Chapter 44
Valentia’s POV
Aiden stood tall before me, his broad shoulders set in a posture of restrained calm. He was clad in a silver and black suit and his blonde hair were slicked back, not hiding the jagged scar tharan down his face.
His silver eyes, however, were uncharacteristically solemn.
*Your father wasn’t feeling well enough to walk you down the aisle,” he said quietly, his voice measured. “So I took it upon myself.”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak. This wasn’t something that had happened in my past life. Back then, Drogo–our father- had gone through the motions, holding onto appearances. In fact he had been quite pleased when he had handed me to Jaxon and had praised me for being an obedient and worthy daughter.
Now, though, I wasn’t surprised. My fall from grace in the Wolfe pack meant I had no worth to him anymore. No use. He never loved me, so why would he even bother to maintain a façade?
I didn’t ask for an explanation. I simply nodded and moved towards Aiden.
“You’re not going to ask anything?” he said suddenly, a faint frown marring his features.
I smiled lightly. “Would that change anything?”
His blue eyes widened slightly, as though the question had caught him off guard. “You.” He hesitated, searching my face. “You’ve been acting differently these past weeks. Are you okay?”
A chuckle escaped me, bitter and soft. I understood why my reaction had surprised him so much. If I had been the Valencia before my rebirth, I would have already started tearing up and asking about my father.
“I just learned an important lesson,” I said simply.
His brows furrowed, curiosity and frustration mingling in his expression. “And that is?
I turned to him fully, meeting his gaze with steady composure. Never give parts of yourself to people who never valued you to begin with. It’s not generosity–it’s self–destruction”
Aiden went silent. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to argue, but no words came. Instead, he stood there, his expression unreadable, until finally he spoke again.
“Valencia,” he said softly, his voice carrying a weight I hadn’t heard before. “Do you…want to leave?”
The question sent a jolt through me. My heart thumped loudly, and for a fleeting moment, the little girl inside me stirred- the one who used to dream of having overprotective, loving brothers.
But that little girl was gone.
She’d died when her mate betrayed her. When her brothers insulted her. When her father threw her away. When her beloved sister poisoned her. That innocent, hopeful part of me had been buried under years of pain, rejection, and humiliation.
Now, standing here, hearing Aiden offer what I had once desperately longed for, felt cruel. Where had he been when I needed him?
Where was he when Jaxon had insulted me in front of the Alpha When our mother belittled me endlessly? When I was clearly drowning, and he simply watched?
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Chapter 44
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Even in my childhood, Aiden had been absent. My memories of bins were filled with stolen belongings, selfish acts, and indifference. And now, after I had clawed my way out of that pitihe wanted to help?
It was laughable.
Too late.
A wry stile tugged at my lips as I let out a small scoff. “Too late, whispered, my voice cutting through the silence like a
blade..
Aiden’s eyelids drooped slightly, his shoulders tensing. He opened his mouth, but I didn’t give him the chance.
“Let’s not keep the guests waiting any longer,” I said, my tone cool but still polite.
His exasperation was evident, but he didn’t argue. With a quiet sigh, he extended his arm to me. I took it, keeping as much distance between us as possible.
The grand cathedral loomed high, its spires reaching into the sky like frozen flames. The walls were covered with stained- glass windows shimmering with hues of gold, blue, and crimson
Inside the other heady perfume.
the air was thick with the scent of candle wax and flowers–roses, lilies, and lavender mingling in a
I walked down the aisle, my hand lightly resting on Aiden’s arm. My steps echoed softly against the polished marble floor, and the faint murmurs of the gathered guests faded into the background.
I couldn’t help but notice the stares. Glares, really, coming from my very own family. Lethia’s narrowed eyes practically burned holes into me, while Augst’s expression was a mask of contempt. Even Ash, who usually seemed amused by everything, looked less than pleased.
And yet, I kept walking.
Ahead of me, at the altar, stood Dante.
His white suit was sharp and tailored perfectly to his broad frame, a silver tie catching the light. His hair, dark and slightly unruly, framed his face in a way that made him look both regal and untamed.
But it was his expression that caught my breath.
He was smiling.
It wasn’t a smirk or a polite curve of the lips. It was soft, genuine and full of warmth. The kind of smile that made my heart twinge painfully in my chest.
I wanted to smile back. I really did.
But for some rea
I couldn’t muster up any
y emotions at all
The closer I got to him, the heavier my heart felt. I had been so calm earlier, so coplident in my decision. But now, standing here, my veil hiding the turmoil on my face, doubt crept in.
Was I making the right choice?
Aiden stopped at the end of the aisle, gently placing my hand in Dante’s. His fingers curled around mine, firm yet careful, as
afraid I might slip away.
The officiant began to speak, his voice echoing softly in the vast cathedral. The words washed over me like a distant tide, barely registering as I focused on Dante’s steady presence beside me.
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Chapter 44
“Do you, Dante Steele, take Valencia Kallistar as your lawfully wedded wife…?”
“I do.” Dante said without hesitation, his voice low and unwavering.
The officiant turned to me.
“And do you, Valencia Kallistar, take Dante Steele as your lawfully wedded husband…?”
My throat tightened, and for a moment, I couldn’t speak.
Gulping. I nodded slowly I do,” I said, my voice barely audible,
The officiant smiled. “You may now kiss your bride.”
Dante stepped closer, his movements deliberate. His hand reached for my veil, lifting it gently. But instead of taking it off completely, he leaned down, his lips brushing against mine under the sheer fabric.
The kiss was soft, a delicate promise that sent a shiver down my spine. His hand rested lightly en my waist, his touch warm and steady.
But then, something strange happened.
A sudden warmth flooded through me, spreading from where his lips touched mine. It wasn’t just physical–it was deeper, something that seeped into my very soul.
My hand trembled against his chest, and my eyes shot open.
What was happening?
