Chapter 117: Confrontation and Rejection 

Chapter 117: Confrontation and Rejection. 

(Victoria’s POV) 

I faced Ethan’s disappointed amber eyes, feeling my tears fall harder. My body trembled as I shook my head desperately. 

“No, it’s not like that,” I pleaded, my voice breaking. “Lily was your daughter, how could I not 

value her life?” 

I clutched at my chest, the pain there feeling almost real. “I saw Lily’s medical records at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den. At that time, Lily’s condition wasn’t so serious.” 

Ethan’s expression remained hard, unmoved by my tears. This had never happened before. 

“I thought Lily could still wait, but my Emma, she couldn’t wait,” I continued, my voice rising 

with desperation. “Without that kidney, Emma would die…” 

I let my tears flow freely now, not the delicate, pretty tears I usually produced for effect, but 

ugly, desperate sobs that wracked my entire body. I truly felt vulnerable and desperate. 

Without Ethan, I had nothing. 

“Please, Ethan,” I whispered. “You have to understand. I was protecting our daughter.” 

His silence was deafening. The coldness in his eyes terrified me more than any anger could 

have. 

Seeing that he showed no signs of softening, I suddenly raised my hand and slapped myself 

hard across the face. 

“It’s my fault!” I cried, slapping myself again. “I should die!” 

Each slap landed heavily on my face, leaving red marks across my pale skin. I wasn’t pretending anymore; the pain helped ground me in this moment of panic. 

Ethan finally moved, his strong hands gripping my wrists to stop me from hitting myself 

again. 

“Stop it,” he commanded, his voice rough. 

I looked up at him through tear–soaked lashes. Even now, he couldn’t bear to see me hurt 

myself. There was still hope. 

“I’m sorry,” I sobbed. “I was so scared, Ethan. When I found out Emma needed a kidney, I was 

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<Chapter 117 Confrontation a…. terrified of losing her.” 

+15 Points 

I let my body sag against his grip, appearing weak and broken. “The doctors said there was a 

compatible donor, but it was already assigned to another patient. When I learned it was for Lily, I panicked.” 

Ethan’s grip on my wrists tightened slightly. I continued, my voice trembling with emotion. 

“I called Nathan because I knew he could help. I told him Emma was your daughter and 

needed the kidney urgently.” I looked up at him imploringly. “I didn’t tell him Lily was your 

daughter too. I… I didn’t think he knew.” 

I took a shuddering breath. “After the surgery, I checked on Lily’s condition. The doctors said 

she was stable, that they would find another donor soon. I truly believed she would recover.” 

My voice dropped to a whisper. “When I heard she died, I was devastated. I never wanted that, 

Ethan. Never.” 

I could see the conflict in his eyes. He wanted to believe me, but doubt still lingered. 

It was time for my final move. I needed to shift some of the blame. 

“Do you remember that day?” I asked softly. “The day Lily died?” 

Ethan’s expression darkened. “What about it?” 

“You had promised to meet her at Moonlight Fair,” I reminded him gently. “But instead, you came with me and Emma to Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park.” 

I saw the flash of guilt in his eyes and pressed on. “If you had been there with her,” I whispered, my voice trembling, “perhaps her condition wouldn’t have worsened so suddenly…” 

(Ethan’s POV) 

Victoria’s words hit me like a physical blow. She was right. I had promised to meet Lily at Moonlight Fair that day, but I had chosen to go with Victoria and Emma to Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park instead. 

My amber eyes darkened with self–loathing as I realized my role in my own daughter’s death. I 

had failed Lily in every possible way. 

“I made the call,” I admitted, my voice hollow. “I told Nathan to do whatever was necessary to 

save Emma.” 

I released Victoria’s wrists and stepped back, unable to bear her touch any longer. The weight 

of my guilt was crushing. 

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+15 Points > 

“I didn’t know about Lily then,” I continued. “But that’s no excuse. I should have been there for her. I should have kept my promise.” 

Victoria reached for me, her eyes still wet with tears. “We both made mistakes, Ethan. But we 

can make it right.” 

She took a tentative step toward me. “I’ll go to Olivia. I’ll apologize. I’ll even atone with my life 

if that’s what she wants.” 

“No.” My voice was firm, carrying the unmistakable command of an Alpha. “You will not 

contact Olivia. Not now, not ever.” 

Victoria flinched at my tone. “But Ethan-” 

“I will speak to her myself,” I said, cutting her off. “I will formally mark her as my Luna, giving 

her the legitimate status in the pack she deserves.” 

Victoria’s eyes widened in shock. “What? But what about us? What about Emma?” 

“Emma will always be important to me,” I assured her. “But Olivia is my true mate, the mother 

of my child. I’ve failed them both for too long.” 

I turned toward the door, unable to look at Victoria any longer. The woman I had protected and 

cherished for years now seemed like a stranger to me. 

“I’m sorry,” I said simply, my Black Alpha Overcoat swirling around me as I strode out. 

I left Victoria standing there, her expression a mixture of shock and fury. But I couldn’t concern 

myself with her feelings now. I had a mate to win back, and years of neglect to make up for. 

(Olivia’s POV) 

I cradled my phone against my ear as I stirred the pot of venison stew simmering on my 

stove. The rich aroma of herbs filled my cottage at Maple Grove. 

“How are you feeling today?” I asked, my emerald eyes reflecting genuine concern. “Any 

better?” 

Lucas Blackwood’s deep voice came through the speaker. “The fever’s gone, but I still don’t have much of an appetite.” 

I frowned slightly. “You need to eat to regain your strength. The silver poisoning took a lot out 

of you.” 

“I know,” he sighed. “Hospital food isn’t exactly appetizing, though.” 

I smiled despite myself. “I could prepare something for you. I have some special herbs that 

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would help with your recovery.” 

+15 Points 

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Would you mind if I came to you instead?” Lucas asked, his voice revealing his desire to dine with me rather than simply receiving food. “I’ve been cooped up in that hospital room for days. Some fresh air would do me good.” 

I hesitated for just a moment. Having Lucas Blackwood, Alpha of a rival pack, in my home was unusual to say the least. But after everything we’d been through, the pack boundaries between us seemed less important. 

“Of course,” I found myself saying. “I’ll have dinner ready in an hour.” 

True to his word, Lucas arrived exactly an hour later. He looked better than I expected, though still paler than usual. His tall frame filled my doorway as I welcomed him in. 

“Something smells amazing,” he commented, following me to the kitchen. 

I gestured to the pot on the stove. “Venison stew with moonlight herbs. It should help restore your strength.” 

Lucas rolled up his sleeves. “Can I help?” 

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. “An Alpha who cooks?” 

He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. “I live alone. It was either learn to cook or starve.” 

We worked side by side, preparing the rest of the meal together. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, surprisingly natural despite our different pack affiliations. 

Over dinner, we talked about everything except pack politics and our complicated lives. It felt good to laugh again, to enjoy simple conversation without the weight of grief and betrayal hanging over me. 

“Thank you for this,” Lucas said as we finished our meal. “Not just the food, but… this.” He gestured between us. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this comfortable with someone.” 

I smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the food. “Me too.” 

After helping me clean up, Lucas reluctantly prepared to leave. “I should go. It’s getting late.” 

I walked him to the door, suddenly aware of how much I’d enjoyed his company. “Take care of yourself. Doctor’s orders.” 

He smiled down at me, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer than necessary. “I will. Goodnight, Olivia.” 

After Lucas left, I busied myself with tidying up the kitchen, his scent still lingering in my 

< Chapter 117: Confrontation a.. 

+15 Points > 

cottage. The evening had been unexpectedly pleasant, a brief respite from the pain that had 

dominated my life for so long. 

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I smiled, assuming Lucas had forgotten 

something. 

“Did you forget-” I began as I opened the door, but the words died on my lips. 

Ethan Stone stood on my doorstep, his powerful frame silhouetted against the moonlight. My 

welcoming smile vanished instantly. 

I tried to shut the door, but he stopped it with one hand, his strength easily preventing me from 

closing it. 

“Olivia, please,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “I need to talk to you.” 

“Get lost!” I replied curtly, my emerald eyes flashing with fury. 

He had the audacity to look hurt. “Olivia, I know I’ve made mistakes. Terrible mistakes. But I 

want to make things right.” 

I laughed bitterly. “Now? After everything? I begged you to investigate Victoria, to listen to me 

about Lily, and you chose her. Every. Single. Time.” 

“I know,” he admitted, his amber eyes filled with regret. “I was blind. But I see the truth now. 

About Victoria, about Lily… about us.” 

He took a step closer, his familiar scent washing over me. Once, that scent had meant safety, 

home, love. Now it only reminded me of betrayal. 

“I want to make amends,” he continued. “I want us to start over. We could even… have another 

child together.”