Chapter 253

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves as Lillian strolled through the Blackwood estate gardens. Her fingers brushed against the petals of late-blooming roses, their crimson hue stark against the golden foliage.

She had barely taken three steps when Donovan’s voice cut through the tranquility.

"Lillian."

Her spine stiffened. She turned slowly, meeting his cold gaze. Beside him stood Evelyn, her arm looped possessively through his. The sight sent a sharp pang through Lillian’s chest, though she refused to let it show.

"Donovan," she acknowledged coolly. "Evelyn."

Evelyn’s lips curled into a smirk. "Enjoying your little stroll? Must be nice, having nothing better to do."

Lillian arched a brow. "Better than clinging to someone else’s leftovers."

Evelyn’s smirk faltered, but Donovan stepped forward, his expression darkening. "Watch your tongue, Lillian. You’re in no position to insult anyone."

Before she could retort, a deep voice interrupted.

"Actually, she’s in my position."

Sebastian Blackwood emerged from the shadows of the garden path, his presence commanding the space effortlessly. His golden eyes flicked between Donovan and Evelyn with icy disdain before settling on Lillian.

"Ready for our meeting?" he asked, tone smooth but edged with unspoken authority.

Lillian exhaled, grateful for the interruption. "Yes."

Sebastian extended his arm, and she took it without hesitation, ignoring the way Donovan’s jaw clenched. As they walked away, she could feel Evelyn’s glare burning into her back.

"You handled that well," Sebastian murmured.

Lillian smirked. "I’ve had practice."

Sebastian’s lips twitched. "Good. Because we have bigger problems."

She frowned. "What now?"

He glanced at her sidelong. "Victoria’s engagement party is tomorrow. And Donovan’s family is bringing reinforcements."

Lillian’s stomach dropped. "Reinforcements?"

Sebastian’s grip on her arm tightened slightly. "The Winslows don’t just want a wedding. They want a war."

The words hung between them, heavy with implication.

Lillian squared her shoulders. "Then we’ll give them one."

Sebastian’s smile was razor-sharp. "That’s what I like to hear."

As they disappeared into the manor, the wind carried the distant howl of a wolf—ominous, foreboding.

The game had just begun.

"So, he just abandoned me? His fated mate?" Beatrice's eyes widened as she stared at me, her voice trembling. "How does that even make sense, Lillian?"

I hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

"I don't know," I admitted, exhaling slowly. "Everything's so overwhelming right now. I'm sorry you're going through this."

She let out a frustrated sigh and tossed a decorative pillow across the room.

"I don't even want to think about it anymore," she muttered, wiping at her damp lashes. "Let's talk about you instead."

A small smile tugged at my lips.

"What about me?" I asked, feigning innocence.

She rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Oh, please. Don't play dumb, Lillian. You're living in his mansion. You've already admitted you two are sleeping together, but I know there's more to it. You have real feelings for him, and it's painfully obvious he feels the same."

My cheeks burned. "What are you talking about? It's just casual. We both agreed—it's nothing serious."

"Casual? Seriously?" She gestured around the lavish penthouse suite. "He moved you into his private estate. You're basically living like royalty."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm not royalty," I said, swatting her arm playfully. "And Sebastian hasn't even been here in days."

The bitterness in my tone was unmistakable, and my smile faded.

Beatrice frowned. "What do you mean? Is something wrong?"

I shrugged, chewing on my lower lip.

"I don't know," I confessed. "One minute, he can't keep his hands off me, and the next, he's avoiding me completely. He keeps canceling our plans whenever Victoria throws a tantrum."

"Victoria is causing trouble again?" Beatrice arched a brow.

I nodded, then sighed.

"She's his daughter, so I can't blame him for prioritizing her. But it's constant. Every time she's in a bad mood or has the slightest sniffle, he drops everything for her. I haven't seen him properly in days. When I do catch a glimpse of him while tutoring Oliver, he brushes me off—claims he's too busy to talk. I don't even think he's sleeping at the villa anymore. Which makes me wonder... where is he staying if not here... and not with me?"

The words spilled out before I could stop them. I was spiraling, but I couldn't help it. The confusion gnawed at me.

Beatrice gave me a sympathetic look. "He's Sebastian Blackwood. He's probably just swamped with work. Don't overthink it."

"I could say the same to you," I teased weakly. "You're heartbroken over your mate, and I'm stressing over a guy I'm sleeping with. What happened to us?"

"Is this what adulthood feels like?" Beatrice murmured, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "Because I'm not enjoying it. Too many messy emotions."

I chuckled and pulled her closer, letting her rest her head against my shoulder. The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine from the surrounding woods.

"Honestly? I'm not a fan either," I admitted, tracing idle patterns on my knee with my fingertip. "But I don't think what I'm doing counts as 'grown-up.' More like my own stubborn mistake—thinking I could compartmentalize my feelings."

Beatrice exhaled heavily, her breath warm against my arm.

"Sometimes I wish I could separate myself from my wolf," she confessed quietly. "It's her emotions that keep twisting me up inside."

I understood all too well. When Donovan had left me for Evelyn, I'd wanted to burn every bridge between us. But my wolf? She'd anchored me, whispering promises that our mate would return. She clung to hope, while I drowned in bitterness.

Our wolves only know one truth: Mates belong to us, and only us. They would never choose another.

Focusing on Beatrice and Lucien had been a welcome distraction from my own tangled heart.

"I should tell you something," I said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

She lifted her head, curiosity bright in her hazel eyes.

"You can tell me anything," she assured me, offering a small but genuine smile. It was good to see that smile again after everything she'd endured these past few days.

"I was nominated for the Gamma Trials."

Her eyes widened, lips parting in shock.

"Lillian. That’s amazing!" she gasped, squeezing my arm. "Congratulations! This is everything you’ve worked for!"

"Thanks," I said softly. It was the first time I'd spoken the words aloud to anyone. I'd wanted Sebastian to be the first to know—but he'd been conspicuously absent for days. "It's on the other side of the country, though. I’ll be gone for weeks."

Her smile faltered.

"Oh," she breathed. "So... you're leaving?"

I nodded, worrying my lower lip between my teeth.

"Next week," I confirmed.

Her shoulders slumped slightly, but she forced another smile.

"I’ll miss you," she murmured. "I don’t know what I’ll do without you here. But maybe... maybe some time away will be good for you."

That’s when the idea struck me.

"You’re right," I agreed, turning to face her fully. "And you know what? It’d be good for you too. Come with me."