Chapter 18: Return to the Pack–2

“This is the finest herbal tea from Harbor City. It’s for you,” I said, my voice warm with

affection.

Agathaughed through her tears, clutching the box to her chest. “I’ll make some for you

tonight.”

I gently shook my head, my amber eyes soft. “No, it’s specially for you. I’ve had plenty already. This is just a small token of my gratitude for all you’ve done.”

Agatha was so touched her eyes brimmed with tears again. “Miss Olivia…” she murmured,

unable to say more.

Before our reunion could deepen, a crisp young voice interrupted us.

“Sister! Sister, you’re back!”

An eight–year–old girl dashed forward from inside the house and hugged my leg tightly, her face shining with innocent delight.

This was Grace Winters, my half–sister, born to Natalie Winters and my father after my mother’s death. Her bright eyes looked up at me with pure adoration. fnf897 This update is avable on Find?Novel/fnf897

Grace had always adored me, clinging to me whenever possible during my rare visits home. But I had never warmed to her, despite her persistent affection.

My dislike stemmedrgely from my resentment of Natalie Winters–myte mother’s supposed best friend, who had married my father not long after my mother’s death.

In my mind, Natalie was a scheming interloper who stole my mother’s ce, and my father was a heartless betrayer who dishonored their marriage. Because of this, I had transformed from a well–behaved daughter into someone rebellious and distant.

Nowi, /iseeing Natalie approaching with a smile, my expression froze involuntarily.

“Grace heard iyou /iwere back and couldn’t wait toe home early from school,” Natalie said warmly, her voice gentle and weing.

The warmth in her tone only deepened my difort. How dare she act like everything was normal? Like she hadn’t betrayed my mother’s memory?

Natalie continued in that same gentle tone, “You must be tired, Olivia. Rest well, I’ll call when dinner’s ready.”

you

Chapter 18 Return to the Pac

+25 bPuntos /bb /b

Meanwhile, Grace eagerly tugged at my hand, her eyes bright with excitement. “Sister,e

look at my new drawings in my room? I made a picture of a white wolf just like you said you

wanted to be when you were little!”

I coldly withdrew my hand, unable to bear her innocent touch. “No. I want to rest,” I said, my

voice frosty.

Disappointment washed over the little girl’s face. She pouted and lowered her head, her joy snuffed out by my rejection.

Natalie quickly took Grace away, her face still smiling politely though her eyes betrayed her

hurt. I felt a twinge of guilt seeing Grace’s crestfallen expression, but I hardened my heart

against it.

Agatha, sensing the awkwardness, excused herself to prepare my old room. “I’ve kept it just as

you left it, Miss Olivia. Fresh sheets every week, dusted daily.”

Once they were all gone, I shut the door to my room and finally breathed in the quiet. My heart felt heavy with unspoken pain and anger that three years away had done nothing to diminish.

I looked around the familiar space–my childhood bedroom preserved exactly as I’d left it. The light blue walls, the bookshelf filled withw textbooks, the framed photo of my mother and

me on the nightstand.

Running my fingers over the photo frame, I whispered, “I’m home, Mom.”

(Richard’s POV)

When night fell, I returned home from a long day of pack business. Agatha had called to

inform me of Olivia’s return, and despite my outward calm, my heart raced at the prospect of

seeing my daughter after three years.

The family gathered around the dinner table, tension thick in the air. I looked at my daughter, studying her face ifor /ichanges. She had grown more beautiful, more like her mother with each

passing year.

“Why didn’t you tell us iyou /iwereing back today?” I asked, trying to keep my voice even

despite the emotion threatening to break through.

Olivia countered with faint mockery, her amber eyes–so like her mother’s–shing with

defiance. “Would it have mattered if I did? Or if I didn’t?”

Her tone was sharp, revealing the deep fissures between us that time had done nothing to

heal. I frowned, displeased by her attitude but unsurprised.

213

Chapter 18 Return to the Pac…

+25 bPuntos /bb /b

“Three years have passed, yet your temperament is still so stubborn?” I said, unable ito /ikeep the disappointment from my voice.

Olivia gave me a half–smile, her eyes filled with bitter irony. “Three years have passed, yet you and Natalie still haven’t divorced?”

b2 /b

Comentarios

bVer /banuncios (0/20)

Votar

246