The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger. - Chapter 224

Chapter 224: Difficult choices…
Clarissa

For the first time in our twisted marriage, I held the power – and I intended to keep it.

Only, it wasn’t easy to tell if Nathan was having it. The only thing that changed about his expression was the shocked look, but it quickly morphed into something unreadable.

Then, for a brief moment, uncertainty crossed his expression – an emotion that I had never seen before that made my pulse quicken. But just as quickly, he masked it, exhaling deeply before muttering.

“It’s fine.”

Then without another word, he walked back to the bed and lay down, as though nothing had happened.

My heart sank and I regretted my actions, and my words… instantly. This wasn’t the reaction I had expected or hoped for. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so direct. Maybe I should have played along a little longer, given him a chance to chase me, to want me. But the damage was done and it was too late for regrets now.

I swallowed the frustration bubbling in my throat and silently moved to the other side of the bed, slipping under the covers, making sure to maintain as much distance between us as the mattress would allow.

I lay there, staring at the wall, listening to the soft sound of Nathan’s breathing. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to rest.

Why didn’t he try harder?

Why didn’t he push back at least?

I had expected him to fight – to grab me, demand an answer, refuse to let me slip away so easily. But instead, he had simply let me go.

Time ticked by in painful silence. Eventually, my eyelids started growing heavy and just as exhaustion began to take over and my consciousness started to drift and I was about to surrender to sleep, the bed shifted and I felt movement beside me.

Nathan was getting up.

My heart pounded, but I remained still, keeping my breathing even as I listened to his movements through the room. He padded across the floor and then the bathroom door opened and closed with a soft thud.

A while later, it was followed by the sound of running water. I lay motionless, straining to hear every sound. The water stopped, the door opened and I heard his footsteps coming towards the bed. The mattress dipped again as he returned to bed.

Neither of us spoke. Neither of us moved toward the other. We lay in silence, two people sharing a bed but separated by an ocean of silence. Somehow, I must have fallen asleep in between contemplating if I should make a move first or not because when I opened my eyes next, it was morning.

Dawn filtered through the curtains, bringing with it, the scent of lilac from the garden behind the bedroom. I turned and saw Nathan standing by the dresser, already half-dressed and adjusting his clothes.

For a moment, I just watched him.

His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his sleeves rolled up as he secured his belt. His movements were calm as always. Composed, precise…

For some reason, I suddenly felt a sense of urgency. Quickly, I sat up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed and checking my watch. It was just 6 am. My brows furrowed. Where was he going this early?

“It’s only 6 am,” I said, my voice was still rough from not getting enough sleep. “Where are you going?” I asked.

He continued buttoning his shirt, ignoring me completely. He tucked his shirt into his pants then reached for his tie, moving to stand before the mirror.

“Nathan,” I asked you a question,” I pressed as irritation seeped into my tone. I even asked a little louder this time.

But he remained silent, focused on his reflection as he adjusted his tie.

Something snapped inside me and his continued silence only fueled my growing anger. Last night’s disappointment still stung. I had expected something – anything – from him, after last night I had expected an argument, a chase, a reaction, but he had walked away quickly.

Just thinking of that alone made my chest burn with fury.

“You’re just going to leave?” I demanded rising from the bed. “After what happened yesterday? Don’t you think you owe me an apology?”

He was brushing his hair when he finally looked in my direction, catching my gaze in the mirror as the corner of his mouth curled into a smirk.

“An apology? For what?”

My nails dug into my palm. “For forcing yourself on me.” The words came out before I could stop them.

His smile widened and he chuckled shaking his head as he resumed brushing his hair. “I didn’t force myself on you, Clarissa,” his voice was annoyingly calm. “I wanted to be with you – even though I had clearly stated from the beginning that there would be no intimacy between us. You looked beautiful last night. I won’t lie, I almost gave in, almost had you.”

He turned slightly, meeting my gaze again.

“But I should thank you.” his smirk deepened. “I almost lost a lot yesterday.”

My hands clenched into fists at my side. Almost lost a lot? What the hell did that mean?

“I am your wife, Nathan,” I shouted. “I am your mate! You should be the one begging me if you want me so badly.”

Nathan laughed. It was hollow as he shook his head, meeting my eyes in the mirror and gazing at me with something between amusement and pity.

“The only woman who deserves me on my knees…” he said slowly, “…Is Lyla.”

I felt the air leave my lungs.

Lyla. Again.

Lyla. Always.

I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, there was a knock at the door.

A second later, the housekeeper in the Alpha House entered, followed by six maids in neat uniforms. I stared at them in confusion.

“What is this?” I demanded, my gaze darting between them and Nathan.

The housekeeper bowed her head slightly. “We are here on Alpha Nathan’s orders, Luna.”

My blood ran cold.

I turned to Nathan, my heart was hammering in my chest now. “What the hell is this?”

Nathan adjusted his cuffs, speaking without looking at me. The unreadable expression had returned. “I’ve thought about it carefully,” he said calmly. “And I think it’s best if you return to the Alpha House and stay with your mother. We’re not exactly fated mates. When I need you, I’ll send for you.”

My lips parted but no sound came out as I stared at him with disbelief trying to process the words. He was sending me away.