Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

A direct message to my Aurora account.

My pulse quickened. I rarely used that account anymore–it was my

professional alias, the identity I’d created to sell my designs without

being associated with the Stone family name. Few people even knew

how to contact Aurora directly.

I tapped on the notification, curiosity overtaking caution. The

sender’s username was unfamiliar: DesignInnovator22. I opened the

message.

“Dear Aurora, I represent Crescent Design and would like to discuss a

potential collaboration. Your unique aesthetic would be perfect for

our upcoming collection. Would you be interested in joining our

creative team? We can offer very competitive compensation.”

I stared at the screen, a disbelieving laugh escaping my lips. Someone

from Crescent Design–Sebastien’s company, where I was currently

working as an intern–was trying to recruit my alter ego.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered, watching as another

message appeared.

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“Your work has caught the attention of our senior designers, and we

believe you would be an excellent addition to our team. Please

consider our offer and respond at your earliest convenience.”

I sat up straighter, mind racing. Who could be behind this? Sebastien

wouldn’t bother with recruitment–he had people for that. Daniel?

Possibly, but unlikely. Marcus Foster seemed the most probable

candidate. He was always on the lookout for talent, and he had the

authority to make offers like this.

I bit my lip, considering how to respond. The irony was almost too

much. I was already working at Crescent Design, already living a

double life of sorts. Taking on yet another layer of deception seemed

absurd.

“Sorry, but I’m not currently looking for new collaborations. I wish

you success in finding another suitable designer,” I typed, keeping it

professional and brief.

I sent the message, then set my phone aside with a sigh. This was

getting complicated. I’d created the Aurora persona years ago when I

needed freedom from the Stone family name, but I never expected it

to follow me like this.

“I’m done being Aurora,” I said to the empty room. “Those days of

hiding behind a pseudonym because wolves wouldn’t respect my work

otherwise… they’re over.”

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My phone chimed with an alarm reminder. I needed to sleep-

tomorrow would be another challenge. Catherine had insisted that

Sebastien and I visit the Stone family territory together, maintaining

the facade of our marriage despite our separation. I’d agreed mostly

to shut her up, but now I dreaded the prospect of spending hours with

Sebastien in close quarters.

I settled into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. “Just get through

tomorrow,” I told myself, one hand resting protectively over my

stomach. “One day at a time.”

Morning came too quickly. I woke to sunlight streaming through my

blinds and the irritating buzz of my phone. A text from Sebastien: “30

minutes. I’ll be waiting outside.”

Just seven words, cold and commanding. No “good morning,” no

“please be ready.” Typical Sebastien.

“Fine,” I texted back, matching his brevity.

I rushed through my morning routine, throwing on a simple but

elegant outfit–dark jeans, a loose cashmere sweater, and comfortable

ankle boots. The sweater’s flowing design would hide my stomach,

though there was nothing to show yet. Still, I was becoming

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increasingly paranoid about anyone noticing changes in my body.

After a quick breakfast of toast and ginger tea (the only thing that

seemed to settle my queasy stomach these days), I grabbed my purse

and headed downstairs. Right on time, a sleek black SUV pulled up to

the curb.

I steeled myself before walking out. Seeing Sebastien always required

emotional preparation, like bracing for impact before a collision.

The driver–not Daniel this time, but someone I didn’t recognize-

opened the door for me. I nodded my thanks and moved to slide into

the back seat.

I stopped short. The entire back seat was filled with shopping bags,

boxes, and what looked like… was that a giant stuffed wolf?

“What the hell is all this?” I blurted out.

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