Free Web NovelChapter 189: Chapter 189 Words He Didn’t Mean
The intensity of Selene’s gaze forced Hugo to confess the truth: "Fine, that day I just had dinner with her, nothing else happened! I swear!"
Hugo hastily raised his right hand in solemn oath before Selene. "You have to believe me, Selene. There was absolutely nothing between us."
"The only reason I show her any courtesy at all is out of respect for you," he continued, his voice growing bolder. "Without you, Sylvia means absolutely nothing to me. She’s worthless!"
Hugo didn’t hesitate to disparage Sylvia, not feeling the slightest guilt about his words. After all, Sylvia would never know what he said behind closed doors. With Selene, he could say whatever served his purpose.
Listening to his passionate declaration and noting his earnest expression, Selene found herself believing him.
"So there’s truly nothing between you two, right?" she pressed one final time.
Hugo nodded emphatically. "Of course not! I have no reason to lie to you. Besides, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved."
His words soothed Selene’s wounded pride. So what if Sylvia had found herself an exceptionally handsome wolf? Selene had a man who was wealthy, handsome, and completely devoted to her. That was something Sylvia could never match, no matter how hard she tried. The thought filled Selene with renewed confidence.
With this reassurance, she found herself looking at Hugo with fresh appreciation. She reached out, hooking her hand behind his neck and pulling him closer.
"Good. I just needed to be sure," she purred. "Now, let’s move on to more... interesting activities."
At her words, Hugo’s eyes darkened with desire, his gaze fixed hungrily on her crimson lips.
There was no denying that Selene and Sylvia possessed two entirely different kinds of beauty. Sylvia was striking and commanding, with an inherent predatory grace. Selene, weakened by years of apparent illness, exuded a fragile vulnerability that belied her true nature. Today, however, her possessiveness and the contrast between her delicate appearance and dominant behavior intrigued Hugo immensely.
He hadn’t expected this side of Selene, and it thrilled him.
Soon they were entangled on the bed, everything unfolding naturally between them.
It had been too long since they’d been intimate, and the progression from initial adjustment to familiar rhythm delighted Selene. Though Alpha Astra clearly favored Sylvia now, it didn’t matter. As long as they kept Sylvia out of the picture and successfully merged their companies, Alpha Astra’s preferences would become irrelevant.
In the public eye, changing successors would be impossible once everything was settled. The thought comforted Selene as she and Hugo moved together in perfect harmony.
Eventually, Selene pushed at Hugo’s chest, feeling somewhat scandalized by their extended tryst. "That’s enough. It’s getting late—your mother will think I’m being improper."
"She won’t," Hugo’s eyes flashed knowingly.
But Selene was already sitting up. "We’ll continue another time," she insisted, wincing slightly. Her body ached as though she’d been hit by a truck.
Seeing her disheveled state, Hugo’s eyes darkened with renewed desire. He’d always found Selene attractive, but now she seemed even more captivating than before.
Glancing at the clock, he realized they’d been upstairs for nearly five hours. Surely his parents had finished whatever they needed to do by now.
When they finally descended to the living room, Alpha Gray and Luna Gray were seated there, greeting Selene with forced smiles. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
"Ah, Selene, you’ve come down at last?" Luna Gray approached her.
Alpha Gray, having just dealt with their secret situation downstairs, had little patience left for pleasantries. He shot his son a reproachful look.
Nevertheless, they all proceeded to the dining room. Nora served the sugar-glazed ribs, pointedly placing them in front of Selene.
"These ribs are delicious, Luna Gray," Selene commented appreciatively. freewebnoveℓ.com
"I’m glad you enjoy them. Whenever you visit, I’ll have Nora prepare them specially for you." She paused before adding, "Are you prepared to become our pack’s Luna, Selene?"
Selene blushed demurely, lowering her head. "Luna Gray, that’s something I need to discuss with my mother. It’s not a decision I can make alone."
"I understand," Luna Gray replied smoothly. "I’m not trying to pressure you."
Selene nodded. "I know what you mean, Luna Gray, but I’m really not in a rush about this matter."
Alpha Gray’s expression darkened at her words. Of course Selene wasn’t in a hurry—Frostline Enterprises was thriving, growing stronger every day. What reason did she have to rush?
Meanwhile, their Eastern Ridge alliance was struggling, with multiple projects stalled. If not for their desperate need to merge with Frostline Enterprises, they wouldn’t be pushing for this marriage so urgently.
The current Frostline Enterprises was far beyond what the Eastern Ridge alliance could compete with on their own. If possible, Alpha Gray would have them complete the mate-bonding ceremony immediately to prevent any complications—especially considering what Hugo had done that needed concealing.
Alpha Gray glared meaningfully at his son, urging him to say something persuasive. This opportunity couldn’t be wasted.
Understanding his father’s silent command, Hugo reluctantly spoke up. "Selene, we’ve been together for so long. I want to stand before the Moon Goddess with you and complete our bond." He set down his utensils, looking at her with feigned solemnity. "Besides, many of my friends already have children. I want to start a family with you—our own family."
Selene met his earnest gaze, her tone turning serious. "Do you truly mean that?"
"Of course I do."
Alpha Gray and Luna Gray nodded enthusiastically. "That’s right, Selene. We’re going to be family eventually—why not sooner rather than later?"
Selene had initially been touched by Hugo’s words, but as she looked around at their expectant faces, something felt off. They all seemed desperately eager for her to marry into their pack quickly.
A sense of unease crept into her heart.
"I understand your wishes," she said carefully, "but as I said, this isn’t solely my decision. My mother has a say in this."
"If I gave you my word today and my mother disagreed, whose decision would take precedence?"
Her words sobered the room, deflating their earlier enthusiasm.
Luna Gray grew visibly agitated, unsure how to proceed in the face of Alpha Gray’s accusing stare.
Hugo watched Selene’s resolute expression with growing irritation. How could she be so firm about this? After what they’d just shared—an entire afternoon of intimacy—she was still insisting on waiting. Their relationship had progressed far beyond the need for such formalities.
He gripped his utensils tightly, his perception of Selene shifting. "Selene, do we really need to be so ceremonial about this? After everything between us?"
Selene remained unmoved by his implied accusation. "Our engagement was arranged by my mother, so naturally, we need to follow her timeline for completing it."
"If you have concerns, take them directly to her."
With that, she stood up, preparing to leave. Before departing, she cast a scornful glance at the elaborate meal before them, her lips curving into a mocking smile as she addressed Luna Gray.
"And Luna Gray, while your food is certainly delicious, I’m not foolish enough to tie my fate to your pack over a good meal." Her voice carried a dangerous edge. "If I wanted these dishes regularly, I could simply hire Nora as my personal chef, couldn’t I?"
With a contemptuous snort, Selene grabbed her purse and strode purposefully toward the exit, not hesitating for a moment.
She’d seen enough of this family to form an impression—and if marriage was truly on the table, she needed to think very carefully about what she was getting herself into.
