Filed to story: The Luna is Secret Heiress Book PDF Free by Sylvia
I swallowed hard. “She is now my stepmother.”
Dorothy paused, her cloudy eyes growing distant with memory. After a moment, she spoke softly. “Before your mother passed, Natalie visited her many times in the hospital.”
My heart clenched painfully.
“Sarah told your father and Natalie that if Richard were to remarry, she only trusted Natalie to care for her daughter,” Dorothy continued gently. “Not any other woman. It was your mother’s dying wish that Natalie become a mother figure to you, so you wouldn’t grow up without maternal guidance.”
The revelation hit me like a physical blow. My face paled as the implications sank in.
All this time, what I’d interpreted as betrayal had actually been my mother’s final wish
-that her beloved daughter would always have someone to love her as a mother should.
Tears rimmed my eyes, my lashes trembling with the effort of holding them back. The resentment I’d harbored for years suddenly felt misplaced, leaving a hollow ache in its wake.
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Quietly, Connor took my hand, his rough thumb gently stroking my palm in silent comfort. I clung to his touch like an anchor in the storm of my emotions.
Dorothy busied herself in the kitchen, tactfully giving me space to process this revelation. Soon, delicious aromas filled the small cabin.
Foeta
When lunch was served, the table was laden with dishes that looked and smelled exactly like the ones my mother used to make-venison stew with winter vegetables, herb-infused rice, and a special moonlight broth that brought back a flood of childhood memories.
Not wanting to ruin the moment with my emotional turmoil, I forced a bright smile. “This is amazing, Grandma Dorothy. It tastes exactly like my mother’s cooking.”
The old woman laughed joyfully. “You may not know, Livvy, but Connor always comes here to learn cooking from me.”
Surprised, I turned to Connor, my eyes still misty. “You come here to learn cooking?”
He nodded, his ice-blue eyes softening as they met mine. “To cook for you.”
“But why?” I pressed, my voice tinged with confusion and a nasal note from holding back tears.
Connor turned fully toward me, meeting my gaze earnestly. “When your mother passed away, you refused to eat properly. I was worried.”
Dorothy sighed, setting down her spoon. “Those were sorrowful days. I was already retired due to illness, but I had gone to visit Sarah in the hospital. That’s where I met young Connor.”
She smiled fondly at him. “He saw how Livvy was wasting away with grief, refusing to eat. So he came to me, asking to learn Sarah’s recipes.”
“He was a quick learner,” Dorothy continued. “Mastered them in no time, just to coax you to eat again.”
I stared at Connor, stunned by this revelation.
“He even paid all my medical expenses,” Dorothy added. “Called it his ‘tuition fee.”
Suddenly, fragments of memory clicked into place-Martha bringing me meals after my mother’s death, insisting they were special deliveries from the kitchen. The familiar taste that had coaxed me back from the brink of starvation.
My amber eyes widened in shock as realization dawned. My voice trembled with disbelief: “So, the meals Martha brought me after my mother passed away… were actually cooked by you?”
“Yes,” Connor answered in his usual understated way.
That single word resonated deeply in my heart, stirring a thousand waves of emotion.
(Ethan’s POV)
The crisp October air carried the scent of fallen leaves as I adjusted my charcoal suit, ensuring every detail was perfect. The tailored fabric accentuated my broad shoulders, projecting the commanding presence expected of the Grey pack heir.
“You look handsome today,” Cassandra purred, sliding her arm through mine.
Her designer gown hugged her curves provocatively, drawing attention from several passing wolves. I barely acknowledged her compliment, my mind focused on the auction ahead.
The Crescent Moon Auction House loomed before us, its elegant façade illuminated against the darkening sky. Tonight’s prize: a rare pink moonstone pendant, formerly owned by British royalty. Though its true value was closer to $300,000, the starting bid was set at $800,000.
“Remember why we’re here,” I reminded Cassandra. “That pendant is the perfect engagement gift for Alexander Winters’ cousin.”
Securing Sophia Winters’ favor meant potential alliance with the Silverridge pack-a strategic move that could multiply my investment tenfold through future business connections.
“Of course, darling,” Cassandra replied, her green-gold eyes gleaming with anticipation. “I’ll help you choose something she’ll adore.”
As we approached the entrance, my entire body tensed. There, standing gracefully among the elite guests, was Olivia. Her honey-brown hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, framing her delicate features perfectly.
But what truly unsettled me was the man at her side-Connor Rivers. The same Alpha who had beaten me senseless just days ago, now standing proudly beside my former girlfriend.
Dark irritation clouded my vision as I strode toward them, barely aware of Cassandra struggling to keep pace in her stilettos.
“Olivia, what are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice carrying the authoritative tone I used with subordinates.
(Olivia’s POV)
I felt Connor’s arm tense slightly beneath my hand as Ethan approached. Keeping my composure, I responded coolly without even turning fully toward him.
“What else? Of course, I’m here to attend the auction.”
My amber eyes remained deliberately focused on the entrance rather than acknowledging Ethan’s presence. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing any reaction from me.
Cassandra appeared at his side, her expression twisting with contempt as she looked me up and down.
“You? Attending an auction? What could you possibly afford here?” she sneered.
Ethan shot her a sharp glance that silenced her, though she still snorted disdainfully. Her green-gold eyes then settled on Connor, and I watched as her expression transformed from contempt to stunned appreciation.
Connor stood tall beside me, his refined features set in their usual stoic expression. His bespoke suit fit his powerful frame perfectly, and the luxury Timber Wolf Chronograph watch I’d given him gleamed on his wrist. His commanding presence made even Ethan appear diminished in comparison.
The realization seemed to dawn on Cassandra’s face-she was no longer the most impressive wolf in this gathering.
Connor remained completely indifferent to both Ethan and Cassandra, his attention solely on me. His ice-blue eyes softened as they met mine, a tenderness reserved only for me.
“Let’s go, Livvy,” he said, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze-completely at odds with his typically cold demeanor,
I nodded, allowing him to guide me toward the entrance. From the corner of my eye, I caught Cassandra’s dumbstruck expression. She had clearly recognized the intimate bond forming between Connor and me, a stark contrast to her earlier derision.
Ethan quickly followed after us, leaving Cassandra momentarily abandoned and fuming with jealousy and confusion.
(Ethan’s POV)
The auction hall exuded elegance, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the assembled elite. Victoria Blackwell, the auctioneer, stood at the podium in her tailored navy blue suit, her poised demeanor commanding respect.
I deliberately chose seats where I could observe Olivia and Connor without being obvious. The earlier lots held little interest for me-antique furniture, rare books, historical artifacts-all passing in a blur as I waited for the main event.
Finally, Victoria announced with practiced enthusiasm, “Next, we have lot number 47, a rare pink moonstone pendant, formerly part of the British royal collection.”
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