Chapter 0139
Abby
I stand by the long table, the air thick with the scent of gourmet hors d''oeuvres and sparkling wine. Idly,
I pick up a tiny pastry, turning it this way and that before setting it back on the te.
As if to steel my nerves and try not to think about what Karl is saying to Gianna in the other room, I’m
arranging the treats into some semnce of symmetry when a familiar voice that I haven’t heard in
years suddenly pulls me away from my thoughts.
“Abby, darling! It’s so good to see you again!”
I turn to find Reba, the wife of one of the Betas, her face glowing with genuine delight. I sh a
smile, the corners of my lips straining just a bit.
“Sarah, it’s been too long! How have you been?”
She glides over, her high heels clicking against the polished floor. “Oh, you know, busy with pack life,
I chuckle, trying to deflect the attention. “Thank you. You look absolutely fabulous tonight.”
We share a few pleasantries, talking about fashion and the unusually mild weather we’ve been
experiencing. But the conversation takes a turn when Sarah skillfully steers it into more personal
waters.
“So, Abby,” she says, her eyes twinkling, “I couldn’t help but notice how cozy you and Karl have been
tonight. Is there a chance for reconciliation? The pack could really use a union like that, you know.”
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My cheeks flush. “Sarah, I’m ttered, but no. We’re friends, and I prefer it that way. So yes, I suppose
we’ve reconciled in that regard, but not in a romantic sense.”
Sarah looks a bit disappointed, but understanding at the same time. “Ah, I see. Well, either way, I’m
d he made that announcement tonight. I’ll admit, I was a bit worried when I saw you—thinking that
our Alpha was getting back with a cheater and all that—but to find out that it was all just a mistake…”
Caught off guard, I hesitate before answering. “Yes, it was a mistake. I hope that the word gets out.”
Sarah’s eyes light up. “Oh, of course,” she says, smirking. “You know me; I’ll make sure all of my
girlfriends hear about it. I’m sure a lot of people will be relieved. You two were always the golden
couple, after all. Lots of hearts were broken when the marriage ended.”
I shift ufortably, unsure of how to respond. Yes, I’m sure a lot of hearts were broken. Especially
mine.
“Well,” she beams before I have toe up with an answer, “I should mingle. But really, it was nice
seeing you. And the food was delightful.”
“Thank you,” I say, relieved. “You shoulde visit my restaurant sometime.”
“I might have to do just that.”
With that, she gives me a quick hug, her perfume wafting around me like a cloud, and then moves on to
mingle with other guests, leaving me to my te of hors d’oeuvres.
Despite the surface-level cheeriness of our conversation, I feel drained now. I didn’t expect to field
questions about Karl and me so openly, so soon.
My fingers lightly touch the edge of the table, steadying myself. Each word from our conversation
echoes in my head, their implications adding weight to the heavy thoughts already upying my mind.
Sarah meant well—I know she did. She’s always been one of the more empathetic wives in the pack.
But even well-intended conversations can pull you underwater when you’re already struggling to stay
afloat.
I nce around the room, the elegant crowd still buzzing with energy, but I find myself disconnected
from it all.
That’s when I realize I need a break, a moment to breathe away from prying eyes and loaded
questions. With onest nce at my strategically arranged hors d''oeuvres, I make my decision.
Steeling myself, I slip away from the table and make my way toward the exit, my heels clicking a hasty
retreat. I navigate through the maze-like hallways, feeling the atmosphere change as I distance myself
from the crowd, as I distance myself from the version of me they all want to see.