When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 30

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 6**

Audrey was completely oblivious.

It was an ordinary day, just like countless others before it, and yet, unbeknownst to everyone around her, this was to be her farewell.

Tessa methodically arranged her belongings, ensuring each item was placed in a secure spot. She had made a firm decision; once she left, there would be no remnants of her past life to cling to.

As she returned home, the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the world outside.

Ryan, brimming with excitement, rushed to her side, carrying a selection of wedding dresses he had meticulously chosen just for her. He laid them out before her, each gown pristine and white, like untouched snow.

“This ceremony only happens once in a lifetime! You can’t possibly settle for anything less than perfect!” he exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable.

“Choose the one you like best!” he urged, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Tessa found herself staring at the array of dresses, each one a symbol of a future she had once dreamed of. For a fleeting moment, she was lost in thought, contemplating the weight of the choices before her.

When she finally turned her gaze back to Ryan, she felt her eyes welling up, tears threatening to spill over. It struck her then just how simple it was to pretend to love someone.

What was it that he truly loved about her?

With a casual flick of his wrist, Ryan picked up a dress and handed it to her, a confident grin spreading across his face.

“This one is absolutely perfect for you! Go on, try it on!”

Tessa felt a strange mix of reluctance and compliance wash over her. She knew these dresses could never compare to the one she had envisioned and crafted in her mind.

As she stepped out in the second dress, she noticed Ryan’s attention was momentarily diverted; he had answered a phone call.

“Do you need me to come meet you now? I’m with Tessa, trying on dresses,” he said, his voice light and casual.

“Okay, I’ll be there soon,” came the reply, barely audible but clear enough for Tessa to catch.

After ending the call, Ryan turned back to her, a warm smile lighting up his face as he wrapped his arms around her.

“You look stunning!” he declared, as if trying to convince them both.

But deep down, Tessa recognized this as nothing more than an excuse. He was simply planning to meet Chloe and indulge in a shopping spree with her.

She chose not to voice her suspicions, merely nodding in agreement, a silent resignation settling over her.

Once Ryan departed, Tessa summoned the maid. Her voice was icy as she surveyed the dresses, her resolve hardening.

“Burn them all.”

“Every last one. I don’t want a single dress left,” she commanded, her heart steeled against any lingering attachments.

“No, I don’t want them,” she replied flatly, the words escaping her lips with an unexpected sharpness.

“You look beautiful in anything, so I’m not worried,” Ryan added, his voice laced with an earnestness that now felt hollow to her.

Those words, once comforting, held no weight in Tessa’s heart anymore.

Memories of Ryan’s tender words to Chloe flashed through her mind, and she felt a wave of revulsion wash over her.

With a gentle push, she distanced herself from him, her expression void of emotion as she responded,

“It’s fine.”

Ryan, misinterpreting her demeanor, smiled, convinced she remained the understanding and compliant partner he had always known.

He took her hand slowly, his gaze filled with affection, his voice soft as he spoke,

“Our mating ceremony is just two days away.”

“The pack doctor has scheduled a check-up for us. I’ll be with you tomorrow, all day,” he added, his tone filled with a promise of closeness.

But Tessa felt the distance between them growing, a chasm that no amount of sweet words could bridge.