Chapter 39 39

Chapter 39 39
Darius POV

I muttered a quiet curse under my breath as I reached her front door, Zara’s weight was still soft and pliant in my arms. Her purse hung loosely from her shoulder, and without hesitation, I slipped my hand inside, retrieving her keys.

Immediately I stepped into her house, it felt wrong so wrong for her very quiet and too still.

Thick darkness swallowed every corner like no one had been home for hours no, longer.

The house felt abandoned, hollow in a way that unsettled even me. A woman like Zara didn’t belong in a place that felt this empty but I knew at least her mother should be home at this hour.

I shut the door behind me and moved instinctively, guided not by sight, but by scent.

Her scent was very warm, sweet yet addictive at It led me upstairs.

It didn’t take long to find her room and the moment I stepped inside, I paused because every single thing about it screamed her name.

Her walls were lined with achievements and academic awards framed neatly, medals glinting under faint light. Across the room were shelves that held trophies from training and competitions. She was discipline and excellence yet clothes were draped carelessly over her chair and books lay open, scattered like she had been in the middle of a dozen things at once. A life too full and too heavy for one girl to carry alone.

My gaze fell to her nightstand and there was a picture of her smiling, she was standing in between her parents.

There was another one of her and Bella, I remembered her from that night and they were both laughing like the world had never touched them and something in my chest tightened.

Carefully, I lowered her onto the bed and she shifted slightly, murmuring something incoherent, her body instinctively leaning toward the warmth I provided and my jaw clenched.

I didn’t try to undress her because those were lines even I wouldn’t dare cross.

Instead, I pulled the covers over her, tucking her in with a restraint that cost me more than I cared to admit.

My fingers lingered for a second too long near her cheek before I forced myself to step back.

“You’re dangerous,” I muttered under my breath, though whether I meant her or myself, I wasn’t sure then I turned around and walked out of her house before having a second thought.

The moment I stepped into my mother’s house, her voice cut through the air..“You’re late.”

“I’m on time,” I replied flatly, glancing at the clock.

Her brows lifted in that familiar, disapproving arch. “If you’re not early then you’re late. Everyone is already in the kitchen, so dinner will be ready soon.”

Of course they were, a gathering like this was never simple and never peaceful.

“Grandma!” Elara’s bright voice broke the tension as she slipped past me and my mother’s entire demeanor softened instantly as she pulled her into a warm embrace.

“Oh, sweetheart. I thought you wouldn’t make it tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Elara said sweetly before turning slightly. “I wanted you to meet my fiance, I want to officially introduce you to him.” she said grinning and that was when Kaelan stepped forward.

Polished and smiling like he belonged. “It’s an honor to meet you,” he said respectfully.

My mother looked him over, clearly impressed. “Handsome, too,” she teased, casting Elara a knowing look and Elara blushed, curling closer to him like he was something precious.

I said nothing, my attention shifted to Ethan, who lingered slightly behind them, quieter than usual. His eyes flicked toward me briefly before looking away.

There was tension, always tension.

“Ethan, come here,” my mother called, her voice gentler now and the boy hesitated, glancing at me but I gave a short nod and he followed.

I gestured for the others to move along, and we made our way into the kitchen.

The second I stepped inside, I knew I should have turned around. “Darius!”

Sapphire’s voice rang out, bright and eager as she practically glided toward me and I stiffened.

I can't believe my mother still invited her for dinner when I told her I wasn't interested, the woman always knows how to push my buttons.

My beta Draven came with me and he stood off to the side, offering me a subtle, almost apologetic look for not informing me before time. He knew, definitely knew

Sapphire reached me, wrapping her arms around me without hesitation and I removed her just as quickly.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my tone sharp enough to cut.

“I invited her,” my mother chimed in before Sapphire could answer, entirely unapologetic.

I exhaled slowly, forcing control over the irritation rising in my chest. “We’ve talked about this.”

Sapphire only smiled, completely unbothered.

I can't understand why she thinks I might be interested in her after marrying her sister.

“Your mother and I are close and my presence shouldn’t be surprising anymore.”

Her gaze lingered on me, something deliberate in it. “Besides I assumed by now you would have reconsidered things and move on with your life, you can remain single for the rest of your life.”

I didn’t respond because I fidn’t trust myself to, I don't want to say what will get me into trouble especially with my mother present.

“Let’s all sit,” my mother urged, ushering everyone toward the table and I scanned the seating arrangement, one empty chair right next to Sapphire and that was where I was expected to seat.

My mother truly knows how to set up people in a ridiculous manner.

Draven stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear.

“Your wife has been gone a long time,” he said quietly. “Maybe it’s time you start living again.”

My jaw tightened, living?

If this was what people called living then why did all I feel was the ghost of a girl with lavender and vanilla on my skin and the memory of her soft body in my arms?

And why, despite everything, did none of these women in this room come close?

Not even a little.