CHAPTER 107: 107. BACK TO COLLEGE

The meeting continued as the elders turned their attention to Beta Gilbert, giving him clear instructions.

"We will need everything required to perform the rites and rituals on that day. Please ensure all the necessary items are ready," the leader of the elders said firmly.

"The father of the Alpha must carry out some parts of the ceremony, provided he is still alive. We’re glad you are here with us, Beta Gilbert."

Beta Gilbert smiled confidently. "That won’t be a problem. My lovely wife and I will make sure everything is perfectly arranged by then."

As the meeting wrapped up and Maria realized she had nothing more to contribute, she quietly stood up.

"Please, I would like to return to my room. I need to take some rest," she said softly, smiling.

Everyone responded with warm smiles and permitted her to leave. Maria walked calmly up the staircase and headed straight into her room without glancing back at the living room.

The moment she stepped inside and shut the door, her face lit up with a wide, delighted smile. The realization that she held such power—the power to decide the fate of the entire park, and especially Bernard and his family—was thrilling.

This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to show them what I can do with this! she thought, her smile deepening.

She paced slowly around her room. But come to think of it, this might be my chance to finally win my freedom. How do I go about it? I can’t talk to any of my friends about this—not yet.

A spark of an idea flickered in her mind. Oh, I will speak to Mr. Frederick. I’m sure he will know what I should do!

Excitement swirled through her, making her giddy. Finally, I can start working toward my own good. My freedom is within reach. Soon, I can be with James openly, without anyone disturbing us or making me live in fear.

She whispered those words to herself, her face glowing with pure joy. Overwhelmed by the moment, she happily threw herself onto her bed.

---

After the elders departed, Bernard and his parents remained seated together, looking very pleased.

"I’m so happy everything is finally falling into place after three long years of waiting," Beta Gilbert said cheerfully. "I will be the happiest father on that day."

"I’m honestly surprised by how easily Maria cooperated with us," Luna Victoria added, smiling. "She didn’t even argue with the elders. This is going much smoother than I expected."

"I guess she has accepted that she is truly one of us," Bernard said confidently. "I also think she’s happy with how we’ve been treating her since she woke up from her coma."

"All we need to do now is continue what we’ve been doing. We must make her feel at home, make her feel like part of us, make her comfortable. That way, the staff of office will soon be in your hands," Beta Gilbert said with certainty.

The Next Morning...

The alarm on Maria’s bedside table startled her awake. She quickly got out of bed, feeling an unusual excitement about going to college that day.

Without wasting time, she hurried into the bathroom to bathe and freshen up. In a short while, she was fully dressed and ready to leave. Just as she was about to pick up her bag, a soft knock came at her door.

She paused, slightly surprised. It was unusually early for anyone to visit her room.

"Who’s there?" she called, turning slightly toward the door.

"It’s Bernard," his voice came through the door, calm and polite. "I came to check if you’re still going to college today and to let you know that breakfast is ready."

Maria was genuinely surprised. Bernard’s concern and the mention of breakfast caught her off guard. They rarely ate breakfast together before heading to college.

Without replying, she simply picked up her bag and opened the door. Bernard was slightly taken aback to see her fully dressed already.

"Good morning, Bernard," Maria greeted softly, a small smile on her lips.

"Wow! Good morning, Maria. I didn’t expect you to be ready this early, but that’s great. I’m also prepared for college," Bernard said cheerfully. "You’ll need to have breakfast because of your medications and to regain your strength. Please, let’s go."

He followed her gently as they walked down to the dining room. To Maria’s surprise, Bernard’s parents were already seated, waiting for breakfast to be served.

Her expression made her feelings clear, but she still greeted them politely.

"Good morning, Maria!" Luna Victoria greeted with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Maria. Don’t be surprised, this will now be our daily routine," Beta Gilbert said with a kind expression. "From now on, we will always have breakfast together as a family. It’s time we all start bonding as one."

Maria nodded and quietly joined them at the table.

"So, how are you feeling now? Have you been taking your medication regularly?" Beta Gilbert asked, looking directly into her eyes.

"I’m doing very well, sir. I’ve been taking all my medications as instructed," she replied calmly, continuing her meal.

What exactly is going on in this house? Is this genuine care, or is it all because of the staff of office? she wondered quietly, still smiling outwardly.

After they finished eating, she and Bernard picked up their bags and headed out to the waiting car.

The drive to college took about fifteen minutes. Maria was certain none of her friends expected her to return to college so soon.

As they walked into the classroom together, the reactions were immediate. Her classmates were excited and genuinely happy to see her, especially since they hadn’t seen her since the day she passed out in class.

Laura and Cassandra quickly rushed toward her and wrapped her in a tight hug. Maria’s heart warmed at their excitement.

Walking with her friends to her seat, she felt a flood of joy being back in college, surrounded by familiar faces.

"I’m so glad you’re back!" Cassandra said excitedly, her eyes shining. "Are you feeling strong now?"

"I’m really happy to be back too. Yes, I’m feeling much better and stronger," Maria said, smiling.

"Are you sure you haven’t been skipping your medications?" Laura asked, concern evident in her eyes.

"No, I’ve been taking them regularly. I even took my dose this morning after breakfast," Maria assured them.

"Breakfast?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you start having breakfast together? Or was it just you?"

"No, not just me," Maria explained. "We all ate together as a family. Bernard’s dad said that’s how things will be from now on."

"That’s surprising... but honestly, it sounds good," Cassandra said, clearly intrigued.

"Are you comfortable with everything going on at home? How have you been coping with Bernard and his parents?" Laura asked, her voice soft but serious.

"I’m fine. They’ve been treating me really well since I got out of the hospital," Maria said, carefully choosing her words. She didn’t want to reveal too much.

"It’s a good thing they finally see you as part of their family. Just go along with whatever they want, to avoid unnecessary problems," Cassandra advised with a friendly smile.

Hmm... I can’t believe Cassandra is still playing Bernard’s game, Laura thought, hiding her irritation.

"I’ll do my best," Maria said gently.

Why can’t I hear Maria’s thoughts since she returned from the hospital? Laura wondered, growing more unsettled.

"Laura, are you alright?" Maria asked, noticing her distant expression.

"I’m fine," Laura quickly said with a smile. "I just have a few things on my mind—personal stuff. Nothing serious."

"You know we’re always here for you, Laura," Cassandra said sweetly, locking eyes with her.

Laura nodded silently, but inside, her thoughts raged. How can someone act this sweet and innocent while hiding so much? I wish I could expose her right now.

Their conversation was interrupted when they heard footsteps behind them. Turning around, they saw James approaching with his usual charming smile.

"Good morning, ladies. And most importantly, good morning to you, Maria. Welcome back to college," James said warmly.

Maria’s heart fluttered as she took in his handsome, charismatic appearance.

"Good morning, James," she greeted, her smile soft.

"I tried reaching you after I heard you were out of the hospital, but I couldn’t get through. I hope you’re doing well now?" James asked with genuine concern.

"My phone has been off since then, but I’m perfectly fine now," Maria replied happily.

As James continued speaking with her, Maria’s eyes met Bernard’s across the room.

Bernard’s jaw tightened as he watched Maria laugh softly at something James said. His fists clenched by his sides, and his breathing grew heavier, though he tried to keep his expression neutral.

A wave of jealousy and irritation surged through him, burning in his chest.

He hated the way Maria’s eyes sparkled when she looked at James, the ease with which she spoke to him, so different from how she was with him.

Bernard’s brows furrowed, his entire body tense as possessiveness gnawed at him, threatening to push him to act out.

His wolf growled deep within him, demanding that he reclaim what he saw as his...