: Unexpected Confrontation
Chapter 140: Unexpected Confrontation
(Aria’s POV)
My steps faltered as I recognized the unmistakable figure leaning against the luxury Storm Pack SUV, Alexander’s amber eyes immediately found mine across the distance, his Alpha presence radiating determination even from where he stood.
“Aria?” Jason’s concerned voice pulled my attention back. “Is everything alright?”
I forced a smile, though my wolf whimpered anxiously within me at Alexander’s unexpected appearance.
“I’m fine. Just give me a moment to handle something.”
Jason followed my gaze to Alexander and his expression darkened with understanding. His protective instincts flared as he stepped slightly closer to me.
“Do you want me to stay with you?” he offered quietly.
“No, it’s okay. This won’t take long.”
I could feel Jason’s reluctance, but he nodded and stepped back toward the company entrance. His wolf’s scent betrayed his worry as he watched from a distance.
Taking a deep breath, I approached Alexander with measured steps. My pregnant wolf bristled beneath my skin at his familiar cedar and storm scent.
“What are you doing here?” I asked directly, keeping my voice level despite my inner turmoil.
Alexander straightened from his casual lean against the vehicle, his amber eyes studying my face intently.
“I came to see you,” he said simply. “We need to talk.”
“About what? I thought I made myself clear the last time we spoke.”
“About the flowers,” Alexander replied, his voice carrying a hint of wounded pride. “I saw you throw them
away.”
Heat flooded my cheeks as I realized he had witnessed my dramatic disposal of his expensive roses. “Those flowers were inappropriate, Alexander. You can’t keep doing things like this.”
His jaw tightened with obvious frustration.
“Inappropriate? I’m trying to show you how much I care, how much I want to make things right between us.”
“There is no ‘us‘ anymore,” I said firmly, my hand instinctively moving to protect my city, “I’ve moved on, and you should too.”
Alexander’s eyes flashed dangerously at my gesture.
“Have you really moved on, Aria? Or are you just running away because you’re scared?”
“Scared of what?”
“Scared of giving us another chance. Scared of admitting that what we had was real
<Chapter 140 Unexpected.
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly at his words.
“What we had was me loving you while you ignored me for two years. That’s not something I want to recreate.”
Alexander stepped closer, his Alpha pheromones spiking with desperation.
“I know I made mistakes. Terrible mistakes that I regret every single day. But I’ve changed, Aria, What
happened in that warehouse opened my eyes.”
“Nearly dying doesn’t erase two years of emotional neglect, Alexander.”
“Then what will?” he demanded, his voice breaking slightly. “What do I have to do to prove that I love you?
The raw pain in his voice made my heart clench unexpectedly. But I forced myself to remember all the nights I had cried myself to sleep, feeling unwanted and unloved.
“Some things can’t be fixed with words or grand gestures,” I said quietly.
“So you’re just going to throw away everything we built together? Our mate bond might be severed, but the feelings don’t disappear overnight.”
“You’re right. The feelings don’t disappear overnight,” I agreed. “Which is exactly why I know this won’t work.
Alexander looked confused by my response.
“After everything you put me through, after all the humiliation and heartbreak, I still care about you,” ! continued, my voice growing stronger. “And that terrifies me.”
His amber eyes widened with hope.
“If you still care, then we can-”
“No,” I interrupted firmly. “Caring about you doesn’t mean I should put myself through that pain again. It means I need to protect myself from making the same mistake twice.”
Alexander’s face fell as my words sank in.
“I would never hurt you again, Aria. I swear on my life.”
“You said that before our marking ceremony too.”
The reminder hit him like a physical blow. His shoulders sagged as he remembered his promises from our wedding day.
“This is about Dominic, isn’t it?” Alexander asked suddenly, his tone shifting to accusatory. “You’ve already moved on with him.”
“This has nothing to do with anyone else. This is about you and me, and the fact “We could work if you’d just give us a real chance!”
+we don’t work together.”
“Alexander, stop!” I said sharply, my patience finally snapping. “I’m pregnant with another Alpha’s pup. How exactly do you expect this to work?”
The words hung between us like a barrier. Alexander’s face went through a series of emotions – shock, hurt, and finally, stubborn determination.
“I told you before, I don’t care whose pup it is. I have fertility issues anyway. We could raise the pup together
< Chapter 140: Unexpected
as our own.”
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“Listen to yourself,” I said with disbelief. “You’re talking about building our relationship on a foundation of lies and pretense.”
“It wouldn’t be pretense if we both wanted it.”
“But I don’t want it!” I exclaimed, my voice rising. “I don’t want to spend my life wondering if you’ll change your mind someday. I don’t want to raise my pup in a household where their father resents their existence.”
Alexander recoiled as if I had slapped him.
“I would never resent-”
“You resented me for not getting pregnant quickly enough,” I reminded him coldly. “What makes you think you won’t resent a pup that isn’t even yours?”
“That’s not fair, Aria. You know I never-”
“Never what? Never made me feel inadequate? Never compared me to Claire? Never made it clear that I was your second choice?”
Each accusation hit him like a blow. His Alpha scent shifted with genuine remorse and pain.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so f*****g sorry for all of it.”
The raw vulnerability in his voice almost broke my resolve. Almost.
“I know you are,” I said more gently. “And I forgive you, Alexander. But forgiveness doesn’t mean I’m willing to put myself in that position again.”
“So that’s it? You’re just going to walk away from everything?”
“I already walked away. Two weeks ago when our mate bond was severed. This conversation is long overdue.”
Alexander stood there in stunned silence, as if he couldn’t quite process that I was serious about ending things permanently.
“Please,” he said finally, his pride completely sháttered. “Just think about it. Don’t make any permanent decisions yet.”
“I’ve had plenty of time to think. My decision is final.”
I turned to walk back toward the company building, but Alexander’s voice stopped me.
“What about the pup?” he called out desperately. “Doesn’t the pup deserve to know their Alpha father?”
I paused but didn’t turn around.
“The pup will know their father,” I said quietly. “Just not you.”
With that final statement, I walked away from Alexander Reed for what I hoped would be the last time. Behind
me, I could hear him getting into his SUV, the engine roaring to life with unnecessary force.
Jason immediately approached as I reached the company entrance.
“Are you okay?” he asked with gentle concern.
“I will be,” I replied honestly.,
“Do you still want to grab lunch? We could skip the work discussion if you need some time.”
< Chapter 140: Unexpected…
I considered his offer, grateful for his thoughtfulness. But the confrontation with Alexander had actually strengthened my resolve rather than breaking it down.
“Actually, I’d love to discuss those project ideas. Work might be exactly what I need right now.”
Jason smiled with relief and offered me his arm in a courtly gesture.
“In that case, I know the perfect place for a business lunch. They have excellent herb–crusted salmon.”
As we walked toward his vehicle, I felt a sense of closure settling over me. The conversation with Alexander had been painful but necessary.
For the first time since our divorce was finalized, I felt truly free.
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