Lucas pov
I casually inquired about the identity of the person at the door, my mind wandering. I envisioned the room as drab and heavy with emotion, longing for the times when Harper would enter, either with a cloth draped over her arm or my evening coffee.
“Who the hell is knocking?” I muttered, wrapping a towel around my waist, feeling uneasy. The atmosphere was thick with tension; I craved Harper’s presence, not some intruder trying to barge in. I suspected it was Amelia.
“Lucas, I want to come in, please.”Her voice pierced through the silence, and I frowned, irritation bubbling up.
“Amelia, I know you’re my fiancee, but I really need some space right now. The doctor advised me to rest,”I lied, retreating to the mattress.
“Doctor? When did you start seeing a doctor, Lucas?”
“Should that concern you? It’s not your business, Amelia. I just need to clear my head, alright?” I replied softly, absentmindedly toying with my hair comb on the table.
Amelia’s tone was filled with worry, but I could detect her frustration. “Lucas, don’t shut me out. What’s happening? You’ve been so distant for weeks, and now you’re visiting doctors without telling me?” Her words carried an accusatory edge, and I felt a wave of guilt wash over me.
I let out a deep breath, running my fingers through my wet hair as the comb slipped from my hand. “Amelia, just give me some space for now.” My voice was more assertive this time, but my gaze betrayed me, drifting toward the door as if I were hoping Harper would come in and save me from this discussion.
The doorknob turned, and Amelia entered, her graceful figure filling the doorway. Her intense green eyes locked onto mine, searching for the truth. “You’re keeping something from me, Lucas. What is it?” Her voice quivered, and for a brief moment, I saw the vulnerable woman I had fallen for, not the polished fiancee.
I forced myself to look away, concentrating on the faint scent of Harper’s perfume still lingering on my pillow. “There’s nothing to reveal, Amelia. I just need some time alone.” My words felt empty, even to my own ears.
Amelia scanned the room, taking in the disheveled sheets and my half-clothed state. Her expression hardened. “Time alone? Or are you just waiting for someone else to come in and take my place?” Her tone dripped with venom, and I knew I had to be cautious.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside my room, light and purposeful. “Alpha Lucas, your coffee-” one of the pack workers entered, her cheerful tone fading as she took in the tense atmosphere.
Amelia’s eyes narrowed with understanding, and her expression turned cold. “Ah, the ever-loyal worker, the same one who caused our last fight. Always here to fulfill your every need, isn’t she?” The bitterness in her voice made me flinch.
Her face remained impassive, but her eyes flicked to mine, silently asking a question. I gave her a slight shake of my head, signaling her to stay out of it.
“Amelia, enough,” I said, my voice calm but firm. “This isn’t about her. It’s about us.”
Amelia’s eyes were fixed on Harper, filled with suspicion. “Tell me, miss. How long have you been acting as a nurse for my fiance?” The atmosphere was charged, and I sensed this confrontation was just beginning.
I quickly got off the bed, towel still wrapped around my waist, and grabbed Amelia’s arm, pulling her away. “That’s enough,” I said firmly, my voice steady yet authoritative.
Amelia’s face contorted with anger, her eyes flashing. “You’re defending her?” she exclaimed, wrenching her arm free. “You’re picking her over me?”
The woman’s expression stayed calm, but a hint of worry flickered in her eyes. “Alpha Lucas, perhaps I should-”
I shot her a look that silenced her, then turned back to Amelia. “This isn’t about choosing sides, Amelia. It’s about your baseless accusations.” My voice was steady, but my heart raced.
Amelia’s laughter was tinged with madness. “Baseless accusations? You’re the one who’s blind, Lucas. Everyone else sees it.” She turned back to Harper. “You think you’re so pure, don’t you? Acting like the loyal maid, winning his trust-”
“Amelia, that’s enough!” I interjected, positioning myself between them. “Apologize. Now.”
Amelia’s eyes bore into mine, defiance radiating from her. For a moment, I feared she would refuse. Then her expression faltered, and she murmured, “I’m not sorry.”
“I know she won’t.”