Chapter 145: Chapter 145 The Suffocating Weight of Secrets
Author
In the black sedan parked half a block away, Alpha Zack slumped against the driver’s seat, dark circles shadowing his bloodshot eyes. He’d been here since dawn, waiting, watching.
Through his windshield, he could see them perfectly - Elara and Dominic standing close together on the front steps. They looked so natural together, so comfortable. Like they’d been a couple for years instead of whatever this arrangement actually was.
Alpha Dominic’s hand rested possessively on Elara’s lower back.
They looked like real lovers. Like everything he’d lost and could never get back.
Jealousy burned through his chest like acid, making his jaw clench so tight his teeth ached.
Alpha Dominic hit the gas but rolled down the passenger window.
As he drove past the black sedan, his eyes flicked over casually but purposefully.
Two pairs of eyes met briefly.
Just when Alpha Zack thought Dominic might stop, the car suddenly sped up and disappeared.
His chest felt heavy and bitter, but he wouldn’t give up.
He’d find his chance to see Elara eventually.
--
Elara had absolutely no idea any of that drama had just played out fifty feet away. She’d actually meant every word she said earlier - she really didn’t want to be trapped in a car with Dominic right now.
The fake intimacy was getting harder to handle. Every casual touch, every staged kiss, every moment they had to pretend to be madly in love was like walking a tightrope over a pit of her own confused feelings.
"Grandma, let me wheel you out to the balcony for some sunshine. We can chat for a bit, then I’ll head to work."
Elizabeth laughed softly. "If you’re so busy, why didn’t you let Dominic drive you?"
Elara fumbled for an excuse. "Uh, Grandma, Dominic had to rush off to work."
Elizabeth didn’t call her out on the obvious lie.
That awkward little goodbye kiss was probably just for her benefit too, but it didn’t matter.
Elizabeth wouldn’t blow their cover.She’d play along with their act completely.
"Go ahead then, dear. Take the bus, walk, do whatever makes you comfortable." Elizabeth reached up to pat Elara’s hand gently. "Elara, don’t worry about me."
Elara
Around five o’clock, I finally wrapped up my workday. I grabbed my purse and practically sprinted out of the office, eager to get home and spend quality time with Grandma Elizabeth.
The elevator seemed to crawl at a snail’s pace, and I found myself tapping my foot impatiently.
Every minute away from Grandma felt precious now, especially after this morning’s conversation about not being around forever.
When I finally reached our apartment,
I could hear voices and laughter coming from inside before I even opened the door. My heart lifted—Grandma wasn’t alone.
I pushed open the door to find Hunter sitting comfortably on our couch, engaged in animated conversation with Elizabeth.
But what really caught my attention was the small figure bouncing excitedly around the living room.
"Aunt Elara!" Orion practically launched himself at me the moment I stepped inside. "You’re home!"
"Hey there, little man!" I caught him in a hug, genuinely happy to see his bright smile. "What brings you here today?"
"We’re having a talent show," the little guy said with total confidence. "Aunt Elara, I’m gonna win this time! Will you cheer for me?"
"Of course! But Orion, what are you performing?"
I remembered Orion loved drawing.
Orion smiled shyly. "Aunt Elara, I’m playing violin."
That genuinely surprised me.
"That’s wonderful! We’ll definitely be there to support you."
Orion shuffled over to his grandfather shyly. "Grandpa, can you hold my cheering sign?"
Hunter’s mouth twitched. "Ask Dominic. These old bones can’t wave signs around anymore."
Orion’s face fell, his lip sticking out. "Uncle Dominic..."
"Not happening."
Dominic had already seen that embarrassing cheering poster Orion made.
Holding up that sign would be like publicly humiliating himself.
I shot the man an annoyed look, then pulled Orion over reassuringly. "How about I hold it for you?"
"Really?"
"Really!"
Orion shyly tugged at my hand. "I have one more tiny request. Will you say yes?"
I smiled softly. "What request?"
"Hehe," Orion grinned wide. "Aunt Elara, I also want to invite Aunt Nancy. Can you ask her for me?"
Yardley, who’d been quiet until now, raised an eyebrow. "Don’t push it. She might be busy."
"Dad," Orion protested quietly, "but what if Aunt Nancy is free and wants to come?"
Dominic’s eyes narrowed as he stared at his brother with an almost mocking expression.
I smoothed things over. "It’s fine. I’ll ask her tomorrow at work."
