Sold to Bastard Alpha after My Divorce! novel Chapter 89

Chapter 89: Chapter 89

Aria’s POV

That night, I could barely sleep.

Every possible disaster played through my mind on an endless loop. Lina getting overwhelmed by the noise and chaos. Lina accidentally breaking something—a desk, a toy, another child’s arm. Lina being rejected by the other children despite all of Mrs. Thornwood’s assurances about kindness and inclusion.

I stared at the ceiling. Counted the cracks in the plaster. Listened to the wind rustling through the trees outside.

What if this was a mistake?

What if I was setting her up for more heartbreak?

The human schools had been hard enough. But at least there, she was just "different." Here, in the wolf world, she was the daughter of a wolfless mother. A half-breed raised among humans. An outsider in every possible way.

I rolled onto my side. Punched my pillow. Tried to find a comfortable position.

Sleep never came.

By the time morning light crept through the curtains, I was exhausted. My eyes burned. My head throbbed. Every muscle in my body felt like lead.

But Lina was the opposite—bouncing off the walls with nervous energy.

"Mommy, is it time yet?" She appeared at my bedroom door, already dressed in her new uniform. The navy blue dress was slightly too big, the white collar crooked, but she looked adorable. "Is it? Is it time?"

"Almost, baby." I dragged myself out of bed. Forced a smile. "Eat your breakfast first."

"I’m not hungry."

"Three bites. Then we go."

She managed five. A small victory.

I watched her push scrambled eggs around her plate, her little leg bouncing impatiently under the table. She was nervous too—I could see it in the way she kept glancing at the clock, in the way she chewed her bottom lip.

But her nervousness was different from mine. Hers was anticipation. Excitement. Hope.

Mine was pure, undiluted terror.

---

The drive to Silverpine felt shorter today. Or maybe I was just dreading it more.

The morning sun painted everything in shades of gold and green. Trees lined the road like sentinels, their leaves rustling in the breeze. It should have been peaceful. Calming.

It wasn’t.

My hands gripped the steering wheel so tight my knuckles went white.

The parking lot was already filling up when we arrived. Expensive cars lined up in an orderly queue. Parents in designer clothes chatting by the entrance. Children in matching uniforms running across the manicured lawn.

Everything so normal. So routine. So utterly terrifying.

Except for my hammering heart.

I parked the car. Sat there for a moment. Tried to remember how to breathe.

"Mommy?" Lina’s voice was small. "Are you okay?"

"I’m fine, baby." I turned to look at her. Those black-gold eyes—so like his—stared back at me with concern. "Just thinking about how proud I am of you."

Her face softened. "Really?"

"Really really."

I got out. Walked around to her door. Helped her unbuckle.

Her hand found mine immediately. Warm and small and trusting.

Together, we walked toward the east wing.

---

The Sunflower classroom was at the end of a long hallway decorated with children’s artwork. Finger paintings. Crayon drawings. Handprints in every color of the rainbow.

A young woman stood at the door—blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, gentle smile, wearing a soft yellow cardigan that matched the classroom’s theme.

"You must be Lina!" She crouched down to Lina’s level, her eyes warm and welcoming. "I’ve been so excited to meet you. I’m Miss Clara. I’ve heard you like to paint—is that true?"

Lina nodded shyly. Pressed closer to my leg.

"Well, guess what? We’re painting butterflies today. Do you want to make one?"

Another nod. Slightly more interested.

I crouched down too. Took both of Lina’s hands in mine.

"It’s okay," I said softly, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Miss Clara will take care of you. And I’ll be back this afternoon to pick you up. Right when school ends. I’ll be the first one here."

"Promise?" Her voice wobbled.

"Promise." I kissed her forehead. Breathed in her scent—baby shampoo and something sweet. "Be brave, baby. You’re going to do great. You’re going to make so many friends. And tonight, you can tell me all about it. Okay?"

She took a deep breath. I watched her square her little shoulders. Watched her lift her chin. Watched her transform into the brave, determined girl I knew she was.

And then she walked into the classroom.

I stood there. Frozen. Unable to move.

Through the window, I watched her find a seat at a small table. Watched her pick up a paintbrush. Watched another little girl lean over to say something, and watched Lina smile in response.

She was okay.

She was going to be okay.

I stood there for another five minutes anyway. Just in case. Just to be sure.

"First day?"

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