C7 7

It was the dead of night when Bella finally drifted off into a troubled sleep. Her dreams were filled with the memories of a painful past, bringing her back to the trauma she had experienced three years ago. In her dream, she recalled the moment when her sister, Samantha, had proudly announced her pregnancy, claiming that the baby belonged to Alpha Xavier.

In a fit of rage, Bella had slapped Samantha, causing her to miscarry. The sight of blood spreading across the ground haunted Bella, along with the harsh words of her mother-in-law, Elinor, who accused her of denying others the joy of motherhood because she couldn't conceive.

Bella was then handed a divorce agreement, pushed in front of her by a lawyer, who explained that Alpha Xavier didn't have the luxury of time and urged her to sign. The pain of losing the man she loved was unbearable, and three years later, the nightmares still plagued her.

Waking up in a cold sweat, Bella checked the time on her phone. It was only five in the morning, but she couldn't go back to sleep after such a jarring dream. She decided to take a shower to calm her nerves and changed into fresh clothes before heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Although Alpha Carl Trevor was known for his flirtatious ways, he was also a hard worker. Bella had joined the South City pack recently, and there was a lot of work to be done. Alpha Carl was efficient and expected the same from his assistant, so Bella didn't dare to slack off.

After finishing her breakfast quickly, Bella grabbed her bag and hurried downstairs. Her apartment was run-down and poorly maintained, but she didn't have much choice. As she made her way through an alley, she failed to notice a black luxury car parked nearby, with Alpha Xavier inside. He observed her with a pensive gaze as she rushed to catch the bus.

Although their eyes met, Bella ignored Alpha Xavier and boarded the bus. She rushed into work, the first to arrive that day. After making herself a cup of tea and tidying up the office, she settled into her chair and turned on her computer.

Alpha Carl Trevor and his aide, Lucas, arrived shortly after. Surprised to see Bella already at work, Alpha Carl couldn't help but mock her, commenting on her unlikely chances of receiving a bonus. Throughout her three months as his assistant, Bella had known Alpha Carl to be a ladies' man, so she made sure to dress modestly and refrain from wearing makeup. She even wore glasses, knowing that Alpha Carl disliked them, in order to avoid his advances.

Although Alpha Carl often belittled her, Bella didn't let his words affect her. She had grown immune to his harshness. However, this time, Lucas couldn't hold his patience and tried to change the subject.

"Alpha Carl, have you heard about Alpha Xavier's engagement? What should we get him as a gift?" Lucas asked.

The mention of Alpha Xavier's engagement took Bella by surprise. Her heart raced, and she looked up at Lucas, unable to hide her shock.