Too Late Alpha The Mate He Never Wanted (Iris and Eric) novel Chapter 3

Iris's POV

I brushed off the tears from my cheeks and walked into the office with my head high, even though I was breaking inside.

Eric and Marcus fell silent immediately I walked in. I could see the look of sympathy on Marcus’s face, and the look of intense dislike on Eric’s face.

Eric stood tall behind his desk, looking very much like the commanding Alpha. He was still the most devastatingly handsome man I had ever seen. With his perfectly tousled hair, piercing green eyes, broad shoulders, and sharp jawline, he had stolen my heart without even trying.

I used to look at that face and feel butterflies. I used to ache for his attention, and crave to be loved by him.

But now… none of that mattered.

Evie’s life was more important than the man who had never once looked at any of us with love.

It hurt me, yes. But I brushed it off.

All that mattered at that moment was that Eric gave Evie her greatest, and probably her last, wish.

I glanced at the document lying on the table. I wasted no time in picking it up. “This must be the divorce agreement,” I mused out loud.

Eric nodded in confirmation.

After going through the papers, I hummed. “Everything is in order. Evie is waiting for you at home, your responsibility as a good father starts now. After her birthday, I’ll sign the agreement and make the divorce official.” I said emotionlessly, then I turned to leave.

Eric furrowed his eyebrows in slight surprise at my cold attitude towards him. I didn’t even look so concerned or bothered as he had expected. He opened his mouth to say something when Zara walked in like she owned the place.

Instantly, every thought about me vanished from his mind, and his expression lightened. His lips curled into a smile as he stood to his feet to welcome Zara.

“Hey you,” he greeted warmly.

I couldn’t help but turn to look at Eric. He looked nothing like the cold and brash person that he always was to me. He looked so happy, and warm.

Zara flipped her blonde hair, and her icy blue eyes gleamed with jealousy immediately she saw me.

“Oh, Ja—Alpha,” she said softly, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were busy with your mate. I’ll come back another time.”

Eric’s expression darkened slightly at her words. “Don’t call her that. I’ve told you several times that she’s not my mate.”

Zara’s eyes shone with triumph and glee. She knew what her words would trigger. Marcus winced, looking at me with pity. My fists tightened on the document in my hands as a wave of shame washed through me.

Eric turned to me with a cold look on his face. “You can leave. I’ll come by for dinner.”

I nodded mutely as I finally walked out of the room, trying to ignore Zara’s giggles as Eric murmured softly to her.

However, my shame and pain disappeared immediately I got home and shared the news with Evie.

Evie’s face split into a wide grin. “Really? Will Daddy really come for dinner tonight?” she asked, finding it hard to believe that her father would finally be there. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had sat at a dinner table with him.

I couldn’t help but smile at my daughter’s pure excitement. “Yes, baby. He’ll be here tonight.”

Evie clapped her hands with a gasp, then ran off toward her room. “I’m going to wear my favorite dress! The yellow one with the butterflies!”

I watched her go, heart aching. I knew not to get my hopes up, but for Evie’s sake, I prayed Eric wouldn’t disappoint her.

~

That evening, I prepared a simple but delicious dinner. Evie helped set the table, placing the forks and napkins with so much care and caution, trying to make sure everything was perfect for her father. Every few minutes, Evie would run to the window to peek out, asking, “Is he here yet?”

Finally, a knock came.

Eric stood at the door, looking as cold and unreadable as ever. I said nothing to him, but Evie ran into his arms the moment she saw him.

“Daddy!”

Eric looked stunned at first. She hugged his waist tightly, and for a moment, his hand hovered awkwardly in the air before he slowly rested it on her back.

“Hi,” he muttered.

That one word was enough for Eva. She beamed with joy.

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