Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 290

Chapter 290: The Celebration Chapter 290: The Celebration *************** CHAPTER 290 ~Zara’s POV~ “Congratulations, Luna Zaria.

Your daughter is a chip off the old block.” “Thank you,” Mum beamed at her guests.

“Of course, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

She is gorgeous.” I glanced around, taking in the sight of the celebration done in my honour with a plastered smile on my face.

The setting sun illuminated the event grounds as guests laughed and chatted, creating a lively celebration.  The gardens of the Golden Claw Pack had been transformed into a breathtaking venue-twinkling fairy lights were strung along the trees, casting soft shadows over the floors.

I stood at the centre of it all, a deep crimson gown hugging my figure, my hair styled in soft waves cascading down my back.  The celebration had been everything my mother promised-a grand affair with members from neighbouring packs and allies gathered to honour my return.

Snow stood by my side, looking regal in his tailored black suit, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back.  Zade hovered nearby, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of trouble, though his relaxed posture suggested he didn’t expect any.

Mum had spared no expense in making this a night to remember.

There were long banquet tables laden with gourmet food, a live orchestra playing soft melodies, and even a stage for the speeches and formalities.  The pack members glided effortlessly among the guests, their pride for their Luna evident in every respectful bow and smile sent my way.

“Enjoying yourself?” Snow’s deep voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I turned to him, my lips curling into a soft smile.

“I think so.

It feels…

surreal.” He chuckled, his thumb brushing against my back.

“You deserve this, Zara.

This is your home, and everyone here is celebrating you.” My chest tightened at his words, and I reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Thank you, Snow.

For everything.” Before he could respond, Mum approached us, her aura commanding as always.

“Zara, darling, it’s time for the speech,” she said warmly.

I nodded, taking a deep breath as Snow gave me an encouraging nod.

Together, we walked toward the stage, the eyes of every guest following us.

As I stepped up to the microphone, I glanced at the sea of faces before me.

Some were familiar, others, well, a lot of them were strangers, but all were here for one reason: to honour my place in the Golden Claw Pack.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I began and tried to keep my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.

“It means the world to me to stand here among my family, friends, and allies.

This pack has always been my home, and no matter where life takes me, it will always remain my heart.” The crowd erupted in applause, and I felt Snow’s reassuring presence beside me.

“Tonight isn’t just about celebrating my return,” I continued, my voice growing stronger.

“It’s about unity.

About standing together as a pack, as a family, in the face of whatever challenges may come our way.

The Golden Claw Pack has always been a symbol of strength, and I am proud to call it my home.

Furthermore, I am also glad to see it standing strong even after the setback.

Thank you all for your support and strength.” More applause followed as I stepped back, my heart swelling with pride and gratitude.

Mum hugged me tightly when I descended the stage, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“You did wonderfully, Zara,” she whispered.

“Thanks, Mum.” “Go on, there are lots of guests to mingle with.

Snow.” She gestured with her chin and Snow happily took my hand, leading me towards the guests and those eager to officially say hello.

I was happy to be away from the stage and let Zade continue with the ceremonies but mingling was equally as stressful.

As the formalities concluded, the evening shifted into a more relaxed celebration.  Guests danced, laughed, and enjoyed the festivities.

Snow stood close to me the entire time and I was grateful for that.

Occasionally, he whispered playful remarks about some of the guests, making me laugh despite myself.

But as I glanced across the garden, my eyes caught sight of Ella.

I hadn’t had much time with her since my arrival and yesterday after Mum left, I spent some time with Snow.  Ella stood near the bar with a wine glass in hand, her gaze focused on something-or someone-in the distance.

My curiosity piqued, and I narrowed my eyes as I followed her line of sight.

************** ~Ella’s POV~ I stood by the bar, nursing my second-or was it a third?-glass of wine.

The celebration was in full swing, and the laughter and chatter of the crowd filled the air.  Still, I felt distant and detached.

My mind kept drifting to the one person who had been occupying far too much of my thoughts lately.

Noel.

Or Styles.

Or whatever his name actually was.

The sting of his silence cut deeper than I cared to admit.

My calls had gone unanswered, my texts ignored.

I felt foolish for holding onto hope that he’d magically show up tonight and apologise.  Maybe it was time to accept the truth: he didn’t care.

After what happened the previous night, it was hard to forget Alpha Caleb or think about anything else.  Caleb was right.

He did help me forget, even if it was just a little bit and this morning when I saw my call log and Styles name, the pain returned, but the ache in my core reminded me that I was cherished the previous day.

I scanned the guests but couldn’t find him.

Caleb was in the crowd, and my mind was still reeling from our earlier encounter.  I was about to take another sip of wine when a familiar voice called out my name.

“Ella.” My heart skipped a beat as I turned, and there he was-Caleb.

He looked handsome in a tailored ash suit with navy blue highlights accentuating his broad shoulders and confident stance.