Chapter 198

The morning sun filtered through the heavy drapes of Lillian's bedroom, casting golden streaks across the silk sheets. She stirred awake, her werewolf senses immediately alerting her to Sebastian's absence from their bed. The lingering scent of his cologne told her he hadn't been gone long.

Downstairs, the Blackwood mansion buzzed with unusual activity. Lillian could hear Beatrice's excited chatter mingling with Oliver's laughter as she descended the grand staircase. The marble floors felt cool beneath her bare feet as she followed the sounds to the dining room.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Beatrice teased, her auburn curls bouncing as she poured herself another cup of coffee. "We were just discussing the pack meeting tonight."

Oliver looked up from his pancakes, syrup dripping from his chin. "Papa said it's gonna be super important!"

Lillian ruffled his hair affectionately before accepting the coffee Victoria handed her. The younger woman's engagement ring caught the light as she moved, a constant reminder of the complicated web of relationships in their pack.

"Where's Sebastian?" Lillian asked, trying to sound casual.

"Already in his study with Marcus," Victoria replied, her tone carefully neutral. "They've been there since dawn."

The unease in Lillian's stomach had nothing to do with hunger. Something was brewing, and she could feel it in her bones. The last time Sebastian had been this preoccupied was when Donovan had made his move against them.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Theodore entered with a silver tray bearing a sealed envelope. "For you, Miss Lillian. Delivered by special courier."

The heavy parchment felt ominous between her fingers. Breaking the wax seal—a crest she didn't recognize—she unfolded the letter. The words made her blood run cold:

"The past never stays buried. Expect me at midnight."

No signature. No explanation. But Lillian didn't need one. The handwriting was unmistakable—Donovan's precise, angular script that hadn't changed since their university days.

Beatrice, ever observant, was at her side in an instant. "What is it? You've gone pale as a ghost."

Lillian forced a smile for Oliver's sake. "Nothing important. Just some pack business." She folded the letter carefully, but not before Beatrice caught a glimpse of the contents.

Their eyes met in silent understanding. The calm before the storm had just ended.

Victoria hadn’t intended to reveal that secret—not like this, and certainly not with Donovan standing right there. She had planned to meet him later, hoping to surprise him at the villa. But fate had other plans. Now, mortification burned through her as she locked eyes with Donovan, who looked as stunned as a deer in headlights.

His eyes were wide, his lips parted slightly, as if he couldn’t process what had just happened. He never expected Victoria to know about him and Lillian. Even though nothing was happening between them now, she was never supposed to find out they had once been fated mates.

Had Lillian told her? How else could she have known?

“I didn’t mean to cause a scene,” Victoria said, standing abruptly and wiping at her damp cheeks. “But Lillian lied from the beginning. She swore nothing was between her and Donovan, but it was all a lie.”

Sebastian’s gaze snapped to Lillian’s, his eyes darkening with fury. The tension in the room thickened, suffocating. Victoria wasn’t sure what angered him more—that Lillian had betrayed her trust, or that she had once been involved with Donovan. Maybe now her father would finally see Lillian for who she truly was and leave her behind.

Celeste was the better choice, anyway.

“Victoria, baby…” Donovan finally spoke, breaking the heavy silence as he stepped closer, deliberately moving around Lillian without so much as a glance in her direction. The small act made Victoria’s chest tighten. He looked devastated, his expression raw with fear and regret, and it tugged at her heart despite everything.

“I would never hurt you,” he said, voice rough. “I just didn’t want to worry you. Lillian and I… we were mates, but it’s over. There’s nothing left between us. You have to believe me.”

Victoria swallowed hard, her lower lip trembling. She didn’t know what to believe anymore. The betrayal cut deep, leaving her adrift in a sea of doubt.

“I don’t know what to trust,” she whispered, staring down at her hands.

“I know,” Donovan murmured, reaching for her cautiously, as if she might bolt. “And I’m so sorry. This is my fault. But I love you, Victoria. I would never intentionally hurt you. Please… believe me.”

Another tear slipped free, tracing a path down her cheek.

Sebastian cleared his throat, his gaze still locked on Lillian, who remained frozen on the floor, visibly shaken by his Alpha power. “Perhaps you two should discuss this privately.”

Victoria nodded numbly and took Donovan’s outstretched hand.

“Okay,” she whispered.

She didn’t spare Lillian another glance as she let Donovan lead her upstairs, away from the wreckage of the truth.