Chapter 137: Chapter 137 But you deserved a real wedding
Aria’s POV
Damian’s words settled something deep in my chest. The knot of anxiety I’d been carrying finally loosened.
He’d thought of everything. For Silver Creek Pack, all I really needed was a formal public announcement. Nothing complicated. Just... official.
Elena’s call came at exactly the right time—perfectly timed for when we’d finished our evening together and were heading home.
"Aria, sweetheart," her voice came through warm but cautious, "my son is so impulsive. Just suddenly deciding to get married like that—I hope you’re not upset that there wasn’t more preparation? More ceremony?"
The carefulness in her tone made my heart swell. "No, not at all. I’m really happy."
My voice came out soft, almost shy. I couldn’t even look at Damian as I said it.
"Oh thank the Moon Goddess!" Elena’s relief was palpable. "You’re so sweet, dear. My son is incredibly lucky. Listen, why don’t you both come home tonight?"
"It’s his birthday, and you just got married... we should celebrate as a family! I’ve already prepared your room!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious—and incredibly direct.
Heat flooded my face. I shot a quick glance at Damian, who was still focused on the road, though I caught the hint of a smile playing at his lips.
He reached over and took the phone from me, his voice turning unexpectedly gentle."Mother,don’t overwhelm her. We’re already on our way back to her apartment."
"All right! Drive safely." Elena’s voice sounded disappointed.
"We’ll come over tonight," I replied.
"Wonderful!"
When he handed my phone back, Damian asked, "So... are we really going back to the capital tonight?"
"Mother was teasing," he added. "If you’d rather go back to your apartment tonight, I’ll take you. No pressure."
I shook my head, surprising myself with how certain I felt. "Actually... I’d like to go to the pack house. If that’s okay with you."
His eyes lit up, and the smile that spread across his face made my heart skip a beat. "More than okay. Welcome home."
---
By the time we arrived at the estate, night had fallen completely. I glanced at my phone in surprise – only four hours had passed. I’d expected at least eight.
"Private jet and private flight route," Damian explained, noticing my confusion. "One of the perks."
So this was what it meant to be the Alpha King – even time and distance bent to his will.
Several staff members were already waiting outside. The moment our car pulled up, they rushed forward to help with our shopping bags, treating us like—well, like newlyweds.
Inside, the house had been transformed.
Everywhere I looked, there were subtle decorative touches—fresh flowers in crystal vases, elegant table linens, soft golden lights strung along the staircase.
It wasn’t overdone, but it was unmistakably festive. Romantic.
It made everything feel *real*.
Elena and Andrew were both dressed formally, clearly waiting for us in the main living room.
I’d never experienced anything like this. When Ethan and I had our fake ceremony, we’d just had a quiet dinner. No fanfare. No family waiting to celebrate.
The Holts had made it clear I wasn’t really welcome.
But this? This felt like being welcomed into a family. A real one.
"Aria, darling!" Elena grabbed my hands the moment I stepped inside, her eyes already brimming with tears.
"You’re officially part of this family now, and I couldn’t be happier. I promise you, we’re going to treat you like our own daughter. You’ll never feel alone again."
Andrew cleared his throat gently, reminding her that this was supposed to be a happy occasion, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears.
"I’m the lucky one," I managed, my own throat tight. "Having you as family—having a family at all—I never thought I’d have this."
"Well, you have it now," Elena said firmly, pulling me into a hug. "Though you really should start calling me Mother instead of Elena."
I felt Damian’s presence behind me, solid and warm. When I glanced back, I saw something rare in his expression—vulnerability. Like this moment meant as much to him as it did to me.
"Alright," he said, his voice rougher than usual. "Aria brought a birthday cake. Her own creation. Should we dig in?"
He set the heart-shaped cake on the dining table, and Elena and Andrew immediately lit up.
"You made this yourself?" Elena looked genuinely delighted. "Oh, Aria, it’s beautiful!"
I knew Damian never celebrated his birthday. He’d told me as much. So seeing Elena and Andrew this excited—this grateful—made my chest ache in the best way.
They brought out plates and candles, and I carefully placed two number candles on the cake—a three and a two.
"Wait," I said as Damian reached for the knife. "You have to close your eyes and make a wish first."
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