Chapter 155 Chapter 155

Chapter 155 Chapter 155
LEFT BEHIND

TIANA’S POV

I stood frozen by the riverbank, staring at Ezekiel’s retreating back until he disappeared between the trees.

My legs felt weak. My chest felt hollow. The soft grass under my bare feet suddenly felt cold, and the gentle sound of the water that had seemed so peaceful earlier now felt mocking.

“Ezekiel…” I whispered, but my voice was too small to reach him.

I took a few shaky steps after him, then stopped.

What would I even say if I caught up? That I didn’t know who marked me? That I had been hiding it for days because I was terrified of this exact reaction? That every time the brothers looked at me with love, I felt like a fraud?

Tears slide down my cheeks as I sank down onto the grass, pulling my knees to my chest.

The emerald gown I wore was wrinkled and half-buttoned, and the scarf lay discarded somewhere nearby.

My neck felt exposed and raw, the unwanted mark burning under the open air like a brand of shame.

I replayed every second of the conversation between Ezekiel and me in my head.

The way his face had changed when he saw the mark. The way he had looked at me as if I had betrayed him. And the way he had walked away without looking back.

He thought I had been with someone else. He thought I had let another man claim me while accepting their love. My heart twisted as I recalled the pain in his eyes, it was more deeper than any physical wound.

I pressed my forehead against my knees and cried harder.

What was I supposed to do now?

Tell Ethan and Ezra? If I told them, they might look at me the same way Ezekiel had. They might decide I was no longer worth the trouble.

Should I keep the secret? Then I would have to face Ezekiel every day knowing he carried this anger and doubt. And eventually, the truth would come out anyway.

The hooded stranger’s warning echoed in my mind again. "Watch the ones who smile the most. Telling them now could make things worse."

I didn’t know who to trust anymore. Not even myself.

After a long time, I forced myself to stand, gather the scarf, and put my clothes back in place as best I could.

The walk back to the palace felt endless. I kept expecting Ezekiel to appear on the path, but he never did.

By the time I reached the side entrance, the sun was lower in the sky.

I wiped my face with the edge of the scarf and tried to steady my breathing. I couldn’t let anyone see me like this. Especially not the Alpha heirs, not the Alpha himself, and lastly not my mother.

I slipped inside and headed straight for my chamber, keeping my head down. I almost made it when I heard a voice behind me.

“Tiana?”

Constance’s voice stopped me in the hallway. I turned slowly and found her standing near the window with a small basket of herbs.

The moment she saw my face, her expression changed.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, walking toward me quickly. “You look like you’ve been crying. What happened?”

I forced a weak smile. “Nothing. I’m just tired. The practice with Ezekiel was… it was intense.”

Constance narrowed her eyes instantly, just the way she usually does when she's in doubt of me.

She stepped closer and lowered her voice so no else could hear.

“Don’t lie to me, Tatiana. Your eyes are red, your hands are shaking, and you look like someone just broke your heart. Talk to me, girl. I'm your best friend."

I opened my mouth to speak, but close again when nothing crossed my mind.

then closed it again. The words sat heavy on my tongue.

I wanted to tell her everything. I wanted to make her understand that I didn't mean for all this to happen.

However, the stranger’s warning echoed in my head, making it difficult for me to say a word.

“I can’t,” I whispered, and Constance’s face softened immediately.

She took my arm gently and guided me toward my chamber. Once the door was closed behind us, she pulled me into a hug, and began to rub my back.

“You’re scaring me,” she said quietly. “Whatever it is, you don’t have to carry it alone. I’m here.”

I leaned into her slowly, letting a few more tears fall.

“I’m so scared of losing them, Constance. If they find out the truth… what if they decide I’m not worth it anymore?”

“They love you," Constance responded.

"I’ve seen it in the way they treat you. But secrets this big don’t stay hidden forever. When you’re ready, you need to tell them, before someone else does.”

Her words settled heavily in my heart. Constance was absolutely right.

But the thought of facing all three of them with the truth made my stomach twist with fear.

I pulled back and wiped my face. “Please don’t tell anyone I was crying. Especially not Seraphina.”

Constance nodded, though her eyes still held concern. “I won’t, but promise me you’ll take care of yourself. And when you’re ready to talk, don't forget that I’m here.”

I nodded weakly, and she helped wiped my tears before walking toward the door.

"I'll be back shortly, stop crying already." Constance muttered before stepping out, leaving me alone in the room.