of eight 105

Posted by ADMINHRADMIN, ? Views, Released on July 24, 2025

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Chapter 105.

~LANA

“You really don’t look good at all,” Isabella says, stepping into my messy room and stopping short at the sight of me sprawled on the bed looking like a zombie who hasn’t seen the light in years. Discarded napkins litter the floor around me, remnants of my restless night as I’d used them to dab at my tear

streaked face.

I couldn’t hide my pain when the evidence of my heartache clearly visible.

Last night had felt like a relentless storm, emotions swirling in chaos, and I knew that tonight’s event would only intensify that restlessness.

“I don’t feel that well either,” I admit.

She looks unhappy to see me this way.

“I tried talking to mom about keeping you home from the engagement ceremony,” she continues, a note of concern lacing her voice. “But she just wouldn’t budge. She’s convinced that you need to be there to support Apollo. If only she understood how being there would shatter your fragile heart.”

I sighed, fully aware that trying to persuade my mother otherwise would be futile. Her desire for us to project a united front for Apollo was unwavering and, to her, that meant everyone had to be present. Little did she know how deeply my feelings for my step–brother ran- territory that our family would no doubt deem completely unacceptable.

feelings that ventured into

I inwardly groan as I try to fight the tension growing within. The conflict inside me was like a riptide, pulling me under with each passing moment.

As I attempt to rise from my bed, my knees give way beneath me, leaving me feeling utterly fragile after a night spent in tears. Today marks the day my mate is officially letting go of me and moving onto someone else.

Isabella rushes to my side, her warm hands steadying me as I try to find my balance. “I really don’t think this is the best time for you to be getting up,” she says gently, worry etched on her face.

I’ve spent the majority of the day in my room, the walls closing in around me. Thankfully, my mother and stepfather are preoccupied with the preparations for the engagement party, unaware of my state.

“I really should start getting ready for tonight,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I just need a moment to gather myself. Maybe if I eat something, I can muster up enough strength to face the evening.”

Isabella nods in understanding, her expression softening. “I can bring you some food. Please, just stay put for now. I’ll handle everything else.”

After that, she leaves to get a meal for me. I take a deep breath and fall back onto the bed.

I linger in my room for a few additional hours, lost in thought, before I finally succumb to the pressure of getting dressed for the torturous event.

Isabella graciously lent me one of her exquisite designs for the evening, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most beautiful black dresses I have ever laid eyes on. The fabric shimmers and catches the light in a mesmerizing way, transforming me into a vision that feels almost unreal. The dress hugs my figure perfectly and makes me feel like a totally different person.

Isabella steps back to admire her work and smiles approvingly. “The makeup really does wonders, too,” she comments, lightly tapping my shoulder. “It perfectly conceals all the dark circles that have settled under your eyes from all that crying.” She nods, her tone warm and encouraging. “You look absolutely incredible, and believe me, you don’t look at all like someone who’s been in tears all day. I made sure to conceal it so that mother will not notice.”

I was grateful for having her by my side during this difficult time.

Apollo’s words from last night stung unlike anything before. I kept replaying it over and over in my head, trying to make sense of his changed behavior.

This was the day–if he was truly engaged to Jada, that would be it. I would have no choice but to completely let go of him for good. No matter what he said to me after today, I would reject him and find a way to move on with my life.

1/3

Chapter 105

I needed to stay strong. I couldn’t let this break me down. Maybe this was for the best. It was clear that Apollo’s mother didn’t like me, and we have a peaceful life as long as she harbored such hatred toward me. He would be happier with Jada. She was possibly the best option for him.

“Girls!” my mother calls as she barges into our room. “What’s taking you two so long? Everyone has already left for the ceremony, and we’re fifteen minutes late! They won’t wait for us to start the event!”

Honestly, missing it might be the best thing for my fragile heart.

“Come on,” Isabella urges as she leads the way, and I follow.

My whole world felt like it was spinning out of control, and I felt powerless to stop it. I wished there were an easier way to escape this situation, but deep down, I knew there really wasn’t.

It takes us a little more than an hour to arrive at our destination, nestled among the rolling hills and vibrant greenery.

As we pull into the driveway, I’m immediately captivated by the stunning architecture of the venue selected for the engagement ceremony.

The grand entrance, adorned with blooming flowers, exudes grace and charisma.

I couldn’t deny that they’d done an exceptional job with the decorations.

A sea of elegantly dressed guests streamed through the grand archway, which was lavishly decorated with cascading roses in shades of black and red.

Everyone wore expressions of sheer delight and anticipation as they eagerly awaited the moment my mate would openly accept Jada as his fiancée.

The whispers of excitement rippled through the crowd.

“This is absolutely beautiful.” My mother whispers in awe, repeating what I’d been saying in my mind.

“I hate to admit it but mom’s right.” Isabella sighs. “At least the designers knew what they were doing.”

She takes my hand and helps me out of the limousine. It is hard to breathe as my feet touches the ground. I knew what was waiting for me inside and wasn’t ready to face it.

“I can’t believe our Apollo is actually getting engaged tonight.” My mother says to our stepfather who chuckles and hugs her with happiness. They were both overjoyed for him without knowing what tonight would do to me.

Isabella squeezes my hand, trying to offer her support, letting me know that she was here for me. I was glad. I needed her tonight more than ever.

“Jada looks so gorgeous.” I hear one of the guests say. “She will make such a beautiful bride.”

I bit my lip to stop myself from screaming, however, the screams inside of me were loud. I hated that I was forced to be here.

As I approach opening, I spot Jake standing at the entrance. With his strong build and the way he holds himself, it’s clear he’s not just here for decoration; since he’s Apollo’s Beta, I can only assume my stepbrother stationed him there to ward off any unwelcome guests.

Everyone greets him with warm smiles before slipping past him into the celebrations. But when I reach him, he unexpectedly grips my arm with a determined look in his eyes.

Startled, I frown and turn to face him fully, confusion etched across my features. What could he possibly want from me?

“We need to talk,” he states, his tone serious and commanding.

I narrow my eyes in response, suspicion creeping in. “If this is about a warning from Apollo, you can tell him I have no intention of causing any trouble. I’m here to enjoy the ceremony, not stir up conflict-”

“That’s not what I want to discuss,” he interrupts, his voice firm yet urgent. “What I need to say is crucial. Can you please spare me just a few moments before you step inside?”