Drama Novel
77
After the meeting, her colleagues asked her if she would venture out with them to feast at a nearby eatery, but her cellphone battery was depleted and her heart pounded with an alarming intensity. Worry for her offspring consumed her every thought.
“I shall not join,” Nelly proclaimed with a sense of urgency. “I must return posthaste to tend to the young ones.”
“Your siblings?” Ross inquired.
“My own offspring,” Nelly clarified.
They dismissed her concern, saying, “They’ve grown up, haven’t they? They can fend for themselves.”
“And that is where you falter. They shall forever be forever young, no matter how many years pass,” Tommy retorted. Then, he turned to Nelly and stated, “Ms. Jackson, you may depart for home first. We can share a meal at another time.”
Nelly nodded. “I shall make my swift exit.”
The three of them nodded in agreement, and Nelly rushed off toward the subterranean parking area.
“Why don’t the three of us proceed in her stead?”
“Indeed. Let us go!”
The trio ventured outside to hail a taxicab.
Upon reaching the parking lot, Thalia realized that the Phantom vehicle was nowhere in sight. No matter where she searched, she could not locate it.
She messaged Tony: The car has vanished.
Tony felt his gut wrench with unease.
Meanwhile, Alpha Kilian arrived at Lara’s abode.
Before entering, reminiscence of the occasion when Lara became inebriated caused him to hesitate for a fleeting moment. Nonetheless, he pressed the doorbell.
Soon enough, the door swung open.
Lara appeared at the entrance, donning a provocative black dress that perfectly suited Alpha Kilian’s preferences.
“You’re here? Come inside.”
Alpha Kilian glanced at her before stepping across the threshold. “Why did you request that we meet at your dwelling instead?”
“I was struck with a stomachache as I prepared to depart earlier. So I figured it would be more prudent to convene at home. I do not suppose it will make a significant difference,” Lara explained.
Alpha Kilian entered.
The entire house was suffused with soft, ambient lighting, casting an ethereal glow.
Candles illuminated the floor-to-ceiling window, adorning the dining table adorned with wine and rose petals.
“Why are you in such high spirits?” Alpha Kilian queried nonchalantly.
Lara brought forth a steak from the kitchen and placed it on the table. “Because it is an important occasion, of course.”
She proceeded to pour the previously decanted wine and inquired, “Would you care for some?”
“I am the designated driver.”
“In that case, simply take a sip.” Lara ultimately poured a glass for Alpha Kilian.
Alpha Kilian leaned back in the chair, observing her every move. He pursed his lips and remained silent.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Upon finishing her task, Lara took a seat across from Alpha Kilian. The lighting fell just so, perfectly complementing her meticulously applied makeup.
“What is the matter?” Alpha Kilian questioned.
“Why the haste?” Lara asked. “Why not savor the taste of the steak first?”
Alpha Kilian spared no pleasantries and began to consume the steak.
“How is it?”
“Hmm.” Alpha Kilian nodded. “It is quite delectable. It appears that your culinary prowess has not diminished over the years.”
Lara smiled. “Well, I have not had the opportunity to cook in quite some time. But if you enjoy it, I could prepare it for you daily.”
Alpha Kilian paused and gave her a sharp look. “You would certainly be preoccupied.”
Lara responded with a smile. She raised her glass, and he did the same. The two of them indulged in the wine.
A subtle, yet palpable shift in the atmosphere began to unfold.
“My parents mentioned taking me to my ancestral pack. They assert that it is time for me to wed,” she suddenly divulged.
Alpha Kilian was taken aback. He fixed his gaze on her and inquired, “And what are your thoughts on this matter?”
“I would rather hear your thoughts,” Lara retorted.
“Well, it would undoubtedly be a loss on my part if you were to depart. However, ultimately, the decision is yours,” Alpha Kilian remarked.
Lara scrutinized him, and tears welled in her eyes. “What do you mean when you say it would be a loss on your part?”
She yearned for an answer from him, desperately.
“I would lose an exceptional assistant, naturally.”
Lara’s heart turned cold. She reached for the wine bottle and poured herself another glass. “Is that all?” she queried, her gaze fixed upon him.
Alpha Kilian merely stared at her, offering no response.
“I have been by your side for countless years. Do you truly have nothing else to say to me? In truth, if you were to ask me to remain, I would,” Lara enunciated each word deliberately.
Alpha Kilian averted his eyes. “I cannot impede your chance at contentment due to my own selfishness. Besides, the decision rests in your hands.”
“But my happiness…” Just as Lara was on the cusp of baring her soul, she realized she still lacked the courage.
She raised her glass and consumed several more glasses of crimson wine.
Alpha Kilian observed her and cautioned, “Do not drink excessively. You shall become inebriated.”
“But there are sentiments that elude my lips when I am sober,” she murmured before finishing another glass.
Alpha Kilian merely raised his glass and imbibed as well.
Lara’s face already bore the flush of the alcohol’s effects, rendering her even more alluring than before.
She rose unsteadily, unsure of where to tread. Her legs buckled, causing her to stumble. Alpha Kilian rushed forward to catch her. “You are intoxicated.”
The moment he made contact, Lara encircled her arms around him and slurred, “Alpha Kilian, are you unaware that my happiness lies not elsewhere? It resides solely within your grasp. I could be blissful as long as you voice your desire.”
Alpha Kilian furrowed his brows. “You have consumed more than you should.”
“No, I have not. I simply lacked the courage to speak the words aloud when sober. Alpha Kilian, do you not comprehend why I have remained by your side all this time? Do you believe I cherish this job? I merely sought to be near you. I… I longed to see you every day and be with you. I yearn to be your mate. This is what has led me down this path and brought me to this moment…” Lara gazed at him and implored, “After all these years, do you truly not understand?”
Again, Alpha Kilian remained silent as he regarded the woman before him.
Lara locked eyes with him, tears streaming down her face. “Alpha Kilian, I adore you. No, I love you. Each day, I have never ceased contemplating the possibility of being your mate.”
“Lara…”
In the next instant, Lara disregarded all decorum and pressed her lips to his.
She would forsake everything for him, even her dignity.
Alpha Kilian was momentarily stunned by her boldness. Then, he pushed her away. “Lara, do you comprehend the gravity of your actions?”
“Of course I do. Alpha Kilian, do you not desire me? I am aware that at times, you entertain similar thoughts. You could attempt…” She proceeded to discard her outer dress.
Alpha Kilian scowled.