Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 325

Chapter 325 A Wedding

Leonardo’s POV:

461

Finished

My heart clenched. I looked up instinctively. “You saw Victoria?” Damn it! Would Natalie misunderstand?

“Yes. She seemed to have just left here,” Natalie said as she walked in, her tone unreadable.

“Natalie, don’t misunderstand!” I hurried after her, my voice strained with urgency. “Me being here has nothing to do with her. She showed up on her own. I don’t know who told her.” I was rambling, trying to explain. No matter what, I couldn’t let her get the wrong idea because of Victoria.

“Let’s not talk about Victoria right now. Let’s talk about us,” Natalie cut me off. She strode coldly past me into the room. She looked around, then walked over and sat down at the window-side bar. Her voice was flat. “Nice place.”

She seemed calm-too calm. That calmness made me more nervous than anger would have. I quietly closed the door and followed her. Not knowing what to say, I turned and went to the kitchen to pour a glass of water, placing it in front of her.

“It’s cold out. You’re not dressed warmly enough,” I said, noticing her light clothing under her coat. I reached over and turned up the thermostat.

She didn’t say anything. Her hands moved to gently cradle the glass. Under the warm light, the lines of her profile were soft yet resolute.

I stood nearby, my throat dry. “About Victoria, please don’t get the wrong idea. Even if things between us… There’s no chance with her.” Worried she might be upset, I repeated it, my voice low.

Seeing the lack of warmth in her eyes when she looked at me made my chest ache.

She asked, “Even if things between us?”

I couldn’t look at her, but she stared straight at me. Her gaze was clear and sharp, leaving no room for escape.

I was speechless. All my prepared words about letting go seemed pale and cowardly under her direct stare. They felt like excuses.

“Between us…” I heard my own hoarse voice. “You should think it over carefully.”

“Think what over?” She gave me no room for vagueness, pressing forward. “Think over breaking our mate bond?”

I fell silent, unable to confirm or deny. Alpha pride and inner fear held me still.

I looked away. After a long pause, I said, “If you make a decision, I’ll have Aaron draw up the paperwork tomorrow. Whatever terms you have, if I can meet them, I will.”

Natalie’s POV:

His voice was utterly flat, devoid of any inflection, still and cold.

15:42 Wed, Jan 28 GM.

Chapter 325 A Wedding

61

Finished

He wore only a loose-fitting T-shirt, which made his tall frame seem gaunt and lonely. This was nothing like the meticulous, impeccably dressed leader of the Silver-Maned Pack, even at home. Stubble shadowed his jaw, his silver-gray hair was slightly disheveled, and dark circles were evident under his eyes.

Looking at him like this made me both angry and heartbroken. His calm, detached act-making plans like it was all over-made me want to bite him.

I let out a cold laugh. “Fine.”

Leonardo seemed taken aback for a moment, not expecting me to agree so readily. The light in his eyes dimmed instantly, darker than the night outside.

“Breaking the bond is fine,” I continued, my tone businesslike. “But I want a share of your assets. I won’t be unreasonable. From your personal holdings, I want no less than one-third.”

His lips parted slightly. His jaw tightened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Okay.”

Seeing him agree so readily made my breath catch and anger flare. “I also want a villa. The marital home you promised me. I haven’t even lived in it yet.”

“Fine.” His voice remained even. “Pick any one you like. Just tell me which.”

Seeing him still show no reaction, I nodded, struggling to maintain my own composure. “One last thing.”

“Name it,” he said, as if prepared for any demand.

“A wedding. A grand, formal mate bonding ceremony, witnessed by all pack members and allies,” I said, each word clear.

Leonardo finally showed a flicker of surprise. He instinctively looked up at me. At the same time, I stood and walked directly over to him. I stopped right in front of him, looking up. A thin layer of anger simmered in my eyes.

“You made promises to me. You haven’t kept a single one. Even if we end the bond, I want the ceremony first. I want to stand by your side as your mate, just once.” My voice was quiet but held an undeniable firmness.

“Natalie…” Leonardo was momentarily confused, his eyes filled with bewilderment and conflict.

I didn’t give him time to think. I reached out, grabbed the collar of his T-shirt, and yanked him toward me. He was much taller, so he had to bend down. His face came close to mine, almost brushing my nose.

Leonardo’s breathing hitched. His brow furrowed, and his gaze grew complex. “Stop this,” he said hoarsely.

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