Chapter 236: Unable to Feel the Joy I Imagined
Chapter 236: Unable to Feel the Joy I Imagined
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
The taxi driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Where to, miss?”
+25 Points
I hesitated, staring out at the rain–soaked streets of the Northern Territory. It was past midnight now. Calling Celeste Harrison at this hour would be inappropriate, even for close friends.
“Shadowmere Heights Residential Complex,” I finally said.
The driver nodded and pulled into traffic. I leaned back against the worn leather seat, watching the city lights blur past the window.
(Hugo Ashworth’s POV)
The next morning, I stepped out of my apartment and immediately noticed two bags of trash placed outside Elena’s door. My scholarly instincts kicked in, analyzing the situation.
She was back.
After a moment’s hesitation, I pressed her doorbell. The soft chime echoed through the
hallway.
Soon, Elena answered the door. She had just woken up, her dark hair loosely tied up with strands escaping around her face. An eye mask still rested on her head, and she wore a baggy, light yellow nightgown that made her look younger somehow.
It was the first time I had seen her like this. So unguarded, so naturally beautiful.
Upon seeing me, Elena was instantly awake. “Professor Ashworth, good morning…”
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she became aware of her appearance.
“When did you return?” I asked, keeping my voice gentle.
“Last night,” she replied, unconsciously smoothing down her hair.
I stared at her, my mind quickly piecing together what must have happened. The late hour, the hastily packed bags, her obvious distress yesterday evening.
I frowned. “Did you and Marcus argue?”
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“No,” Elena denied quickly, but her eyes avoided mine.
+25 Points
I wanted to press further, to understand what had driven her from the Blackwood estate in the middle of the night. But something in her expression stopped me.
“Don’t be late for your healing session today,” I reminded her instead.
She nodded gratefully, understanding that I wouldn’t push for details she wasn’t ready to
share.
(Elena Blackwood’s POV)
After getting ready, I arrived at the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute just in time. The familiar scent of antiseptic and healing herbs filled my nostrils as I stepped out of the
Steel Ascent.
My phone rang immediately. The caller ID showed “Property Manager.”
“Miss Blackwood,” the voice was cheerful and professional. “I wanted to ask if you’re interested in renting out apartment 10. The occupancy rate isn’t very high right now.”
I was momentarily stunned. “What do you mean?”
“Well, besides you and Professor Ashworth, the other floors are completely vacant. We thought you might want to consider subletting to help with costs.”
My mind went completely blank. The words echoed in my head without making sense.
“I… I’ll think about it,” I responded absently.
“Great! Just let us know. Have a wonderful day!”
The call ended, leaving me standing frozen in the institute’s lobby. Other healers moved around me, but I felt disconnected from everything.
I found Marcus’s number in my phone’s contact list. My finger hovered over the call button.
I wanted to ask him about the apartment. About what this meant. About why he was still paying for my residence when he’d just banished me from his life.
I pressed call.
The phone didn’t even ring. A automated message informed me that the number was no longer in service.
He had blacklisted me.
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+25 Points
Marcus Blackwood, Alpha of the Shadow Moon Pack, usually never turned off his phone. Pack business required constant availability. The only explanation was that he had specifically blocked my number.
A wave of frustration washed over me. I wasn’t sure whether to be angry or laugh at the absurdity of it all.
This was clearly the ending I had wanted. Complete separation from Marcus and his complicated world. Freedom from the political machinations and territorial disputes that had consumed my life as his Luna.
Yet I couldn’t feel the joy I had imagined.
The realization hit me like a physical blow. If I had endured six years of his cold indifference, what was there to be upset about now? It was just a blacklist.
Just another reminder that I meant nothing to him.
I deleted his contact information with sharp, decisive taps. The name “Marcus Blackwood” disappeared from my phone, erased as easily as our mate bond had been dismissed.
Putting away my phone, I headed toward Elena’s Healing Chamber. Work would distract me from these unwanted emotions.
(Celeste Harrison’s POV)
Meanwhile, at Crimson Moon Tavern, I sat with my parents across from the Xavier family. The private dining room was elegantly appointed, with soft lighting that cast warm shadows across the polished table.
During the meal, I focused entirely on my phone, dealing with urgent pack healing matters. A critical patient needed immediate consultation, and I was coordinating with other healers.
Mrs. Harrison nudged me sharply under the table. She leaned close and whispered, “The elders are talking to you.”
I looked up to find everyone staring at me expectantly.
Chairman Harrison put down his wine glass, his expression slightly embarrassed. “I apologize, Mr. Xavier. My daughter is a dedicated healer with a very demanding job. I hope you’ll be understanding in the future.”
Before Felix Xavier could respond, his father smiled warmly. “It’s only right that she pursues her calling. When the two are mated, I won’t interfere with my daughter–in–law’s work.”
He gestured graciously. “It’s good to do what she likes and maintain her independence.”
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Mrs. Harrison Deame
future.”
I forced a smile and nodded politely.
“Excuse me,” I said, standing from the table. “I need to use the washroom.”
I stepped outside the private dining room, grateful for the fresh air. The restaurant’s terrace overlooked the city, and I took a moment to clear my head.
That’s when I heard voices from the outdoor terrace. A man and woman were having what sounded like a heated argument.
Curiosity got the better of me. I quietly approached, standing behind a decorative wall to listen.
“Unable to become Mrs. Whitmore, now you’re venting your anger on me?”
It was Felix’s father’s voice, amused and mocking. I heard the distinctive sound of a lighter, then smelled cigarette smoke.
The woman’s voice was sharp with rage. “What right do you, a kidnapper, have to say that to me?”
My blood ran cold. Kidnapper?
Felix’s father fell silent as he smoked. When he spoke again, his voice carried a hint of ruthlessness that made my skin crawl.
Suddenly, someone appeared behind me. I spun around, my heart hammering.
It was Felix’s father’s bodyguard, a large man with cold eyes.
On the terrace, the woman quickly pulled down the brim of her hat to cover her face. Felix’s father came in from the terrace, his predatory gaze fixed on me.
“Miss Harrison likes to eavesdrop?” he asked, his tone deceptively pleasant.
Fear flooded through me, inexplicable and overwhelming. “I was just passing by,” I said quickly.
Felix’s father smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t worry, you’re my future daughter–in–law. I won’t do anything to you.”
He paused, his smile turning cold.
“After all, I still need the Harrison Pack.”
