56

56
Nova's POV

My footsteps echoed softly down the long castle hallway, nearly drowned out by the tumult of my own thoughts. This castle still felt foreign to me, even though I had been living in it for some time.

The walls were tall, adorned with portraits of the Diego family ancestors hanging majestically. But none of them looked warmly, all seemed cold... as if they didn’t want me to be here.

Each step brought a lingering awkwardness, as if this castle held dark secrets yet to be revealed. I felt a pressure in the air, as if these walls harbored bitter memories that refused to be forgotten.

At the end of the hallway, a large window reflected the sunlight coming in, but the light felt dim, as if it couldn’t illuminate the entire room. I paused for a moment, gazing outside. The garden looked beautiful, yet detached from the world inside this castle.

The silence made me reflect.

Did I truly belong here?

Or would I forever remain an unwanted guest?

That thought haunted me, and I missed the warmth I once found in Diego’s embrace.

I continued my steps, trying to find a more comfortable place. Every corner of this castle seemed to watch me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something larger was waiting to be uncovered—a mystery tied to the Diego family history, and perhaps, to myself.

As I began to descend the stairs to the dining room, the aroma of toast and warm soup greeted me. My stomach suddenly growled softly, I hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning. Perhaps my tumultuous emotions made everything taste bland. But this morning… I wanted to try to start the day better. For myself. For my baby.

I walked carefully, letting the tempting aroma of food lift my spirits. Each step felt lighter, as if a new hope was flowing within me. Perhaps this was the time to embrace a rebirth—not just for me, but for the family growing inside me.

When I reached the lower floor, I saw Diego sitting at the end of the long table. He appeared to be reviewing several documents brought by his beta. But as soon as he heard my footsteps, he looked up, and our eyes met. For a moment, I saw a faint smile appear on his face before he returned to his neutral expression.

“I told the kitchen to prepare something light for you,” he said as I approached.

“Thank you,” I replied softly, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him. There was an awkward pause between us, but strangely, it wasn’t too painful. Perhaps because last night… something between us began to change.

As I waited for the food to be served, I stole glances at Diego. He seemed focused on his documents, but there was something different in the way he moved. It was as if the tension between us was beginning to thaw, allowing space for the warmth that had previously been lost.

“Last night…,” I started, feeling the need to fill the silence. “I think we took a big step.”

Diego looked at me, and in his gaze, I saw a glimmer of hope. “Yes, I feel that too. There’s something starting to feel lighter.”

A small smile spread across my face. “Maybe we can keep moving in that direction.”

He nodded, as if we both agreed to leave the burdens of the past behind.

Soon, an Omega arrived with a bowl of warm soup and bread, carefully placing it in front of me. I nodded at him and began to eat slowly. Diego watched me from a distance.

“I’m going to talk to Dad today,” he said suddenly.

I paused my spoon, looking at him carefully. “About what?”

“A lot of things,” he replied. “But mainly… about the Alpha position.”

That statement surprised me. “Are you sure? That’s a big decision.”

Diego nodded, his face serious. “I feel it’s time to take responsibility. Not just for myself, but for us.”

“Are you ready for all the consequences that might arise?” I asked, trying to understand the weight he was about to bear.

He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. “I know this won’t be easy. But I can’t keep hiding from the reality. We need to start from somewhere.”

I swallowed hard. This was a big deal. And Diego knew it well. I wanted to support him, but I also knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy. The Alpha position was not just a title, it was a heavy responsibility, full of pressure and expectations.

“I’m here if you need support,” I said finally, trying to offer encouragement that I hoped he could feel.

Diego’s gaze softened, and for the first time that morning, he nodded without words, but with meaning. In his eyes, I saw a mix of strength and vulnerability. He knew this step would change everything, but he also knew he wasn’t alone.

We returned to the silence, but it felt different. And that morning, even though our breakfast was still quiet… it no longer felt lonely. Each bite of toast and warm soup we enjoyed seemed to bring a new warmth between us.

I watched Diego, who now seemed calmer despite the many burdens on his shoulders. He appeared more focused, as if preparing himself for whatever was to come.

In my heart, I prayed that his conversation with his father would go smoothly and lead to a better understanding of his role in the family.

“Have you thought about what you’re going to say?” I asked, trying to open a conversation even though I knew he might not want to discuss it further.

He nodded slowly. “I want to be honest about my feelings and how I want to take on this responsibility. I need to show that I’m ready.”

“And you will,” I replied, trying to reassure him. “You have everything it takes to be a good leader.”

He smiled, and for a moment, I felt the burden on his heart begin to lift. “Thank you, Nova. Your support means a lot.”

We continued our breakfast, and although there was much left unsaid, I felt we were growing closer.