Chapter135
The talk with Mia brought all my memories about Elena back. She was my best friend, the few people that I loved. I thought I was gradually healing from the loss of her. But guess not. That scar could never be healed.
I barely heard the door open behind me before I felt strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into a warm embrace. I didn’t have to turn around to know it was Asher.
“It never really gets easier, does it?” he murmured.
I shook my head. “No. But I think, over time, we learn how to live with it.”
He exhaled deeply, resting his chin on my shoulder. “We’ve lost so much. and yet, we just keep pushing forward, pretending we’re fine.”
I turned in his arms, looking up at him. “Because we have to. If we stop to grieve, the world won’t pause with us. But. maybe
one day, we won’t have to pretend anymore. Maybe we’ll
finally find peace.”
Cramer 135
His thumb brushed over my cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “I
don’t care what happens, as long as you and Mia are happy.” He
glanced down at my stomach and smirked. “Well, the three of
you.”
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Let’s get out of here
before Mia comes looking for us again. I don’t think she’ll be
happy if we take any longer.”
After freshening up, we joined Mia, who was already bouncing
in excitement. It’s so nice how quickly a child could get over her
sadness.
“Where are we going today?” she asked, eyes bright with
curiosity.
Asher shot me a playful look before turning to her. “How about
a little shopping trip? Thought I’d spoil my girls today.”
That’s how we ended up in the Grand Bazaar, surrounded by
the bustling energy of one of the world’s largest and oldest
markets. The crowd was overwhelming, but there was
something mesmerizing about the vibrant stalls, the scent of
spices hanging in the air, and the sound of merchants calling
out in different languages.
Chapter135
Mia’s eyes sparkled with wonder as she clung to Asher’s hand.
“This place is HUGE!” she gasped.
Asher chuckled, adjusting her on his hip. “Yeah, didn’t think
this through.”
I smirked. “What, scared of a little crowd?”
He rolled his eyes. “Not the crowd. Just don’t like the idea of
anyone getting too close to my family.”
I squeezed his hand. “We’ll be fine. Let’s just enjoy this.”
We wandered through the marketplace, stopping at various
stalls to admire handcrafted jewelry, colorful scarves, and
intricate ceramics. I wasn’t much of a shopper, but I did pick up
a few things for Olivia and Julia. Maybe even something for my
brothers, despite everything that had happened.
After grabbing some street food, we sat in a small cafe, chatting
with some of the locals. It was refreshing, learning more about
the city’s deep history and culture. When we finally got back to
the hotel, exhausted yet satisfied, Asher’s phone buzzed.
He answered with a sigh, already looking annoyed. “What
now?”
Chapter135
I watched as his expression darkened. “The council is back. And
they’re not happy.” He rubbed his temple. “Of course they
aren’t. Why would they be?”
I exhaled sharply. “Let me guess–they want you back
immediately?”
“Pretty much.”
I crossed my arms. “And let me guess again–you were actually
considering it?”
Asher hesitated. “I mean-”
“No,” I cut him off, snatching the phone from his hand before he
could reply. “Philip, put them on hold. We on vacation, and for
once, we are not dropping everything to deal with their
tantrums.”
Philip sighed on the other end. “They refuse to leave without
speaking to him.”
“Then let them wait. Or better yet, remind them that the Royal
Beta exists for a reason.” I didn’t wait for a reply before ending
the call.
Asher blinked at me, stunned. Then, slowly, he smirked. “Well,
Chapter135
damn. That was hot.”
Asher’s POV
t
Violet’s breaths were heavy as she lowered the phone from her
ear, her grip tightening before she finally tossing the phone
back to me.
I knew she had been hoping for an uninterrupted holiday, a
break from the constant demands of the pack and the council.
But of course, that was too much to ask. I hated that we could
never just exist without someone pulling us back into their
problems.
She clenched her jaw as she turned to me. “We are not going
back,” she declared, loud and clear. “Those people can deal with
those crises themselves. We are done being their errand boys!”
Seeing her like this, so firm in her resolve, sent a strange sense
of pride through me.
Chapter136