The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 62

**Between Then and Now by Mark Twain**

**Chapter 6**

Audrey stood at the precipice of a decision, completely unaware of the gravity of her choice.

The day unfolded like any other, with its mundane rhythm, yet unbeknownst to everyone around her, this was to be her silent farewell.

Tessa meticulously arranged her belongings in a secure corner of her room, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. Once she resolved to leave, she vowed not to leave a single trace behind.

As twilight descended, she returned home, the familiar surroundings cloaked in a soft, golden hue.

Ryan, ever the attentive partner, rushed to her side, bearing the wedding dresses he had personally selected. He laid them out before her, each gown a symbol of the future he envisioned.

“The mating ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You deserve nothing but the best!” he declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

“Choose the one that speaks to you!” he urged, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Tessa found herself captivated by the pristine white gowns, each one perfectly arranged, yet her mind drifted elsewhere. As she glanced back at Ryan, tears welled up in her eyes, betraying the turmoil within her.

How effortlessly one could feign love, she mused. What was it that Ryan truly cherished about her?

With a casual flick of his wrist, Ryan picked up a dress, its fabric flowing like water, and handed it to her with a bright smile. “This one’s perfect for you! Go on, try it on!”

Tessa didn’t protest. Despite the fact that these dresses paled in comparison to the one she had painstakingly designed herself, she felt compelled to comply.

When she emerged in the second gown, she noticed Ryan’s attention had shifted. He was on the phone, his voice low and somewhat distant.

“Do you need me to come meet you now? I’m with Tessa, helping her try on dresses,” he said, his tone barely above a whisper.

“Alright, I’ll be right there,” came the reply, muffled yet clear enough for Tessa to catch the hint of urgency.

After ending the call, Ryan’s demeanor shifted as he turned back to her, enveloping her in his arms. “Babe, you’d look stunning in anything you wear,” he reassured her, his voice warm and soothing.

“The pack needs me for something, so I might not be able to go with you. Just pick whichever dress you like!” he added, his tone casual, but Tessa could sense the underlying truth.

Deep down, she knew this was merely an excuse. He was off to meet Chloe, indulging in a shopping spree with her instead.

Tessa chose not to voice her suspicions; she simply nodded, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Once Ryan departed, she summoned the maid, her voice icy as she surveyed the dresses that now felt like chains binding her to a past she wished to escape.

“Burn them all,” she commanded, her resolve unwavering.

For a moment, Tessa paused, a flicker of nostalgia washing over her. She recalled her childhood, how Chloe had always vied for her affection, competing for every little thing. If Tessa cherished something, Chloe would inevitably want it too.

Her expression hardened, a chill settling over her features.

“No, I don’t want them,” she replied, her tone flat and devoid of warmth.

Ryan, misreading her reaction, assumed she was still mulling over their earlier conversation. He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind in a comforting embrace.

“Babe, I had something to take care of today. I didn’t mean to leave you alone,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

“Besides, you look beautiful in anything, so I’m not worried,” he added, but the words fell flat, devoid of the sincerity they once held.

In that moment, Tessa felt a wave of revulsion wash over her as memories of Ryan’s words to Chloe flooded her mind.

With a gentle push, she distanced herself, her face a mask of indifference as she replied, “It’s fine.”

Ryan smiled, oblivious to the storm brewing within her, believing her to be the same understanding and compliant partner he had always known.

He took her hand, his gaze filled with affection, his voice softening. “Our mating ceremony is the day after tomorrow.”

“The pack doctor has scheduled a check-up for us. I’ll be with you tomorrow, all day,” he promised, unaware of the truth that lay hidden in the depths of Tessa’s heart.