I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 98

**TITLE: I Left Before He Learned My Worth**

**Chapter 98**

**ARIA**

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the courtyard, where a vibrant display of fresh produce was laid out for all to see. The table was adorned with an array of colors: raw-sliced tomatoes glistened like rubies, crisp lettuce leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and cucumber rounds were arranged like little green coins. Fresh berries added splashes of deep red and blue, their sweetness almost palpable in the air. On the other side, sautéed vegetables sizzled with a hint of char, roasted squash exuded a comforting aroma, and blanched beans looked bright and inviting. The scents wafting through the space were nothing short of intoxicating, a testament to the quality of the ingredients.

Jason navigated through the throng of people, his enthusiasm infectious as he offered samples to anyone willing to indulge. The reactions were immediate, like a wave of excitement washing over the crowd.

“It tastes completely normal,” remarked a woman, her voice laced with disbelief as she sank her teeth into a juicy strawberry. “Better than normal, actually. So much fresher!”

“The tomatoes are incredible,” chimed in another voice, a hint of awe evident. “I’ve never tasted anything this good from our regular gardens!”

Even the elders, often the most critical of critics, were drawn in by the flavors. Elder Morrison bit into a roasted carrot, his eyes fluttering closed as he savored the taste, a rare smile breaking through his usually stoic demeanor.

“Remarkable,” he finally declared, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “Truly remarkable. Ivory, you’ve outdone yourself.”

The energy in the courtyard surged, building to a crescendo as people began to call out questions, suggestions, and praise. A chant of Ivory’s name erupted spontaneously, echoing off the walls and enveloping her in a wave of adoration.

I observed her reaction to this whirlwind of attention—a subtle discomfort flickered across her face, but it was quickly overshadowed by an undeniable pride. Yet, her gaze frequently drifted toward Jason, seeking reassurance in his presence, like a lighthouse guiding her through a stormy sea.

And then there was Kael, his eyes fixed on her, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. Through our bond, I could feel the complexity of his feelings. Pride surged through him for what Ivory had achieved, a deep admiration for her brilliance and dedication. Yet, beneath that lay a thread of possessiveness, a hint of jealousy that flared every time she looked at Jason, or touched his arm, or shared a laugh with him.

He wasn’t envious of her success, I realized. No, his jealousy was directed at Jason—the bond that had formed between them, the way Ivory sought comfort from him instead of turning to Kael as she once did.

As the demonstration began to wind down, the samples had been thoroughly enjoyed, and the crowd started to break into smaller groups, still buzzing with discussions about what they had witnessed. Ivory was in her element, fielding questions from the elders, explaining the intricate details of the compound’s composition and its potential applications with an ease that came from deep knowledge.

Jason stood close by, not intruding on the official discourse but remaining readily available should Ivory need him. Lia, the little girl he was caring for, was happily munching on a strawberry, juice trickling down her chin, completely absorbed in her own little world.

“We should talk to her,” I suggested quietly to Kael, leaning in so only he could hear. “We need to officially acknowledge her accomplishments. She deserves to know the pack leadership supports her research.”

Kael nodded, though I could sense his reluctance through our bond. He didn’t want to interrupt, didn’t want to insert himself into a situation where Ivory had clearly established her own support system.

But he was Alpha. He had responsibilities that came with that title. One of those responsibilities was recognizing and supporting the achievements of his pack members, no matter how difficult it might be for him personally.

We made our way through the crowd, and as we approached Ivory, I noticed her demeanor shift. The moment she spotted us, a coolness washed over her features, a professional distance sliding into place like an impenetrable shield.

“Alpha Kael. Luna Aria,” she greeted us, her voice formal and measured. “I hope the demonstration met your expectations.”

“We should discuss the next steps in greater detail,” Kael said, regaining his composure. “Perhaps tomorrow, once things have settled. I’d like to understand the timeline for expanded testing, what resources you’ll need, and how we can best support your continued research.”

“Of course,” Ivory agreed readily. “I’ll prepare a formal proposal outlining my recommendations. Jason can present it if my presence at the meeting would be… uncomfortable for anyone.”

The implication was unmistakable—she was offering to step back from discussions if her presence would cause tension. If being around Kael, or me, or both of us together felt too daunting.

“Your presence is required,” Kael asserted firmly, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. “This is your research, your achievement. You should be the one presenting and discussing it.”

Ivory studied him for a moment, something inscrutable flickering in her gaze. Finally, she nodded once, accepting his decision with quiet resolve.

“Tomorrow then. If you’ll excuse me, I should begin organizing my notes while everything is still fresh.” She turned to Jason. “Would you help me carry the equipment back to the storage room?”

“Of course,” he replied without hesitation, springing into action as he began gathering the potted plants and remaining supplies.

As they departed together, Ivory animatedly explained some technical detail while Jason listened intently, Lia skipping alongside them with her half-eaten strawberry in hand. In that moment, they looked like a family—something so natural, so right, so complete.

Kael’s gaze lingered on them, a mix of emotions playing across his features—loss, longing, and something that resembled grief.

“She’s moving on,” I murmured softly, unsure if I was trying to comfort him or prepare him for what was to come. “Building something new.”