Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 304

Chapter 304: Misunderstood Chapter 304: Misunderstood *************** CHAPTER 304 ~Zara’s POV~ Aira’s expression softened when she saw Zade, and without a word, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

Zade immediately hugged her back, his hand resting on the small of her back.

“Hey, you,” he murmured, his voice losing its usual edge.

I watched silently, smiling to myself before deciding to give them a moment.

Without a word, I excused myself, moving into the dining room, but I didn’t go far.

I listened.

Aira pulled back slightly, gazing up at Zade.

“You’re back.” “I am,” he said, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“I would have been here sooner if I’d known what was going on.” She sighed.

“I don’t know what to do, Zade.” He cupped her cheek gently.

“You don’t have to do anything alone, Aira.

You know that, right?” She nodded but didn’t say anything.

A brief silence stretched between them before Zade leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.

It wasn’t rushed.

It wasn’t demanding.

It was slow, lingering, filled with something unspoken but undeniably real.

My brother was already in love with his mate.

And as much as it pains me to say, his mate wasn’t quite there yet.

And she kissed him back.

When they pulled away, Aira let out a shaky breath, her fingers resting lightly against his chest.

“I don’t know what this is,” she admitted softly.

“I don’t know if I’m ready.” Zade smiled faintly, his thumb brushing over her cheek.

“You don’t have to be.

We’ll take it one step at a time, remember?” Aira hesitated before nodding.

“Okay.” I exhaled silently, my heart warming at the scene.

But even as she kissed Zade, I saw it-the lingering pain in her eyes.

The ghost of a past she hadn’t yet let go of.

She was trying.

She wanted to hate Kane.

But deep down, a part of her still wasn’t sure.

As soon as Aira left the kitchen, I walked back in, heading straight for the refrigerator.

My hands itched for something sweet-something to distract me from the storm swirling in my chest.

Zade didn’t deserve what was happening to him.

Although I have only known my brother for a while, he was like a love puppy.  He cherished those he cared about and didn’t let go.  Judging by that he’s going to get hurt by Aira’s  I pulled out a slice of chocolate cake, placing it on the counter before grabbing a fork.

But before I could take a bite, I felt eyes on me.

Zade.

His gaze was sharp, unwavering like he was dissecting my every move.

I ignored him at first, focusing on my cake, but Zade wasn’t one to let things slide.

“You were listening,” he finally said calmly, but I could sense the underlying tension.

I sighed, setting my fork down.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping if that’s what you’re implying.

I just…

happened to be nearby.” He scoffed.

“Right€¦” Silence settled between us, thick and charged.

Zade was onto me and there was no escaping this.

Then, he leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

“Go on, then.

Say whatever it is you’re holding back.” I glanced at him, debating whether to brush it off, but one look at his face told me he wouldn’t drop it.

I exhaled slowly.

“I don’t approve.” Zade’s entire posture stiffened, his easygoing demeanour vanishing in an instant.

“Excuse me?” I met his gaze evenly.

“I don’t approve of you and Aira.” His jaw clenched.

“Are you serious right now?” “Yes.” A muscle ticked in his cheek, his eyes darkening with frustration.

“Unbelievable.” He let out a humourless laugh, running a hand through his hair.

“So what, you think you get to decide who I love?” “That’s not what I-” “Then what, Zara?” Zade snapped, his voice rising.

“You think I don’t deserve to be happy?

That she doesn’t?

You’re being selfish you know that.” His words stung, but I held my ground.

“That’s not it, Zade.” “Then what the hell is it?” he demanded, his tone sharp.

“Or did you forget what happened between Snow and yourself?” I swallowed.

“Have you forgotten?

You two were just€¦” He held back his words.

“Were just what?” I challenged.

“I was there for you, Zara; when you needed it, I was there, but it came to me and my mate…

you do not know how that feels since you never met yours…” Tears prickled in my eyes.  I may not have met my mate, but I had Snow.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.

“Thank you for letting out how you feel.

Now, I’ll say this.

I never meant you or her.

I meant€¦ it’s Kane.” He faltered slightly, but his glare remained.

“What about him?” “You know exactly what about him,” I said firmly.

“Aira still has a loose cannon of a mate running around, threatening to take her son.

And until she deals with him and confronts and rejects him, she won’t truly be free to love you the way you deserve.” Zade flinched, but he quickly masked it with a scowl.

“She’s trying, Zara,” he argued.

“She kissed me.

She wants this.” “But does she fully want it?” I pressed.

“Or is she just trying to force herself to move on?” He didn’t answer.

I sighed, stepping closer.

“Look, I’m not saying she doesn’t care about you.

I know she does.

But until Kane is completely out of the picture-until she gets rid of him-something will always hold her back.

And that’s not fair to either of you.

You deserve someone who can love you without hesitation.

And Storm deserves a father figure who isn’t caught in the shadows of someone else.” Zade’s fists clenched at his sides, his entire body taut with frustration.

He hated that I had a point.

I placed a hand on his arm, my voice softer now.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt, Zade.” His jaw tightened, his anger dimming just a fraction.

After a long moment, he exhaled sharply and turned away.

“You always think you know everything, don’t you?” I smiled sadly.

“No.

But I know what it’s like to love someone who hasn’t fully let go of their past.

You may think I am selfish and all…” Zade reached out.

“Zara€¦” but I held my palm.  “Stop.

I love you, which was why I voiced my thoughts.

I love you two and Storm but I guess something can’t be helped.

Enjoy, Zade.” With that, I turned, grabbed my plate and left him alone with his thoughts.

I was hurt too.