Sold to Bastard Alpha after My Divorce! novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182: Chapter 182

Aria’s POV

The morning light filtered through my bedroom curtains, soft and golden.

I blinked awake slowly. My body was warm. Comfortable. The kind of peaceful that came from a good night’s sleep.

Sophie was still passed out on the air mattress beside my bed. One arm flung over her face. Her blonde hair a complete disaster. Soft snores coming from her slightly open mouth.

I smiled.

Some things never changed.

I slipped out of bed quietly. Carefully. Trying not to wake her.

Made it exactly two steps before my phone buzzed on the nightstand.

Sophie groaned. Threw a pillow in my general direction without opening her eyes.

"Turn it off," she mumbled. "It’s too early for noise."

"It’s seven thirty."

"EXACTLY. Too early."

I grabbed my phone. Checked the screen.

A text from Kael: *Good morning. Sleep well?*

My stomach did that stupid flutter thing it always did when I saw his name.

I typed back quickly: *Yes. You?*

Kael: *Would have been better if you were next to me.*

My face heated.

Before I could respond, Sophie’s voice cut through my thoughts.

"Is that your hot Alpha boyfriend?" Her words were muffled by the pillow still covering her face.

"Maybe."

"Tell him I said hi."

"You’re not even awake."

"I’m VERY awake." She lifted the pillow slightly. One eye cracked open. "Awake enough to know you’re blushing like a schoolgirl."

I threw the pillow back at her.

She caught it. Groaned dramatically. Then suddenly sat bolt upright.

"OH MY GOD."

"What?"

"Cassius!" She grabbed my arm. Shook it. "CASSIUS. The hot doctor. You need to call him RIGHT NOW."

I blinked. "What?

" Please set us up! Call him! Tell him I’m here! Tell him we should all hang out!"

She was practically vibrating.

I looked at her. At the mess of blonde hair. The pajamas that were somehow already twisted around her body. The pure, unfiltered enthusiasm radiating from her face.

I couldn’t help it.

I started laughing and then sighed. Pulled up Cassius’s contact.

Hit call.

It rang twice before he answered.

"Aria?" His voice was warm. Slightly confused. "Everything okay? It’s pretty early."

"Hi, Cassius. Sorry to call so early." I shot Sophie a look. She was grinning like a maniac. "I just wanted to let you know that Sophie’s in town. My friend from the human world?"

"Oh!" The confusion cleared. "That’s great. How long is she staying?"

"About a week. And we were thinking..." I took a breath. "Maybe we could all grab dinner together? You, me, Sophie, Kael, and the girls?"

Silence on the other end.

Then: "Kael’s going to be there?"

My stomach tightened.

"Yes," I said carefully. "But it would just be casual. Friendly. No weird Alpha posturing or anything."

Another pause.

Sophie was making frantic gestures beside me. Mouthing words I couldn’t understand.

"Please?" I added. "Sophie really wants to meet everyone. And the girls would love to see you."

That did it.

I heard him sigh. "Okay. Fine. But if Kael starts any Alpha nonsense, I’m leaving."

"Deal."

"What time?"

"Six? I’ll text you the restaurant."

"See you then."

I hung up.

Sophie immediately launched herself at me. Grabbed my shoulders. Shook me.

"YES!" She jumped off the air mattress. Started dancing around my room. "This is happening! I’m going to meet the hot doctor! I need to shower! I need to do my hair! I need to pick an outfit!"

---

The rest of the day was a blur.

Sophie spent four hours getting ready. Changed outfits six times. Did her makeup three times. Straightened then curled then straightened her hair again.

I got Lilith and Lina ready. Simple dresses. Nothing fancy. Just nice enough for dinner out.

"Why is Sophie taking so long?" Lina asked. She was sitting on my bed. Swinging her legs. "We’re going to be late!"

"She wants to look pretty," I explained.

"But she already looks pretty!"

"Thank you, Lina!" Sophie’s voice came from the bathroom. "You’re my favorite person now!"

---

The restaurant was one of those nice places. Not fancy. But nice.

Warm lighting. Cloth napkins. Real silverware.

Kael was already there when we arrived. Sitting at a table near the back. Looking ridiculously handsome in dark jeans and a button-up shirt.

He stood when he saw us. That smile spreading across his face.

"Hi." His eyes found mine immediately.

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