It was evident in her every action and word that Sharon genuinely cared for Donna. Her concern was not fleeting or superficial; it was deep and heartfelt, the kind of care that comes from someone who truly values relationships. Donna had been through a lot, and Sharon had been a pillar of support, offering her comfort and encouragement in ways no one else could. It was clear that Sharon’s efforts were not in vain, as Donna seemed to be thriving under her care, finding a sense of stability that had been missing for far too long.
“She’s doing well. I called to thank you for sending her here, and I also want to invite you over,” Nelly said right away, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude. She didn’t waste time with pleasantries, getting straight to the point in her usual straightforward manner. “Donna has been adjusting well, and I think you’d love to see how much progress she’s made. Plus, it would be great to catch up in person.”
“Initially, that was the plan, but something came up. We have to take a connecting flight for two days. How about I visit after my work is done?” Sharon asked, her tone apologetic but firm. She didn’t want to overpromise, knowing that her schedule was packed, but she also didn’t want to decline Nelly’s invitation outright.
After considering it, Nelly agreed. “No problem. Handle what you need to, and we can talk when you return.” She understood that Sharon’s commitments were important, and she didn’t want to pressure her friend into rearranging her plans. After all, they had plenty of time to reconnect once everything settled down.
“Sounds good,” Sharon replied, her voice carrying a note of relief that Nelly understood.
“That’s all for now. Take care,” Nelly said, her tone bright and cheerful, as if to mask any disappointment.
“Alright!” Sharon responded, her voice equally upbeat. With that, the call ended, leaving both women feeling a sense of connection despite the brief exchange.
Nelly paused for a moment, letting the conversation linger in her mind before noticing Alpha Kilian standing behind her. His presence was impossible to miss, given his towering height and commanding aura. “Why did you come out here?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she turned to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Alpha Kilian, significantly taller than Nelly, stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a gesture that was both protective and intimate. “Nelly, do you trust me that much?” he asked, his deep voice resonating with a mix of curiosity and vulnerability.
“What do you mean?” Nelly replied, her brow furrowing as she tried to decipher the intent behind his question. It wasn’t like him to sound so uncertain, and it caught her off guard.
“You seemed unfazed about who reached out to me. Weren’t you at all concerned?” he probed, his gaze searching hers for any hint of doubt. Nelly pondered this for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before nodding slowly, her eyes conveying a quiet confidence.
“Why the nod? What does that indicate?” Alpha Kilian asked, narrowing his gaze as if he were trying to read her mind.
“It shows I trust the boy who has regained his memory. He wouldn’t deceive me!” Nelly responded confidently, her voice steady and unwavering. She had no doubt in her heart about his intentions, and her words carried the weight of her conviction.
Alpha Kilian looked at her, his dark eyes sparkling with a mix of admiration and determination, and promised, “Don’t worry, Nelly. I’ll never lie to you again.” His words were more than a promise; they were a vow, spoken with the kind of sincerity that could not be faked.
Nelly nodded in acknowledgment, her expression softening as she accepted his words without question. She knew he meant every word.
Then, leaning in, Alpha Kilian intended to kiss Nelly, his movements deliberate and filled with emotion. Just then, Dave happened to walk out and caught sight of them, his timing as impeccable as ever.
Clearing his throat twice to announce his presence, Dave caused Nelly to snap back to reality, her cheeks flushing as she quickly lowered her gaze. The moment had been broken, but the tension lingered in the air.
“Are you blind or what?” Alpha Kilian asked Dave with a hint of sarcasm, his tone sharp yet playful. He was clearly annoyed but didn’t let it show too much.
“My bad. Should I act like I never came out?” Dave suggested, raising an eyebrow and smirking slightly, his tone dripping with mock innocence.
“I think that would be preferable,” Alpha Kilian replied nonchalantly, his expression unbothered. He wasn’t one to let interruptions get under his skin.
“Alright,” Dave said, pretending to comply as he took a step back, though the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.
Watching the two men tease each other, Nelly said, “I’ll head inside. You two take your time.” She glanced back at them briefly before walking away, her steps measured and graceful.
Even as Nelly left, Alpha Kilian couldn’t take his eyes off her, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure. “Come on, she’s gone. Stop looking at her like that,” Dave told him, shaking his head in mock exasperation.
Only then did Alpha Kilian focus on Dave, his expression shifting to one of mild annoyance. “You must be envious because you’ve been single for too long. Let me give you some advice: start dating someone instead of interrupting my moments,” he said, glaring at Dave with a mix of amusement and irritation.
Dave wasn’t impressed with Alpha Kilian’s arrogance, his expression turning serious. “Do you think you’re special just because you’re in love, Alpha Kilian?” he asked, his tone challenging.
Maintaining eye contact, Alpha Kilian replied seriously, “Yes. And I also have three kids.” His words were simple but carried a weight that left Dave momentarily stunned.
At a loss for words, Dave fell silent, clearly unsure of how to respond to such a personal revelation.
“Do you have any idea what it’s like to learn to love someone after marriage? Wait, that’s not quite right-I fell for her when I was young. A lot has happened since then, and it would take time to explain everything,” Alpha Kilian reminisced, his eyes lighting up at the thought of Nelly. His voice softened as he spoke, the memories clearly bringing him a sense of joy and nostalgia.
“I’d love to show you how foolish you look right now,” Dave said, narrowing his eyes at him, though his tone was more teasing than critical.
Alpha Kilian shrugged, his expression indifferent. “That’s because you don’t understand what it means to find something precious,” he replied, his voice calm but firm.
Dave glanced inside, speaking quietly, “You’re right; I don’t know what that’s like. Not everyone is as lucky as you. You still have each other after everything,” he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
Alpha Kilian regarded Dave silently for a moment, his expression softening. “One day, you’ll find your other half too,” he said, his tone carrying a quiet assurance.
Looking up, Dave replied, “Forget it. I prefer my freedom.” His words were dismissive, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. Alpha Kilian continued to gaze at him, breaking into a half-smile as if he saw through Dave’s facade.
“By the way, I have an update on the matter you wanted me to check,” Dave quickly changed the topic, his tone becoming more businesslike.
Upon hearing this, Alpha Kilian adopted a serious expression, his demeanor shifting instantly.
“I came to you as soon as I got word that the photo would arrive. It should be here now!” Dave said, pulling out his phone to check for messages, his fingers moving quickly across the screen.
“Got it,” Dave said after a moment. As expected, he found a photo in his inbox and quickly showed it to Alpha Kilian. “Take a look,” he added, his tone urgent.
When Alpha Kilian saw the image, his eyes narrowed; the bloodied boy he remembered from a passing car was the same one in the photo. The realization hit him like a thunderbolt, and his expression darkened.
In that instant, Alpha Kilian’s eyes became bloodshot, a mix of rage and determination burning within them as he processed the implications of what he was seeing.