Chapter 200
KESTER.
The long–awaited meeting had finally ended, yet my mind was nowhere near at ease.
June had begged me to spend the night in their pack, but I refused. I needed to go home.
Needed to see her. Even if from a distance. Even if I didn’t speak to her.
I just needed Kasmine.
My life, which was once so neatly arranged, so ruthlessly in my hands, was quickly spiraling out of control, and I, the master of control, almost had no control over it.
1 clenched my jaw and redialed.
The fucker finally picked up after what felt like the hundredth call.
“You could pass for a certified asshole, you know that, right?” I snapped the moment
Norlan answered.
He just laughed, “Yeah… I recognize that tone. Dude’s pissed.”
Norlan’s laugh grated on my nerves.
“Go on,” he drawled. “Spit it out. What’s got your panties in a twist?”
I exhaled sharply. “I picked a date.”
A beat of silence followed. Then, “For what? Your funeral?”
I didn’t answer. He was sharp. He’d figure it out.
Another pause, and then a low, knowing hum. “No fucking way.”
“Yeah.” I tilted my head back against the seat, staring at the ceiling of the car like it could somehow save me. “The engagement is set for the 23rd.”
“Damn. And here I thought you’d at least pretend to fight it for a while. That Alpha King
must’ve had a sword to your throat.” He said.
1/4
Chapter 200
“Close enough.”
He let out a low chuckle. “So, tell me… what’s the play here? Gonna fake your own death before the ceremony? I know you wouldn’t have agreed unless you had an angle.”
I let his sarcasm roll off me. “I’m making sure I get something out of this.”
“That’s the spirit,” he mused. “If you’re gonna sell your soul, might as well charge.
interest.
I ignored him. June’s been all over me about this. Since she doesn’t want to give it a rest and let me be, I’m using her. The second we’re engaged, I’ll make sure her father starts making moves to help me immediately. Ain’t waiting for after the engagement like he fucking promised.”
Norlan hummed again. “So you picked an earlier date to fast–track Daddy’s contributions. to the Kester Investment Fund. Clever.”
“Exactly.” I ran a hand through my hair, my patience thinning. “I need to be done with this as soon as possible.”
“And then?”
“And then,” I exhaled, “I break it off.”
He let out a slow, appreciative laugh. “You cold–hearted bastard.”
“She didn’t leave me a fucking choice, Norlan. I tried to push her away all these years.”
“Oh, I agree,” he said lightly. “It’s just… damn, remind me never to fall in love with you.”
I scoffed. “Like you could handle me.”
“True,” he sighed. “I like my heart in one piece.”
1 exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I need this over with.”
Norlan didn’t respond immediately. Then, in a quieter voice, “You sure this is gonna give you what you want?”
1 didn’t answer.
2/14
Chapter 200
Because I wasn’t sure anymore
“Well,” he continued, “let’s hope June doesn’t turn into a lovesick lunatic when you pull
the rug out from under her. You know how these things go.” He added.
“I don’t care how she takes it.”
The driver pulled into the parking lot, and before the car had even fully stopped, I was reaching for the door.
I needed to get out..
Stepping into the house, I barely registered the greetings tossed my way by the guards and maids I came across. I nodded at a few and muttered half–hearted responses to others.
because my focus was elsewhere.
Mum was in the living room, sitting still–too still. Her eyes weren’t on the TV in front of her, even though her favorite show was playing. Instead, they were fixed on the clock on the wall, her fingers twisting together in her lap.
It was past nine. Nothing significant about the time, yet she watched it like it held some kind of answer to a problem I didnt know about.
“Mum?” I called her attention when she didn’t even notice my presence.
She blinked, finally noticing me. “Oh. Kes. She stood, wrapping her arms around me in a
warm embrace. “You’re back. How was it?”
I heard the nervousness in her tone, and I got even more curious.
I studied her. The tension in her shoulders, the unease in her eyes. “Are you okay?” My gaze narrowed. “Did Dad-”
“No.” She cut me off, forcing a smile. “He didn’t. Your dad and I are fine.” At least she
sounded honest there.
“So?” I prompted, “You look nervous.”
