Free Web NovelChapter 197: Chapter 197
Aria’s POV
Relief washed over me so fast my wolf nearly purred.
I turned and walked toward him without hesitation, my steps quick, my posture softening.
Alpha Jonathan stood beneath the light, dressed simply yet impeccably. There was an effortless beauty about him.
Rowland’s gaze followed me. I caught the tightening of his fists.
“This must be Alpha Nathan’s nephew?” Jonathan asked politely, unwilling to let the moment turn awkward.
Rowland smirked, saying nothing.
My patience thinned.
“Rowland,” I warned.
Only then did he lazily respond, “Yes...I am Rowland.”
Jonathan’s eyes deepened at the name. He bowed slightly. “My apologies, Alpha Rowland.”
Rowland scoffed.
I stepped forward, cutting through the tension.
“If you’re here for your Uncle Nathan, go to Hemsworth Group,” I said firmly. “If you’re here for me, I don’t have time.”
My gaze was sharp and discerning. Rowland opened his mouth, then stopped.
All he could do was watch as Alpha Jonathan and I left Hemsworth villa together.
Behind us, I heard the dull sound of a kick striking the ground.
Soon, Alpha Jonathan drove us through winding streets until I asked him to stop in a quiet alley.
I pushed open an old, weathered door and froze.
Inside was a different world.
From the outside, the building looked small and forgotten. Inside, it opened into a serene white space, light spilling across smooth walls, golden racks standing empty but expectant.
It was minimalist, clean and intentional.
“This is...” Jonathan murmured, clearly stunned.
“Apologies for the simplicity,” I said with a smile.
Kara appeared instantly, her excitement barely contained. She offered us tea while her curious gaze bounced between Alpha Jonathan and me.
I sent her away gently and made coffee instead, noticing the subtle pause in Jonathan’s movements when he saw the tea.
He accepted the coffee with an apologetic smile.
“I was surprised,” he admitted. “The event is tomorrow. Will you be ready?”
“Of course.”
I handed him a design.
His eyes widened.
The gown was simple in structure but alive. Flames licked along the hem, some charred black, others still burning. A veil like falling snow crowned the model’s head. Rubies at the neckline gleamed dangerously, as if they might consume her whole.
Fire and frost.
Wolf and woman.
Jonathan stared, his breath caught.
“Luna Aria,” he said softly, “you never cease to amaze.” freeweɓnøvel.com
“Never?” I caught the word, then smiled shyly. “I owe it to the opportunity you gave me.”
My partnership with Celestyr brand had been a chance, an impulse that grew into something far greater. I had started out late, after years of a loveless marriage.
Loving the wrong person had nearly destroyed me. If I had looked beyond him sooner and pursued that passion on time, perhaps I would have soared earlier.
But maybe I did start at the right time.
“No,” Jonathan said, shaking his head. “Thank your talent and your effort.”
Heat crept into my cheeks.
Realizing his enthusiasm, Jonathan stood. “I look forward to tomorrow.”
I saw him off, watched him leave, then turned back to work.
Kara crept over almost immediately...before she could ask the question I knew lingered in my mind, I explained lilightly “We are just partners.”
She sighed in relief. “He seems great... a fine handsome man.”
“He’s a good man,” I replied calmly.
“Oh!” Kara suddenly called out. “What are you doing hiding here?”
I looked up.
Sandra stood there, offering an awkward smile.
“Luna Aria...” Sandra stammered, rubbing her palms together nervously. Her gaze darted around the studio like a startled deer. “I was just passing by. I really didn’t see anything.”
Her scent was off.
Not fear exactly, but guilt or unease.
Before I could respond, Kara spoke up cheerfully, as straightforward as ever. “What are you talking about? That’s just Luna Aria’s partner.”
I met Kara’s eyes. She gave me a look that carried loyalty, the same warmth she’d shown me from the start. I inclined my head slightly in thanks and chose not to pursue Sandra’s discomfort.
Whatever she was hiding, it wasn’t worth my energy tonight.
I turned back to my work.
Once I sank into my studio, time ceased to exist. My wolf loved these hours, hands moving with purpose, instincts guiding creation. By the time evening settled in, the gown was finished.
It was crimson and white, fire and purity.
The fabric flowed like living flame, passionate yet restrained. Even after creating countless dresses, I paused, surprised by my own work. The gown felt... alive. As if it carried a heartbeat.
I packed it carefully into a suitcase, along with the camera I’d recently stopped using, resting quietly on the table.
Relief washed over me.
When I returned to Hemsworth Villa, my steps were light, almost buoyant. For once, my wolf wasn’t braced for impact. I focused only on preparing for tomorrow. freewebnovel.cσ๓
That night, I slept deeply beside my little one, her warm weight anchoring me to the bed.
*****
The gala began in the afternoon.
Guests arrived in waves, tickets checked, cameras flashing. Alpha Jonathan drove me there himself. Thanks to his position as the host, we bypassed the main entrance and entered through a private passage.
I nodded my thanks and went straight to change.
I needed tonight to be flawless.
No mistakes, no cracks.
Still, Jonathan’s unexpected presence unsettled me slightly. As I dressed in the dressing room, I noticed him glancing at his gold watch now and then, though he never rushed me. Guilt tugged at me, and I moved faster.
When I finally stepped out...
Jonathan’s jaw dropped.
The gown hugged my figure perfectly, the combination of white and crimson was a perfect match embodying a balance of grace and allure that only a mother could possess.
Jonathan’s breath hitched.
His usually composed gaze faltered, admiration bare and unguarded.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” he said.
I smiled nervously, “Thank you”.
I turned toward the main hall, ready to step into the storm, when Jonathan reached out and gently caught my wrist. His touch was warm and respectful.
“Wait,” he said softly. “Let the host announce you first.”
