Hiding the Alpha’s Heir

As soon as Sander made a wish and blew the candle again, people around here clapped their hands. I cherished this moment that Sander had to experience having these many guests for his seventh birthday.

While the party continued, Desmond and I had to entertain and talk with our guests. A lot of them asked where I had been. I only answered them with a smile.

I retired to my chamber when I felt my legs and feet being sore after the party was finished and we escorted our guests. I removed my heel shoes while minding the maids and butlers were cleaning up downstairs.

I cleaned up and went to Desmond’s chamber wearing only a nightgown with nothing underneath. I had to halt for a moment because I had been having some dizzy spells these past few days.

I thought that this was just some stress because of the events that happened.

I knocked before Desmond opened the door. I came in and went to sit in the bed, groaning softly when I felt my feet still sore.

“Sander is already asleep.”

“Tired?” he asked, closing the door. I noticed that he was wearing his sleeping clothes but it was surprising that he was wearing a tunic on his upper body.

“Yes…” I answered as I opened my eyes after I closed them a little bit.

He knelt before me which made my heart panic. “Allow me to massage them.” He was talking about my sore feet.

“N-No need.” But I was lost in my words when Desmond took my foot and placed it on his thigh. “D-Desmond…!”

But he ignored me. His skillful hands were massaging my foot, bringing great sensations to my whole body.

I couldn’t help inhaling slowly seeing the two buttons on his chest were open and exposing his sculpted chest. He looked breathtakingly attractive with his hair disheveled.

And his goddamn beard… Oh dear, Moon Goddess… How I wished I could run my hand on them again.

“You should have retired,” he said.

“I’m about to. But you said that I need to sign the divorce papers here.”

It was unusual that we were talking in a… calmer way. Perhaps, the reason was Desmond had finally granted me to divorce our marriage.

“Ah, yes…” He became silent and focused on my foot.

I groaned immaculately when he hit the right spot. “Yes… Right there… Ah…”

“You have been wearing heels all night.”

I bit my lower lip and nodded. His hands were giving me shivers down my spine. His eyes were fixated on my legs.

I heard him gulping but he remained focused. He did the same intensity of massaging me on my other foot.

Somehow, it felt nostalgic that Desmond was serving me like this. It felt… natural.

“I am glad that our son likes my preparation for his birthday.”

I could see the effort that he was trying to make up a conversation to lift the heavy atmosphere here in the chamber. Perhaps, I should engage back.

“I can never provide him with a grandiose celebration,” I said honestly. “I was working as a seamstress so the money I have is enough for our food and the rent.”

I was starting to realize that it was really better if we engaged in a calmer conversation right now. I knew that I was not in my self-defense mode because I knew now that I could finally feel the freedom I wanted after this.

It would not be that bad if I engaged with him one more time.

“You are a great mother, Seraphina.” Desmond’s expression softened while his hands were busy kneading my lower legs down to my feet. “I am sorry if I was not there by your side when you gave birth to our son.” He released a shaky sigh. “I was a coward to even wait for years to pass just to show myself in front of you and our son. Because I know… I have hurt you so badly you did not wish to see me ever again.”

I looked up at the ceiling when I felt the corners of my eyes getting stung.

How I long to hear that he was genuinely feeling sorry. It was refreshing to hear him that he had finally given up to coax me because he knew that it was futile already. I was deeply hurt… so I was not going to let myself be hurt again and be loved by this man.

Yes, Desmond was a lovable, caring man. I would love to be spoiled by him however, there was no way I would let myself be blinded by the past he had done.

This time, I wanted to choose myself.

“I only wish for your happiness, seraphim.” I flinched a little because it has been a long time since he called me on his endearment to me. Ever since we returned, Desmond never called me ‘seraphim’ again. “I hope…” he paused and held my hand that was on my thighs. “If… If we sign the papers, can we… can we at least remain friends?” My eyes widened at his question. “I-I mean… platonic relationship. We can just ignore our wolves who want to fix our mate bond. What can you say?”

There was pleading in his eyes. He looked so shattered right now. I could tell that at any moment, he would cry now.

What I was facing right now was the vulnerable Desmond I knew back then.

“I do not know yet, Desmond.” I coerced a smile before I removed his hand from mine. I must remove it since his touch was making my wolf squirm, which was not supposed to happen. His sensual touch was enough to wake all my whole being so I must refrain from allowing Desmond to touch me whenever he pleased. However, how could I do that when I was wearing a satin nightgown which was enough to entice him and his wolf? “Is it possible that I can sign now?”

Desmond looked dumbfounded for a moment before he nodded and carefully placed my feet on the floor. “I shall take the papers then.”

I let out a relieving sigh. I watched him taking something on the bedside table while my eyes roamed around, still seeing my belongings. “Are you not going to throw away all of my belongings?” I was hesitant to ask that as I followed him sitting on the chair.

Desmond glanced at the vanity mirror where I was looking. He smiled. A somber one. “Those are yours. I don’t have the heart to throw them away because it belongs to my mate and my wife.”

I clutched the hem of my nightgown feeling my heart in trouble. Damn, Desmond… Every time you spoke, my heart was always reacting!

“I will no longer be your wife, Desmond.” An earnest tone smeared on my tone. I wanted to let him know that after this night, everything should be over.

“I know. Just let me until you haven’t signed yet.” He bestowed me with the divorce papers.

I took the time to read the contents of them. I didn’t want to get deceived by him again. I knew him and his manipulative ways. But as I carefully skimmed through the pages, I couldn’t help but gasp.

“In paying alimony…” I paused and looked at him, bewildered. “Why are you giving me the Verlice vacation house?”

Aside from that Desmond was going to pay me a hundred million pieces of gold coins alimony, he included here in the divorce agreement that he was really bestowing me the vacation house. What the hell?

Desmond sat across from me. “I told you before that I built that vacation house just for you.” He rested his chin on his clasped hands.

“I don’t… understand. I mean, there is no need for you to do that, Desmond.” How I hated my heart again. I needed to be in defensive mode again. “This is not what we have agreed on.”

Desmond shrugged. It was as if it was just a trivial matter to him. “If you have plans to amend it, then I am not going to support it. I already settled everything and the only thing you need to do is to sign it,” he said nonchalantly. “And besides, you deserve to have it. You must have a house where you can live now since you told me that you are not going to…” he paused when his voice croaked. He cleared his throat. “You are not going to stay in my pack since you claimed that you are no longer my pack member even though I already told you that you are still welcome to stay here. I do not mind.”

“But Desmond-”

“End of discussion, Seraphina. You cannot waive my right to amend the agreement here.” He became earnest now. “Please take care of the vacation house because I really cherish it. I will be at ease if you utilize it.” His eyes were glistening with tears. He gulped and looked away. “I-I can still visit you and our son there, right?” His tone sounded bashful all of a sudden.

Indeed. Our agreement included that Sander was going to stay in my custody since I was his mother and our son was still a minor.

By the age of 18, it was up to Sander now if he was going to choose to stay living with me or with Desmond to continue his father’s legacy.

“Yes, y-you can…” I nodded and fixated my eyes on the divorce papers.

Suddenly, my heart was being squeezed right now as I reread them. I also felt like my stomach was churning upside down as I was holding the quill pen so I could sign it finally.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

But just before I signed it, I massaged my temple when my vision was getting blurry.

“Is there something wrong?” I looked up at Desmond who was creasing his forehead. He looked worried.

I nodded my head. “Yes… I am just feeling dizzy… a little.” I released a heavy sigh as I held the quill pen tightly, blinking.

“Shall I summon Anderson?”

“No need. I am totally fine.”

Desmond was hesitant but he nodded. “Alright. If you say so. After this, you must retire now. We have been busy for Sander’s…”

I held my head, and couldn’t understand what he was saying. I even fluttered my eyes when my vision was getting blurry.

“Desmond…?” I looked at him, feeling my eyelids getting heavy.

“Yes?” He looked at me.

I dropped the quill pen when I slowly closed my eyes. “I don’t feel… so good…”

“Seraphim!”

I didn’t know what happened next. The last thing I knew was I felt my body collapse.

Then, everything went blank.