Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Chapter 19 No Praises

SOPHIA’S POV

After telling him everything, Lance took me to a restaurant.

When we got there, my breath hitched.

I recognized the place instantly.

It had once been my favorite. Damien used to bring me here after long board meetings. We would come here to hang out sometimes for date nights.

The restaurant was still the same. Nothing had changed. The gold lighting still glowed softly against the walls. The tables were arranged the same way. Even the piano music still sounded familiar. My wolf whimpered inside me.

She knew that this was territory that no longer belonged to us. I lifted my chin and kept walking. I refused to turn back. I refused to let my past stop me from having a good time.

Before the hostess could even greet us, my eyes landed on a table across the room. Damien sat there. Simon and Nate were with him, his business partners. Ashley sat close to Damien’s side. Tiffany sat across from them.

The sight punched the air out of my chest.

Of course they would be here.

My first instinct was to turn around and leave, to protect myself. I almost listened. Almost.

Instead, I reached for Lance’s sleeve.

"I’m fine," I said quickly, before he could ask.

I knew he had already noticed my expression and the change in my breathing.

Lance looked at me closely. "Sophia," he said quietly, "we can go if you want."

"I know," I replied. "But I’m not leaving."

He hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I said. "I am sure."

More than sure in fact.

I chose a table far enough from their table to pretend they weren’t there. Lance nodded and pulled out my chair. I sat, straightened my spine, and forced composure. Inside, my heart slammed hard against my ribs.

My wolf was restless inside me. She felt aware of Damien long before his eyes ever found me. I picked up the menu.

"You’re shaking," Lance murmured.

"Habit," I said. "It’ll pass."

He didn’t push. "Tell me what you feel like eating."

"I don’t know," I admitted. "Something nice. I like surprises."

We talked, slowly at first. About work. About his latest project. About how long it had been since we last saw each other properly. I asked about his travels. He asked about mine.

We reminisced about moments from years ago that had nothing to do with Damien, and I held onto those memories.

Still, I felt him across the room. I wondered if he had noticed me yet, then immediately scolded myself.

I wasn’t his wife anymore. I wasn’t anything to him. I repeated that to myself until it almost felt true.

I could hear laughter coming from Damien’s table and I couldn’t help but look over.

Damien looked relaxed, confident, powerful. Ashley leaned against his arm. Tiffany sat there, looking graceful. Simon leaned back, lifting his wine glass.

"Tiffany’s achievements are impressive," Simon said loudly. "I mean, she has a master’s degree, international piano competitions, modeling, acting. She’s everywhere."

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