Chapter 0272


    Karl


    The silence in the mansion is a stark contrast to the hum of the restaurant. I’m sitting at my desk amidst


    paperwork, meetings, and preparations for tomorrow’s luncheon. The pack is buzzing with excitement;


    their Alpha is looking for a date, potentially even a new Luna. It’s the talk of the town, and I feel like a


    spectacle.


    “Karl, we need to go over the security arrangements for tomorrow. Your potential mates must be


    protected,” Marcus reminds me as he enters the room, a handful of notes in his hands.


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I nod, setting aside my pen. “Let’s make it quick. I’ve got a lot on my te.”


    As we talk, I can’t help but think of the irony. Here I am, arranging for a new date to the Alpha party,


    while Abby… What is she up to, actually? I declined her call the other day, and haven’t heard anything


    else. Is she doing okay? Is she thriving?


    “Karl, you haven’t said a word about the seating arrangements. What are your thoughts?” Marcus asks,


    pulling me back to reality.


    “Just follow the usual protocol, Marcus. I trust your judgment,” I say, trying to focus on the conversation


    at hand.


    He studies me for a moment, his concern evident. “You sure you’re up for this, Karl? You don’t have to


    go through with it if you’re not ready.”


    I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face. “It’s not about being ready. It’s what’s best for the pack,” I say, a


    mantra I’ve repeated to myself too oftentely.


    Once Marcus leaves, I rise from my desk, the sense of disquiet growing. I step outside, taking in the


    expanse of the estate, the manicuredwns, the wild forests beyond. This was supposed to be our


    domain, Abby’s and mine. What will happen if I introduce a new woman? Will she want to change it?


    Make it her own? I’m not sure if I want that.


    With a sigh, I head back inside. I can hear my staff in the kitchen, gossiping as they prepare for


    tomorrow’s big luncheon. They’re oblivious to my presence.


    “I heard there’s an heiress from another packing,” one of the maids says to another. “Imagine the


    strength that would bring to the pack. To be united with another…”


    “Strength isn’t everything,” another replies. “Beauty matters, too. When our Alpha has children, he’ll


    want to make sure that they’re just as attractive.”


    Their words are a blow. I almost want to say something, but I don’t.


    Abby and I would have made beautiful children. But our rtionship is over, finished, in the past.


    There’s no use trying to save it anymore. It’s time to move on.


    The rest of the day is a blur of paperwork, meetings, and endless discussions about the luncheon. By


    the time night falls, I’m exhausted, not from the work, but from the principle of it all.


    And now that I tried to win her back and failed, it’s even worse than before.


    But I have to move on. New ch?pter avаble o? Dr?мanоvеls.cоm


    I take a sip from the ss, the liquid burning as it goes down my throat. It’s nothingpared to the


    ache in my heart.