Sold to Bastard Alpha after My Divorce! novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169: Chapter 169

Aria’s POV

The question hung in the air between us.

"Will you move in with me?"

My heart stopped. Then started racing. Too fast. Too hard.

Move in with him?

The words echoed in my head. Over and over. Each repetition making my chest tighter.

I wanted to say yes. God, I wanted to say yes.

But my mouth wouldn’t work. My throat was tight. My hands were shaking.

Because all I could think about was Finn.

The memories crashed over me like a wave. Sudden. Overwhelming.

Moving into the Nightfang mansion. Excited. Nervous. Hopeful.

Thinking that marriage would fix everything. That giving him a home would make him love me.

Instead, I got Irene.

Finn’s mother.

That woman with her sharp eyes and sharper tongue. Looking at me like I was dirt she’d tracked in on her expensive shoes.

*"You’re Shadow Moon blood. You’ll never be good enough for my son."*

*"Omega trash. That’s all you are."*

*"Don’t touch that. It’s too valuable for someone like you."*

Every day. Every single day. Finding new ways to make me feel small. Worthless. Like I didn’t belong.

And Finn? He’d just stood there. Let it happen. Sometimes even laughed.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides.

What if Kael’s family was the same? What if his mother looked at me the way Irene had? What if—

"Aria?"

We are reaching Lina’s school unknowingly. Kael’s voice pulled me back. Gentle. Concerned.

I looked up at him. Those black-gold eyes searching my face.

"You’re not breathing." His hand found mine. Warm. Steady. "Talk to me. What’s wrong?"

I opened my mouth. Closed it. Tried again.

No words came out.

He stepped closer. Not crowding. Just close enough that I could feel his warmth.

"Is it about my family?" His voice was soft. Understanding. "Are you worried about meeting them?"

My eyes burned.

He knew. Of course he knew.

"I..." My voice came out strangled. "I just... What if—"

"Hey." He cupped my face. Made me look at him.

Then he laughed.

A real laugh. Deep and genuine. The kind that made his whole face light up.

"You’re absolutely right." He crouched down to Lina’s level. "I apologize. That was very inconsiderate of me."

"It’s okay." Lina nodded seriously. "You’re still learning. I forgive you."

I pressed my hand to my mouth. Trying not to laugh.

"Thank you for being so understanding." Kael’s eyes twinkled. "You’re much smarter than I am."

"I know." Lina beamed. "It’s because I’m a girl. Girls are always smarter."

He stood. Looked at me over Lina’s head. That warm smile still on his face.

The tension from earlier had completely dissolved. Replaced by something lighter. Easier.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out. Glanced at the screen.

A text from Sophie: *Hi Aria! How are you? I’m so BORED! Have you hunted down any hot wolf guys yet? I miss you so much! Call me tonight?*

Despite everything, I smiled.

Sophie. Always so dramatic. Always making me laugh.

I typed back quickly: *Of course. Talk tonight!*

Another text from Sophie: *Can’t wait! I want ALL the details! Don’t leave anything out!*