, I’d won against my mother.

I didn’t look back as I headed toward the car waiting for me at the edge of the property. My driver opened the door, and I slipped inside, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

"Airport," I instructed, and the car pulled away smoothly.

It wasn’t that I didn’t love my mother or the time we’d spent together. But this... this was my life now, and I couldn’t let anyone—not even her—control it.

As the car sped down the quiet road, I leaned back against the seat, clutching the little music box tightly in my hands.

This was the right decision. It had to be.

Just then, my phone’s ringtone broke me from my thoughts. I took it out and checked the caller to see Snow’s name on it.

A soft sigh escaped my lips. "Finally."

"Hey love, sorry I missed your call yesterday and haven’t been able to call back all day. How are you?"

"Better now."