CHAPTER 113: CHAPTER 113 STANDING BY ME

Caroline’s POV

"I can’t believe you’re really going through with this," Kyle said, sitting cross-legged on Eleanor’s couch Friday night. Her eyes were full of concern as she reached for my hand. "Draven is completely devastated. Ryan says he hasn’t slept or eaten properly since you broke up with him."

"That’s true," Ava added, coming from the kitchen with a fresh bottle of wine. "I was doing inventory, and everyone was talking about how their Alpha looks like a walking ghost."

I sighed, hugging a pillow to my chest. My friends were doing everything they could to cheer me up and convince me not to leave Draven, but my mind was made up.

"I can’t stand between him and his child," I whispered. "And you know Ella would make my life absolute hell. I wouldn’t be able to bear it."

Ruby flopped down beside me, nudging my shoulder playfully. "Well, if you’re really done with the brooding Alpha, my brother Jax is still interested in you. Maybe give him a chance? He’s a total sweetheart and great with kids..."

"Ruby!" Kyle exclaimed, throwing a cushion at her. "Don’t make things worse!"

"What?" Ruby shrugged innocently. "I’m just saying there are other wolves in the forest."

Eleanor, who had been quiet until now, set down her wine glass. "Actually, if you’re looking for options, Nate could introduce you to some of the single guys in his pack. There’s this one warrior with really striking blue eyes......"

"Eleanor!" Ava and Kyle shouted in unison.

"Not you too!" Kyle groaned. "We’re trying to help them get back together, not set her up with someone new!"

Eleanor slid over and wrapped her arms around me. "I’m just teasing. But unlike these two matchmakers, I’m firmly on Team Caroline. Whatever you decide, I support you one hundred percent."

I leaned into her embrace, grateful for the unconditional support. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling tears well up again. "I just don’t see any other way. How can I compete with the mother of his child?"

"You don’t have to compete," Kyle said gently. "Draven has made it clear who he wants."

"But at what cost?" I asked. "His reputation in the pack? His relationship with his child? I can’t be responsible for that."

The conversation continued late into the night, with my friends offering comfort, advice, and the occasional inappropriate suggestion that made me laugh despite my heartache. When morning came, I felt drained but determined to face the week ahead.

Monday arrived all too quickly. Eleanor drove me to work, giving my hand a final squeeze before I stepped out of her car.

"Remember what I said," she told me through the window. "One call away if you need anything."

I nodded, straightening my shoulders as I approached the Thorne Enterprises building. Before I could reach the entrance, Howard stepped directly into my path, his face contorted with rage.

"What the hell are you still doing here, you worthless home-wrecker?" he yelled, blocking my way. I tried to sidestep him, but he moved with me, grabbing my arm roughly. "I asked you a question, you little tramp."

I felt Rory growl inside me.

"Let go of me," I demanded, yanking my arm from his grasp. "I work here!"

"No, you don’t!" His eyes flashed with anger. "I’m going to demand that Draven fire you immediately!"

"Go ahead," I said coldly, turning my back on him.

When Howard reached for me again, a large hand intercepted his arm. Daniel, one of the security guards, stepped between us.

"Don’t bother Ms. Bennett," Daniel said firmly. "You’ve been warned not to approach her."

Howard’s face reddened. "Do you know who I am? I’m an elder of this pack!"

"A suspended elder," Daniel corrected him calmly, "who’s harassing an employee on company property. Now please step back, sir."

Howard retreated, but not before giving me a look of pure hatred. Daniel escorted me into the building and joined me in the elevator.

"Thank you, Daniel," I said when the doors closed.

"You don’t have to thank me, miss. It’s my job," he replied with a kind smile. "But even if it wasn’t, I detest that man and don’t like how he treats women. Alpha Draven has made it clear you’re to be protected. I’ll wait for you at the entrance every day from now on and escort you out in the evenings. Howard won’t come near you again."

I smiled at him, grateful for this unexpected support. I really wasn’t in any condition to confront Howard right now.

When I arrived at the executive floor, Ava stood from her desk and hurried toward me, giving me a warm hug before leading me to my new office. She had indeed completed the move, leaving everything perfectly prepared. She’d even switched the furniture around, moving pieces from my old office to make the new space feel familiar. On the small table near the armchairs sat a bouquet of red tulips with a card that read,

"You will always be my only love. My perfect love. I can’t accept losing you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and Ava quickly embraced me.

"Carrie, I understand your reasons," she said gently. "But he’s suffering terribly. Ryan told me Draven refused to even consider marrying Ella. His lawyers are already working on arrangements for the child’s care if it turns out to be his."

I wiped away my tears. "Has my new boss arrived yet?"

"Yes, he’s here. He said you can go in without knocking," Ava replied with an encouraging smile.

I thanked her for organizing everything so quickly, grabbed my tablet, turned on the computer, and headed toward Ryan’s office.

"Good morning, Ryan."

"Caroline, my dear, good morning," Ryan greeted me warmly. "Please, have a seat. How are you holding up?"

"Devastated, Ryan. But life doesn’t stop," I said, trying to muster a smile. "Shall we get organized? I hope you won’t miss Kyle too much."

"Miss Kyle? Not at all.You’re much more pleasant to look at!"Ryan flashed a charming smile. "I’ll ask Rose to bring us some coffee."

The morning flew by. I spent the entire time in Ryan’s office, discussing my responsibilities and his expectations. It felt good and natural. Ryan had a gift for making people comfortable, and that’s exactly what he did for me. He put me at ease, filled my head with information that distracted me from thoughts of Draven, and gave me enough work to keep me very busy.

I went out to lunch with Kyle and Ava. Kyle had been careful to help me avoid running into Draven, and I appreciated that effort. When we returned from lunch, there was a slice of chocolate cake on my desk, and I knew exactly who had left it there. Even if I couldn’t see him, he would make his presence known.

The afternoon passed as quickly as the morning, and when I turned off my computer, Ava poked her head into my office.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

I nodded and grabbed my purse. We took the elevator down, and when we reached the street, Daniel escorted us outside, keeping Howard, who was lurking nearby, from approaching me.

Three days passed without seeing Draven. But every day after lunch, a slice of chocolate cake appeared on my desk—a sweet reminder of his presence, even in absence.

On Thursday, Ryan kept me busy with work, and I was grateful for the distraction. Kyle wouldn’t be joining us for lunch as she was in an off-site meeting with Draven, so it would be just Ava and me.

We arrived at the restaurant and placed our orders. Ava was telling me that Clara would be arriving the following week to stay with us, which cheered me considerably. We always talked via video calls, and Clara had given me lots of advice these past days, but I missed her terribly. I was just saying this when an unpleasantly familiar, whiny voice sounded behind me.