Chapter 11: Betrayal at Golden Sands
Chapter 11: Betrayal at Golden Sands
(Samantha’s POV)
I stared at my phone, scrolling through the news article with growing disbelief. There I was, captured in Ethan’s embrace at Moonlight International Airport. Thankfully, my face wasn’t clearly visible in any of the photos–just the back of my head or a blurred profile as I turned away from him.
“At least they didn’t get a clear shot,” I muttered, sinking deeper into the plush sofa of Blackwood Manor’s living room.
Was this Ethan’s strategy? Make our reunion public so I couldn’t divorce him without causing a scandal? The thought flickered through my mind before I dismissed it. Even Ethan wouldn’t be that calculating.
My eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion from the day’s events caught up with me. The last thing I remembered was October curling up beside me, her warm body a comforting presence as sleep claimed me.
(Ethan’s POV)
I drove slowly through our neighborhood, the familiar streets bathed in moonlight. After circling the block twice, I pulled into the driveway of a property neighboring Blackwood Manor–a house I’d purchased months ago without Samantha’s knowledge.
Inside, I went straight to the surveillance room. Multiple screens displayed different areas of our home–the kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and main entrances. All installed under the guise of “security upgrades.”
On the center screen, I could see Samantha asleep on the living room sofa, October nestled against her side. Her face looked peaceful in sleep, the worry lines that had marked her expression earlier now smoothed away.
“Sam, we won’t be separated, never,” I murmured, touching her image on the screen.
(Samantha’s POV)
I woke to sunlight streaming through the windows and a soft blanket draped over me. Ms. Thompson must have covered me during the night. October was gone, probably taken out for her morning walk by one of the staff.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, I made my way to the kitchen where Ms. Thompson was preparing breakfast.
“Good morning, Luna Reed,” she greeted warmly, setting a plate of venison sausage and eggs before me. “Did you sleep well?”
“Well enough,” I replied, accepting the coffee she offered. “Thank you for the blanket.”
She beamed at me. “It wasn’t me, dear. The Alpha came by very early this morning to check on you.”
I froze with my coffee cup halfway to my lips. “Ethan was here?”
“Just for a moment,” she assured me. “He didn’t want to wake you.”
The thought of Ethan watching me sleep sent an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. I’d have to change the security codes today.
As I finished my breakfast, Ms. Thompson bustled in carrying a stunning bouquet of roses.
“These just arrived for you,” she announced, setting them on the counter with a knowing smile. “From the Alpha.”
The roses were exquisite–deep crimson with velvety petals. I reluctantly reached for the small card nestled among the
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Chapter 11 Betrayal at Golde
blooms.
“Meet me at Golden Sands Cove tonight at 8. I have something important to tell you. -E
I arranged the flowers in a crystal vase, pricking my finger on a thorn. A drop of blood welled up, bright red against my pale skin.
“Be careful, Luna Reed,” Ms. Thompson cautioned, handing me a tissue. “The Alpha mentioned he has a special surprise planned for tonight.”
“Did he?” I asked, pressing the tissue to my finger.
She nodded enthusiastically. “He sounded very determined. I think he wants to rekindle your relationship”
I sighed, setting the vase on the kitchen island. Perhaps this meeting would be an opportunity to discuss my desire to return to healing work. If Ethan truly wanted to save our marriage, he would need to accept my independence.
As I left Blackwood Manor that afternoon, I could feel Ms. Thompson watching from the window. The moment my car disappeared down the driveway, she reached for her phone.
“Alpha Blackwood? She’s just left,” she reported eagerly, “She seemed thoughtful but not upset.”
She listened for a moment, then added, “Remember what I said–be bold, be passionate. That’s what Luna Reed needs right now.”
I was driving toward Crescent Moon Medical Center when my phone rang. Olivia Blackwood’s name flashed on the
screen.
“Olivia?” I answered, switching to speaker mode.
“Samantha, thank goodness,” she said, her voice strained, “I’ve had an accident with my Silver Arrow Roadster on Champagne Boulevard. Could you come? I don’t want to bother Ethan with this.”
I hesitated, glancing at the time. “Are you hurt?”
“No, just shaken up. The car’s pretty damaged though.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” I promised, redirecting my route.
When I arrived at the scene, Olivia was leaning against her crumpled roadster, looking remarkably composed for someone who’d just crashed an expensive car. Her designer outfit was pristine, not a hair out of place.
“Samantha, you’re a lifesaver,” she called, waving casually.
Something felt off about the situation. The Olivia I knew would be distraught over damaging her prized car.
“What happened?” I asked, surveying the damage. The front bumper was crushed against a guardrail, but it looked more
like a controlled collision than an accident.
“Oh, you know me,” she laughed lightly. “Distracted driving. Saw a cute guy jogging and–barn!”
I remembered the last time Olivia had overstepped her boundaries–authorizing the pack’s communications department
to announce Ethan’s supposed relationship with Rebecca without his knowledge. The rift it had created between us still lingered.
“Let’s call your insurance, I suggested, pulling out my phone.
As we waited for the insurance agent, Olivia kept glancing at her watch.
“Going somewhere?” I asked.
“No, but aren’t you?” she countered. “Meeting Ethan tonight, right?”
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I frowned. “How did you know about that?”
She waved dismissively. “He mentioned it. I hope I’m not making you late.”
15 Pustot
“It’s fine,” I assured her, though I checked the time myself. 7:15 PM. I’d still make it to Golden Sands Cove by eight if we wrapped this up quickly.
“So, tell me exactly how this happened,” I said, turning back to the matter at hand.
It was nearly 8:30 PM when I finally arrived at Golden Sands Cove. The insurance process had taken longer than expected, with Olivia seemingly finding new questions to ask the agent at every turn.
As I walked down the stone steps leading to the beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled my ears. The night was beautiful–stars twinkling above, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt water.
I spotted Ethan immediately. His tall figure was unmistakable, even in the dim light. He was kneeling on the sand, a bouquet of blood–red roses extended toward…another woman.
My steps faltered as fireworks suddenly exploded overhead, illuminating the scene in harsh clarity. The woman facing Ethan was Rebecca Taylor, dressed in a purple dress eerily similar to ones I often wore.
I stood frozen, watching as Rebecca accepted the roses with a delighted smile. My heart didn’t break–it simply went numb, as if someone had injected ice into my veins.
The fireworks continued to burst overhead, casting colorful shadows across the sand. Each explosion seemed to echo the shattering of whatever lingering affection I’d harbored for Ethan.
Rebecca’s voice carried across the beach, high and excited. “Yes, of course I accept!”
I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. The betrayal was so complete, so perfectly orchestrated, that it left me stunned.
Another burst of fireworks illuminated Ethan’s face. He looked pale, shocked.
“How could it be you?” he asked, clearly surprised by Rebecca’s presence.
She laughed nervously. “I was just enjoying the view here at the cove. What a coincidence running into you!”
Ethan turned, his eyes scanning the beach until they found me standing on the steps. The look of horror that crossed his
face might have been comical under different circumstances.
I didn’t wait to hear his explanation. With as much dignity as I could muster, I turned and walked away, my footsteps
steady despite the trembling in my core.
“Sam, listen to my explanation!” Ethan called desperately after me, but I was already gone.
