Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 295

Chapter 295: Guilt Tripped Chapter 295: Guilt Tripped *************** CHAPTER 295 ~Zara’s POV~ The first two days with my mother had been incredible.

We’d done everything I’d missed growing up-long walks through the pack’s sprawling gardens, gossiping over tea and even indulging in some ridiculous shopping sprees.  It was like catching up on years we’d lost, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t even realised I was searching for.

But by the third evening, that familiar tug in my chest returned-the pull of home.

Snow.  It wasn’t intentional initially, but we successfully built that between us over time.

So, as the day wound down, I quietly began packing my things.

I folded the new clothes Mum had insisted on buying for me, tucked away the books she’d given me to read, and smiled faintly at the small trinkets we’d picked up during our outings.

I was nearly done when I heard the soft click of the door opening behind me.

“Zara?” Mum’s voice drifted into the room.

“Zara, honey?” I turned, guilt flashing across my face as I spotted her standing in the doorway.

Her sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in the half-packed suitcase on the bed.

Immediately, her smile fell.

“What’s this?” she asked, stepping inside.

I straightened, trying to appear nonchalant.

“I was just…

getting things ready.

I’m heading back to the city tomorrow.” Mum’s expression shifted, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face before she masked it with a calm smile.

“Tomorrow?

Why so soon?

I thought we could have a sleepover and make plans for tomorrow.” I bit my lip as the vulnerability and hope in her words made my chest tighten.

“I know, Mum.

And I’ve loved being here, really.

But I have responsibilities back home.

Snow needs me.” She moved closer, her arms crossing as she gave me a pointed look.

“And what about me, Zara?

Don’t I need you too?” I blinked, startled by the vulnerability in her voice.

Mum was always so composed, so strong-it was rare to see her like this.

“Mum€¦” I started, but she held up a hand.

“No, let me say this,” she interrupted gently.

“I know you have a life outside of this pack.

I know you have Snow and a role to play as his Luna.

But for the first time in years, I feel like I have my daughter back.

And now you’re leaving again, just when we’ve started to rebuild what we lost.” Her words were like a punch to the gut.

I hadn’t considered how my leaving might affect her, not after the effort she’d put into making these past two days so special.

“Mum, I…” My voice faltered, and I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

“I’m sorry.

I didn’t mean to make you feel like this.

I just thought…” “You thought I’d be fine with it,” she finished for me but the softness in her tone made it hard to breathe.

She was hurt.

“And I will be, eventually.

But, Zara, you deserve to have moments for yourself.

To slow down and just be.

That’s what this time was supposed to be about.

Not rushing back to responsibilities the moment you catch your breath.

Or worse being kidnapped and put in danger.

Here, we can protect you.” “And Snow can too.” “Yes, he was doing a good job which led to your kidnapping twice, love.” I sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, guilt pooling in my stomach.

“I don’t want you to think I don’t value this time with you.

I do.

It’s just…

I’ve never been good at sitting still.

And Snow-” “Snow will understand,” Mum said firmly, sitting beside me and placing a hand on my knee.

“That man adores you, Zara.

He’d never begrudge you a few extra days with your mother.” I laughed softly, her words easing some of the tension in my chest.

“You make it sound so easy.” “It can be,” she said with a small smile.

“If you let it.” “I’m married, mum.” “And I lost you, baby.” “But you found me.” She pouted softly, her warmth radiating over her.

“I miss you so much my love.”  Mum caressed my cheeks and I let a tear fall off.

I glanced at my half-packed suitcase, then back at her.

“So, what are you suggesting?

That I stay a little longer?” “Exactly,” she said, standing and tugging me to my feet.

“Unpack that suitcase, and let’s have the sleepover we planned.

We can order snacks, watch some terrible rom-coms, and gossip like we used to when you were little.

Just a few more nights, Zara.

Please.” Her tone was light, but a flicker of hope in her eyes made it impossible to say no.

“Alright,” I relented with a sigh, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“One more night.” Mum beamed, clapping her hands together.

“Good!

I’ll go set everything up in my room.

Don’t take too long, or I’ll start the movie without you!” She disappeared out the door, and I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I began unpacking the few things I’d already stuffed into my suitcase.

Maybe she was right.

Maybe I did need to slow down and just…

be.

And tonight, I’d do just that.

************** ~Ella’s POV~ After the whirlwind of events at Zara’s celebration, being back home felt…

strange.

The silence of my apartment seemed louder than ever, and unpacking my things only emphasized how empty everything felt.

I tried to distract myself by tidying up, putting away clothes, folding laundry, and making tea, but my thoughts kept drifting.

To Styles.

To Ares.

To the tangled mess my love life had become.

Just as I flopped onto my couch, my phone buzzed on the coffee table.

I glanced at it, noting the unknown number flashing on the screen.

My finger hovered over the “decline” button, but something stopped me.

When it buzzed again a few moments later, I sighed and picked it up.

“Hello?” I answered, my tone impatient.

“Hello, little angel.”