Fated To Three Betrayed By All Until She Rose (Leilani) by Ahvahh novel Chapter 145

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

—

The hearing.

Leilani.

1

As dawn broke the next day, I found myself staring at the reflection in the mirror, and I couldn’t help but cringe. I looked like I had been through a blender—my hair was a wild mess, my body ached as if I had been trampled by a herd of elephants, and every time I shifted even slightly, my limbs protested with a dull throb of discomfort. However, the most significant aspect of my morning was not just my disheveled appearance.

No, the real kicker was that I had shifted, and now, the aftermath left me feeling utterly miserable.

My bones throbbed with lingering soreness, and while I was undeniably weaker than usual, it was a far cry from the excruciating pain that had accompanied my first transformation. I could hardly believe it; at least this time, I wasn’t confined to a hospital bed.

-So perhaps I was genuinely healing.

With this glimmer of hope in mind, I mustered the strength to pull myself upright.

After spending the night—whether passed out or simply sleeping—in the bathroom, all I had to do was turn on the faucet and immerse myself in the comforting embrace of steaming hot water.

As the warmth enveloped my skin, I felt the tension in my muscles begin to ease, a soothing balm that calmed my racing thoughts, if only for a fleeting moment. But then reality crashed back in; I had to be at work shortly and later, at the courthouse.

I hurriedly drained the tub, quickly toweled off, and slipped into a pair of simple gray pants paired with a crisp white shirt. I completed my ensemble with my sleek black So Kate’s, a small but powerful reminder that I could still present myself with some semblance of dignity.

-I was well aware of my disheveled state, but I refused to allow my appearance to dictate my mood. With that determination, I stepped out into the world.

Work was a whirlwind. I moved through the day like a zombie, my mind on autopilot as I tackled tasks one after the other. When the meeting with the Landrys finally concluded, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Alpha Richard approached me, a slow, genuine smile gracing his lips. “I always knew you had talent, but I never realized just how exceptional you truly are,” he remarked softly.

I returned his smile, feeling a flicker of pride. “Thank you.”

“Also,” he continued, his tone earnest, “my offer to hire you still stands. If you ever decide that this place isn’t for you, you’ll always have a spot with us.” His words were kind, but I knew deep down that I would never take him up on that offer. It felt better to let him hold onto hope than to crush his spirits with the truth.

I replied, “I’d like to think you’re satisfied with my work, then, right?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, his voice warm. “To celebrate our successful collaboration, I’d love to invite you to dinner tonight.”

I felt a frown tug at my lips. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and despite the sincerity in his smile, I found myself unable to accept his invitation. “I’m really sorry, but—”

“It doesn’t have to be tonight,” he interjected cheerfully, but I shook my head again.

“I can’t promise you something I know I won’t be able to follow through on,” I said firmly.

“Leilani…” he said gently, drawing out my name, “this isn’t our first meal together. Remember, you promised me we’d have lunch someday… so don’t turn me down now.”

His words hung in the air, and I nodded politely, but unwilling to fully commit, I replied, “I’ll think about it.”

With that, I turned and walked away before he could respond, my heart racing as I joined Jarek to discuss a few pressing matters. After wrapping up our conversation, I leaned in and whispered, “I need to leave now.”

His expression shifted to one of concern as he asked, “Do you want me to come with you, Sweetcakes?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify