Sold to Bastard Alpha after My Divorce! novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Chapter 180

Aria’s POV

Sophie hadn’t stopped staring at Kael since she walked through the door.

Not in a friendly way.

"So." She leaned back against the counter. Arms crossed. Eyes narrowed. "You’re the famous Bastard Alpha."

Kael’s eyebrow rose. "I prefer just Kael."

"I bet you do."

The temperature in the room dropped about ten degrees.

Lina, bless her, was completely oblivious. She was showing Lilith her collection of stuffed animals. Chattering away about which one was the bravest and which one was the best at sleeping.

I shot Sophie a look. *Behave.*

She ignored me completely.

"You know what’s funny?" Sophie pushed off the counter. Walked closer to Kael. "Aria told me all about you. Three years ago. When she showed up pregnant and crying and completely broken."

"Sophie—" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"No no." She held up a hand. Still staring at Kael. "Let me finish. She told me about this man who paid her off like she was nothing. Who made her feel worthless. Who destroyed her so completely she ran to another territory just to get away."

Kael’s jaw tightened.

"And NOW." Sophie gestured at him. "Now you’re standing in her apartment. Eating her food. Acting like you belong here."

"I’m trying to make things right," Kael said quietly.

"Are you?" Sophie tilted her head. "Or are you just bored? Looking for entertainment? Planning to hurt her again when something shinier comes along?"

"That’s not—"

"Because if you are." Her voice dropped. Got colder. "If you even THINK about hurting her again, I will personally fly back here and make your life a living hell. I don’t care if you’re an Alpha. I don’t care if you’re powerful. I will END you."

I grabbed Sophie’s arm. "Okay. That’s enough."

"Is it though?"

"Yes." I pulled her away from Kael. Lowered my voice. "I appreciate the protective friend routine. Really. But he’s actually trying. He’s been good to me. To both girls."

Sophie looked at me. Really looked at me.

Then she sighed.

"Fine." She turned back to Kael. "But I’m watching you. Very closely. All night."

"Understood," Kael said.

---

Dinner was... interesting.

I’d set the table. Five plates. Five sets of silverware. The lasagna in the center, still steaming.

Sophie sat across from Kael. Her eyes tracking his every movement like a hawk watching prey.

Lina was oblivious to the tension. She was telling Lilith about her favorite teacher. About the art project they were working on. About how glitter got EVERYWHERE and it was the best thing ever.

"So Kael." Sophie’s voice cut through the moment. "What are your intentions with Aria?"

I choked on my water.

"Sophie!"

"What?" She looked at me innocently. "It’s a valid question. He shows up at your door with expensive takeout. Kisses you in front of your children. Acts like he’s part of the family." She turned back to Kael. "So I’m asking. What’s the endgame here?"

Kael set down his fork. Wiped his mouth. Met Sophie’s gaze directly.

"I love her." The words came out simple. Direct. "And I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving I’m worthy of her."

Silence.

Sophie blinked.

"Oh." She sat back. "Well. That’s... that’s actually a good answer."

---

After dinner, Kael helped clear the table. Sophie watched him carry plates to the sink. Watched him rinse them. Watched him load them into the dishwasher with careful precision.

"You don’t have servants to do this?" she asked.

"I do." He dried his hands. "But I prefer doing it myself. Especially here."

The girls had migrated to Lina’s room. I could hear them talking. Giggling. The sound of stuffed animals being arranged and rearranged.

Normal kid sounds.

The kind Lilith probably hadn’t made in years.

Kael checked his watch. "I should probably go."

"What?" Lina appeared in the doorway. "But you just got here!"

"I’ve been here for three hours, little monster."

"That’s not long enough!"

He smiled. Walked over to her. Ruffled her hair gently.

"Your mommy has guests. You girls need time to catch up. Talk about girl things."

"Like what?"

"I have no idea. That’s why I’m leaving."

Lina giggled.

He turned to Lilith. She was standing behind Lina. Quieter. More reserved.

"Goodnight, Lilith."

She nodded. "Goodnight."

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