Chapter 20
Tessa’s cruise had docked in Naples for two months, and it seemed Aaron had also found his
destination.
For him, this may have been just another simple vacation, yet he had encountered someone he felt
was truly important.
They spent their time together exploring every corner of Naples.
It was as if this was the life Tessa had always wanted.
She longed for the person she loved to be by her side, for a life filled with freedom.
But for the past twenty years, this had seemed impossible.
For the first time, Tessa opened up about the pain of her past–being bullied by her pack, betrayed by her sister and mate, rejected by her parents.
She spoke about it as if telling someone else’s story, her voice calm, almost detached.
But Aaron looked at her with so much sympathy, his eyes full of compassion.
As she spoke, she suddenly smiled, her gaze meeting Aaron’s. But even as she smiled, she couldn’t
hold back her tears.
‘Do you think it’s ridiculous?” she asked softly.
Aaron reached up and gently wiped the tears from her eyes before pulling her into his embrace.
“I don’t think it’s ridiculous,” he whispered. “I only regret that I couldn’t be there for you sooner.”
Tessa froze. In the past two or three months, their conversations had drawn them closer, but this was the first time Aaron had hugged her.
She didn’t pull away. The warmth of his embrace soothed the deep wounds in her heart.
She wasn’t afraid to show him her scars; what she feared was his rejection.
“Aren’t you willing to be my Luna? My Luna Queen?” Aaron asked, his voice trembling with emotion. “My wolf can’t wait to meet yours.”
As he spoke, the crew of the ship began to appear, carrying flowers toward the deck.
A sea of 999 roses spread before her eyes, scattered across the ship’s floor.
It took Tessa a moment to realize what was happening—Aaron had planned this proposal all along.
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She found herself at a loss for words, staring at him. Aaron’s gaze was filled with affection as he
stood before her in a custom–made suit, his broad shoulders and narrow waist giving him a
commanding presence.
“I’ve been waiting for my mate,” he said, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. “I’ve been waiting for the little girl who used to share apples with me under the tree.‘
“If you’re willing, you can help me rule this kingdom.”
Tessa had never considered managing a werewolf kingdom.
All she had ever wanted was honest love.
Why fear failure just because of a past heartbreak?
”
She had to face her heart and trust the goddess of the moon’s plan for her.
Seeing Aaron nervously holding the bouquet, his hands trembling, she finally found her voice.
“Yes.”
The moment the word left her lips, Aaron sighed in relief, a smile spreading across his face as he swept her into his arms.
At that moment, Tessa felt certain–they were the happiest people alive.
Just then, a voice called out, breaking the moment of joy.
“Aaron.”
A woman’s voice, soft but firm, reached them. Aaron’s eyes widened in recognition.
“Mom! You’re here!” he exclaimed.
Scarlett walked toward them, her eyes scanning Tessa from head to toe. It was a look Tessa knew all too well.
She had seen this same judgmental gaze from Olivia before, followed by mockery and sarcasm.
Tessa braced herself for rejection, but Scarlett surprised her by not saying a word of criticism. Instead, she walked straight up to her and took her hand.
“You must be Tessa,” Scarlett said warmly. “Aaron talks about you all the time.”
“Today’s the day he’s proposing, so I made sure to come and see it for myself.”
Scarlett’s smile was genuine, and there wasn’t a hint of falseness in her eyes.
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Tessa, stunned, looked at the graceful former Luna Queen, a pang of longing stirring in her heart.
Before meeting Audrey, she had always thought her own mother would be like Scarlett–loving, kind, and understanding.
Seeing Aaron playfully bantering with his mother, Tessa felt a strange yearning. If she had a mother like that, would she have been happier?
Scarlett then reached into her purse and pulled out a small box.
When she opened it, a stunning diamond necklace with sapphire inlays gleamed before Tessa’s
eyes.
It was a necklace worth at least a million dollars.
“Tessa, this is a personal gift from me,” Scarlett said, smiling warmly. “I hope you like it.”
Tessa’s eyes widened in disbelief. She never expected Scarlett to give her such an expensive gift.
“No, no, this is too much!” she protested.
Scarlett just chuckled, taking Tessa’s hand and pressing the necklace into it.
“Aaron told me about your past,” she said kindly. “Maybe you’ve had a rough time, but from now on, you are my family.”
“You’re my daughter.”
Tessa had never felt so truly cared for. Her eyes welled up as she felt the weight of Scarlett’s words.
“All this money–don’t worry about it. It’s all for you,” Scarlett added. “We never have to worry about money.”
Tessa had never been treated like this before.
Growing up, no one had ever truly cared about her.
Even the gifts she received were usually the leftovers from Chloe. Everything she wanted, she had to buy with her own effort.
She felt a deep sense of gratitude for this bond–especially toward Aaron.
Just then, a warrior approached with urgent news.
“Alpha King, we’ve received a report. An Alpha from another pack violated the rule against
unmated werewolves having children. To cover it up, he pushed his lover down the stairs, causing a miscarriage.”
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“Which pack’s Alpha?” Aaron asked, his tone serious.
“Silver Moon Pack. Alpha Ryan.”
“Ryan?” Aaron turned
to Tessa, his expression hardening.
“Isn’t he
your first mate?”
—
Chapter 20
