Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 247

Chapter 247 He Was Truly Here!

Natalie’s POV:

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Victoria’s face went pale with shock, then flushed with embarrassment. “Natalie, don’t talk nonsense! I was just doing my job…” she tried to argue, but her voice lost its composure.

“Your dedication to Leonardo is obvious to everyone,” I interrupted her again. My tone remained even but carried undeniable force. “Even though we only recently took our vow at the Temple of the Moon Goddess, the bond between Leonardo and me is not something you can judge… or interfere with.” My words were heavy, but my voice was quiet. The power in my presence was suddenly intimidating.

Victoria’s face went from ashen to all heated up. She finally realized I wasn’t the weak or impulsive woman she’d imagined, one she could easily manipulate with public opinion. She noticed the change in the onlookers’ eyes. The sympathy once directed at her had turned into scrutiny, doubt, and even faint disdain.

A low murmur rose around us.

A man said, “So Victoria isn’t just nice… She’s trying to steal someone’s mate?”

Another man stated, “Who would have thought? She seems so kind on the outside. How low of her!”

“Natalie! I know you’re upset about the rumors, but you can’t… You can’t just make wild accusations!” Victoria struggled to steady her voice, trying to put that mask of injured innocence back on.

I was about to speak when a slightly hoarse, achingly familiar voice sounded from behind me. “Since when does my Luna need to bother with such baseless gossip?”

My whole world seemed to freeze. My blood felt like it drained away, then rushed to my head.

I turned stiffly, blinking in disbelief and my eyes widening a tiny bit. My gaze drifted first past the stunned villagers, then past Victoria-her face had gone deathly pale. Finally, it locked on the figure Aaron was gently holding up. Even so, that figure still stood straight.

It was Leonardo.

He wore a light blue hospital gown under a dark coat thrown over his shoulders. His face was pale from blood loss, his lips colorless, and there was a deep weariness in his eyes from his recent injury.

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18:36 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 247 He Was Truly Here!

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But none of it could diminish the powerful aura of a top-tier Alpha that surrounded him. It was the Silver-Maned Pack leader’s innate authority from the bloodline and his strength. Even weak and injured, his presence was still commanding.

My eyes instantly stung, my vision blurring. My throat felt blocked. I couldn’t make a sound. My thoughts went blank. I could only stare as he walked toward me, steady and slow.

Before I could react, he was in front of me. Up close, I could see the sharpness of his jaw and the faint shadows under his eyes. Heartache, fine and sharp, needled through my chest. Tears fell uncontrollably. I wanted to laugh and cry at once, my expression crumbling.

“You… When did you…” I found my voice, but it broke into a sob. My first impulse was to throw myself into his arms, to hug him tightly and confirm he was real. But my hands, half-raised, stopped abruptly. I was afraid of touching wounds that hadn’t healed.

“Silly,” he smiled softly, seeing right through me.

A faint mist also gathered in his eyes, but he let out a soft chuckle, full of endless affection and helplessness. Then he reached out, wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and pulled me firmly against him.

The familiar warmth enveloped me, carrying the faint scent of medicine and his own unique presence. My cheek pressed against his chest. Through the thin hospital gown, I could hear the strong, steady beat of his heart.

He was really awake. This wasn’t a dream. He was truly here!

Joy, fear, grievance, relief—all the pent-up emotions burst through, washing away my last defenses. I stopped holding back. I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, my fingers clutching the fabric of his clothes. I buried my face deep in his chest, letting my tears soak into the material.

Leonardo’s body stiffened for a moment, then he held me tighter. He raised a hand, his slightly calloused fingers gently stroking my hair.

“I’m sorry.” His voice sounded above my head, rough and thick with guilt. “I worried you again.”

I shook my head, my face still buried against him, and just held him tighter. Now wasn’t the

time for that.

I managed to stem the flood of tears. I lifted my red, tear-streaked face from his chest to look at him urgently. “Are you hurt anywhere else? Does it hurt? Why aren’t you resting in the hospital?” My voice was thick with tears.

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18:36 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 247 He Was Truly Here!

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“I’m fine,” he said softly. His gaze focused on my face, filled with so much concern it was almost tangible. “But you… You were so exhausted that you fell asleep on the sofa last night. Is

cold any better?”

your

He knew? Was he awake last night? And he knew I slept on the sofa? Had he been the one who carried me to bed?

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