Chapter 273

Chapter 273
"I need to go in," I said, smoothing down my graduation gown, trying to collect myself.

"Don't be like this, please?" he pleaded.

"I'm not being like anything. I'm going in for graduation, getting my diploma, and then I'm leaving."

"Leaving?"

"After the ceremony, I'm going to stay with my dad for a few days."

"What? When did you decide this?" he frowned.

"I don't need to report everything to you, Dominic."

"You're pregnant with my child, Riley. If you think I'm letting you leave when you're this upset, you're mistaken."

"Fortunately, that's not your decision to make, is it?" I shot back, turning toward the auditorium entrance, leaving him standing there.

---

I cried through the entire graduation ceremony. I cried when receiving my diploma. I cried during the valedictorian's speech. I cried when we threw our caps in the air.

I felt like the weight of the entire world was on my shoulders.

"I'm so proud of you," Lally said after the ceremony, wrapping me in a tight hug. "I'm so proud that one of us actually graduated high school."

I broke down again in her arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Hey," she said softly, releasing me. "Should I get Dominic?"

Before I could answer, strong arms encircled me from behind. I melted into Dominic's embrace. Sure enough, I immediately felt better.

I didn't want him to calm me down so easily. I wanted to stay angry. I wanted to stay upset with him.

But the bond didn't care what I wanted. His touch was like a sedative, instantly soothing the storm inside me.

"I'm taking you home."

"No," I pushed against his chest. "I need to go."

"No, baby, I need to take you home, back where you belong."

The drive back was silent. I could feel him reaching through our bond, sensing my emotions. I kept my eyes fixed on the passing trees, refusing to look at him.

When we arrived, I remained seated, not moving. He needed to understand that I was still going to see my dad. My dad might not be expecting me, but I was certain he wouldn't turn me away.

"I'm going to see my dad."

He sighed. "I'll do everything in my power to ensure she doesn't come back."

This wasn't just about Estelle. What upset me more was that he had kept things from me. How could I be Luna if he kept me in the dark? I shouldn't always be the last to know, finding out from others instead.

"I still want to go see my dad," I insisted.

"Then I'm coming with you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Don't you need to stay here and deal with pack business?"

---

"No," he said firmly, reaching for my hand. "When it comes to you, nothing else matters. I'm sorry I upset you. I should have told you, but with the pregnancy, I didn't want to put more pressure on you. I was worried about how it would affect you and the baby."

"You need to tell me the truth, not hide things from me," I replied, sinking into the couch. "I'm not some fragile thing that will break."

"I know, baby, I'm really sorry."

"Why is she coming back?" I asked.

He sat beside me, taking my hands in his. "It's because of a debt my father owes. Now Estelle's father is calling it in. I heard their family isn't doing well these days."

"I don't care about any of that," I snorted. "She was always trying to make me miserable, so she deserves what she got."

"I know." He grinned. "Let me run you a bath to help you relax. After you've soaked, if you're feeling better, we can get ready for the graduation party. How does that sound?"

"I think that works."

The warm water worked wonders on my tense nerves.

If they decided to let Estelle and her family return to the pack, I would do everything possible to make her understand her place. I needed her to know that I was the future Luna of this pack, not her.

I decided to temporarily set aside the Estelle issue. There were more important things to focus on—like the tiny life growing inside me. The future Alpha, the first heir.

I never thought I'd get pregnant. Before, I was the type to go with the flow—whether I had children or not didn't matter either way.

"Baby, are you ready?" he appeared at the bedroom door to ask.

"Almost, I just need to grab a jacket." I had chosen a long-sleeved knit dress and black ankle boots. I noticed the dress fitting tighter around my middle than before. The subtle changes in my body were becoming more evident each day.

When I emerged, Dominic's eyes filled with appreciation. "You're absolutely beautiful, Riley. I'm incredibly lucky to spend my life with you."

Despite everything, I felt a smile tug at my lips. "I'm lucky too."

---

When we arrived at his parents' house, it was already buzzing with activity. Everyone was there.

Elizabeth greeted us warmly at the entrance. "I thought you might not come! I'm so glad you did! We have a graduation gift for you too."

I tensed slightly at the mention of a gift. I didn't mind accepting their gift, though I knew it would certainly be expensive and elaborate.

"You didn't have to get me anything, but I really appreciate it."

"Nonsense, baby, it's our family tradition. Would you like something to drink?"

"Mom, I'll get it for her," he said, keeping his hand on my lower back the entire time. I liked that feeling, that sense of security and stability.

"I'm sorry you found out about Estelle and her family that way," she said quietly. "We weren't trying to keep it from you. Dominic insisted on telling you himself."

"He didn't tell me, but let's not talk about it. I can't say I agree, but I have no right to make that decision." The words were out before I could take them back.

"If William decides to let them return to the pack, please understand it's not for Estelle's benefit," her mother said apologetically.

"I understand, but that doesn't mean I agree. Considering everything she did to me, I don't think she should be allowed back."

"Dear, I understand how you feel. Trust that William will consider all factors," she said with a smile.