Chapter 26
220words
His eyes were bloodshot, hands hovering over me, afraid to cause more damage.
Thirty-three years old and still crying like a child.
There was one more thing I never told anyone.
When I discovered Alaric had mistaken me for someone else, I grieved in secret for months.
Later, alone with my thoughts, I revisited our memories, so many moments still crystal clear—
At fifteen, Alaric smashing through the greenhouse door:
"From now on, Aria's under my protection. Anyone who touches her answers to me."
At seventeen, Alaric repeating a year just to stay with me, laughing:
"Aria, you're such a space cadet. If I'm not around, who'll keep the bullies away?"
At eighteen, leaving Thornfield Manor at dusk, the young Alpha turning his back on centuries of heritage, eyes bright with certainty:
"Aria. I don't need anything else. Just you."
At twenty, huddled in a freezing underpass, Alaric's arms around me:
"Aria. We'll be together forever."
...
I couldn't lie to myself anymore.
I was still filled with regret.
All those brave choices he made, all because he mistook me for someone else.
But it was okay.
I tried to lift my hand to wipe away his tears.
"Look at that... I finally saved you once too."
