The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 77

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**Chapter 21**

In the days that had stretched endlessly since Tessa’s departure, Ryan found himself grappling with a profound sense of emptiness. Each dawn felt like a weight upon his chest, and not a single day had passed without the gnawing ache of her absence.

As he wandered through the vast, echoing halls of his large home, a deep loneliness enveloped him. The living room, once a cozy haven of laughter and warmth, now seemed like a museum of memories, each corner whispering tales of what once was.

He reminisced about those cherished moments when they would curl up on the couch, the flickering glow of the television illuminating their faces as they lost themselves in a world of stories. How he longed for the comforting presence of Tessa beside him, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the shows they adored.

With the festive season of Christmas drawing near, a bittersweet nostalgia washed over him. He remembered the joy he used to feel while selecting the perfect gifts for her, pouring over every detail to ensure she felt cherished and loved.

In those early days of their union, Tessa would often work late into the night, her creativity flowing as she designed clothes, fueled by passion and an unwavering determination. It wasn’t uncommon for her to spend two or three sleepless nights in a row, her eyes alight with ambition as she crafted beautiful pieces, all for the sake of a little extra money.

On that unforgettable Christmas Day, she had surprised him with a luxurious watch, a gift that was far more than just a timepiece. Ryan knew she understood that he didn’t need such extravagance, yet it was the thought behind it that struck him deeply. It was in that moment he truly grasped the depth of her love—a love that was sincere and thoughtful, wrapped in the labor of her hands and the warmth of her heart.

As he recalled her tireless efforts, tears began to well in his eyes. The image of her working so diligently, pouring her soul into that gift, overwhelmed him. He had held her close, promising silently to love her fiercely, as long as he drew breath. But when had that promise begun to feel hollow?

Had he, in some way, allowed those vows to fade into the background of his life? The realization stung, and he found himself mocking his own failures, yet deep down, a flicker of hope remained—an unwavering wish that she would return.

Desperation had driven him to search for her, but each passing day brought only silence. There was no news, no trace of her anywhere. His wolf, once a fierce and wild creature, now languished in despair, its spirit dimming with each moment they spent apart.

Meanwhile, Audrey had recovered from her ordeal and left the hospital, yet her days were filled with a quiet sorrow. She found solace in the journal Tessa had left behind, reading its pages repeatedly, each word a painful reminder of the times she had been cold and unyielding, pushing Tessa away when she needed her the most.

The memories cut through her like a knife, relentless in their reminder of the past she wished she could erase. How could she possibly forget? She had been the one to send her daughter away, the one who had driven her from the sanctuary of their home.

But by the time the realization struck her, it was too late to turn back the clock. The house felt like a hollow shell, its walls echoing with the memories of the year she had brought Tessa home—the year that was supposed to be filled with hope and love.

Tessa had lived in constant fear of being sent away again. Audrey recalled how, in her youth, Tessa would rise with the sun, ready to attend Alpha training while other children remained nestled in their beds. She never gave her parents cause for concern regarding her studies, always excelling, consistently ranking first in her Luna classes.