Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 255

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 255

Iris’s POV

Ethan drove me home. I watched the streetlights slide past the car window, their glow creating rhythmic patterns of light and shadow across my lap. My mind was still processing everything that had happened. The sandalwood box holding the jade jewelry sat on my lap, and I found myself running my fingers over the carved lid again and again.

In the rearview mirror, I caught Ethan glancing at me repeatedly, his brow furrowed with what looked like concern.

Finally, he broke the silence. “About tonight,” he said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Don’t take it too much to heart.

Amanda is…” He paused, searching for the right words. “She’s been spoiled. She’s always wary around strangers, but she’s

not a bad person.”

“I understand,” I replied simply. And I did. Family dynamics were rarely simple, especially when someone new entered the picture. Amanda’s hostility hadn’t surprised me I’d faced worse from Catherine for years. At least Amanda had principles

she wouldn’t compromise, even for someone she disliked.

Back at Blue Harbor, I kicked off my heels the moment I walked through the door. My feet ached from standing too long, and I wiggled my toes against the cool hardwood floor with relief. I changed out of my dress, hanging it carefully before slipping into a comfortable robe. The sandalwood box found its place on my nightstand, the jade pieces visible through the

partially open lid.

I ran my bath extra hot, adding a few drops of the lavender oil Rachel had given me to help with pregnancy stress. The

a small sigh escaping my lips as my muscles relaxed steam fogged the mirror as I eased myself into the wate immediately. Tension seeped out of my shoulders, and I let my head rest against the edge of the tub.

As I soaked, my thoughts circled back to those questioning looks from some Lowell family members. Their doubt had been ments, the evaluating glances. I need to prove myself worthy. I obvious in the slight narrowing of eyes, the whispered

have to show them Jack’s choice wasn’t wrong.

I rubbed my hand gently over my stomach, the

one. No matter what happens, I’ll make

After my bath, I wrapped myself in my

waiting for my approval. My birthday

Skin

sure you “arm and smooth beneath my palm. And I need to protect you, little

safe.

and padded barefoot to my desk, where I noticed the invitation samples

tion was approaching fast – the first one I would celebrate as 1 26721 7

picked up the guest list and went through it name by name, mentally checking off people who genuinely wished me well and crossing out those whose presen

When my finger reached Willi

immediately, like

an unwelcom

I don’t want him at

Grey’s

would only add tension.

my heart gave an uncomfortable lurch. Thoughts of Sebastien followed shadow. My jaw tightened involuntarily, and I realized I was gripping the paper too hard.

my party. It would only make things awkward for everyone, especially me.

O

1/3

C

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09:44 Thu, May 14

Chapter 255

The memory of his coldness, his accusations, his disbelief in me – they all bubbled up, turning my stomach sour. The way he’d looked at me when I asked for a divorce, like I was some stranger he’d never truly known. This celebration was about me embracing my new identity, not about reopening old wounds.

“I’ll only send an invitation to William Grey himself,” I decided aloud, my voice firm in the quiet room. “Not to any other Grey family members. This will be my first decision as a member of the Lowell family.”

I felt a strange

party is ab

ver me as I made the decision. This isn’t revenge. It’s just avoiding unnecessary conflict. This

I pic

nd called the event planner. When she answered, I got straight to the point. “About the invitations Villiam Grey’s invitation is delivered dire

im.”

You want us to deliver invitations to th

detected a hint of curiosity. The Gre

ite the talking point.

plied, my voice firmer than I’d int

ated, then added, “Could you al

llow later, but I’d like him

mily members as well?” Her voice was professionally

on was well-known in our community, and my divorce

m Grey. No one else from that family.”

ey a call tonight to personally inform him? The printed invitation

at he’s welcome.”

ainly. I’ll call him as

er ending the cal

n trying to re

ed by

1, picturing William’s reaction when he received the news. The old man had my divorce from his grandson. He’d sent flowers, called to check on me, even

uld please him.

when he learned he’d been excluded. Would his jaw tighten the way it did when he

? Or would he just shrug it off, pretending not to care?

g about me. Now he can experience what it feels like to be excluded.

slid hangers aside one by one, evaluating each dress critically. Finally, I selected one for the design in deep emerald that would both look elegant and conceal my slightly rounded belly. I held lying my reflection in the mirror. The jade jewelry would complement it perfectly, the green stones

of gold in my eyes.

bed, my phone chim

king forward to celebrating with you.

g you too. Don’t worry, I’m doing

2/3

ctri

09:44 Thu, May 14

Chapter 255

I placed the phone on my nightstand, next to the jade box. The moonlight filtering through my curtains caught t stones, making them seem to glow with an inner light. From being doubted to being accepted. From being alone t a powerful family behind me.

With the jewelry box as a tangible symbol of my new identity, I pulled the covers up and closed my eyes, feeling m I had in months. Tomorrow would mark not just my birthday, but my rebirth as a Lowell.

ents

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09:45 Thu, May 14

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret