Free Web NovelChapter 218: Chapter 218
Aria’s POV
The word orphanage hit me harder than I expected.
My wolf stilled, her attention sharpening. Something tugged deep in my chest, an ache I couldn’t quite name. Perhaps it was because I was a mother now. Or perhaps because I knew too well what it felt like to grow up without warmth that truly belonged to you.
I pictured Jonathan walking through an orphanage alone, surrounded by children who had learned too early how to be quiet and grateful. The image made my throat tighten, tears prickling behind my eyes.
Grandma Kate had raised me. She loved me in her own way, but love alone couldn’t fill the emptiness of a missing childhood. Mine had been gray and hollow more often than not, despite having a mother.
Those children had it worse. freewebnøvel.com
“Of course,” I said firmly, my voice leaving no room for hesitation.
Williams and Jonathan exchanged a look. Williams raised his eyebrows with unmistakable smugness, while Jonathan glanced down at his phone.
We were supposed to pick up Williams at the airport, but somehow, it ended up being just the two brothers driving me back to Hemsworth Villa.
The next morning, I had barely woken when my phone buzzed.
It was a message from Alpha Jonathan.
I raised an eyebrow. I’d thought it would take longer to arrange the orphanage visit, but he moved quickly. Since I’d already agreed, backing out wasn’t an option. I messaged Kara to tell her I wouldn’t be coming to the studio today.
Given where I was going, I dressed carefully.
A long black dress fell softly against my legs, a white belt cinching my waist. It was simple, yet elegant. A white multi-petal camellia rested over my chest, its purity almost symbolic. I hesitated in front of the mirror, then placed a delicate hat also adorned with camellias, onto my head. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
I looked like someone out of a twentieth-century magazine.
I looked graceful and composed, like someone who hadn’t been broken.
As I opened the door, I nearly ran into Nathan.
The air shifted instantly.
My wolf lifted her head, tense and alert. The memory of yesterday scraped raw against my nerves. We hadn’t ended well—and today, there were no words left to exchange.
I frowned slightly.
Nathan pressed his lips together, his dark, unfathomable eyes fixed on me. His presence pressed in like a looming shadow, familiar and unwelcome all at once.
I ignored him.
Lifting my chin, I stepped past him and into the waiting cab.
Behind me, I felt his stare burn into my back.
For once, the decisive, ruthless alpha didn’t follow.
As the car pulled away, I could see him staring at the retreating cab with a mix of animosity and jealousy in his eyes. He must be wondering where I was going. He clenched his fists tightly, his jaw tightened. I looked away and let out a sigh, not wanting to bother with him.
I arrived at the meeting point soon after.
“Where’s Williams?” I asked when I didn’t see him.
Jonathan laughed lightly. “He is too impatient and doesn’t really like children.”
“That tracks,” I nodded, noting how well he seemed to know him. They were brothers afterall. “Let’s go.”
We got into his car.
Once we were settled in the back seat, he offered me a small bag of candies. “You probably didn’t have breakfast. It is my fault.”
I hesitated, then accepted with a polite smile. “Thank you.”
“No need to be formal,” he said, glancing ahead. “I’ve heard the vegetarian noodles at this orphanage are especially good.”
“Vegetarian noodles?” I frowned.
“What’s wrong?” he asked immediately.
“Orphanages house growing children,” I said slowly. “Why would they be known for vegetarian noodles?”
My wolf stirred uneasily.
Jonathan paused, clearly caught off guard. “Let’s... go see for ourselves first,” he said, his tone sobering.
When we arrived, the sun sat halfway up the sky. The orphanage was modest, its red sign damp with condensation, glistening faintly.
A man stood at the entrance, smiling warmly. “You are Alpha Jonathan and Luna Aria, Is that right?” he asked for formality sake.
I nodded, though my eyes lingered on him, instinctively assessing.
“I am Martins, please follow me,” he said, leading us inside.
In the courtyard, several children stood in neat lines, peeking at us with shy, cautious curiosity. My chest tightened, my wolf lowering herself instinctively in a gentle manner.
“They’re a bit timid,” Martins explained as he guided us forward.
I watched the children closely.
And something inside me whispered that this visit would not be as simple as I had thought.
My gaze drifted instinctively to the far right end of the line.
That was where I saw her.
A little girl stood there, smaller than the others, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Unlike the rest who peeked shyly or fidgeted nervously, she watched us openly. Her dark eyes were calm, detached... cold in a way that didn’t belong to a child.
My wolf stirred uneasily.
That girl is not unscarred, my wolf said.
A chill crept up my spine. How could someone so young look at the world as if she’d already seen its worst?
Before I realized what I was doing, my feet moved on their own.
I walked toward her and crouched down in front of her, lowering myself until we were eye to eye.
“What’s your name?” I asked softly.
