Chapter 131 Turn Maria Down
Aclira’s POV
Since Oriana returned from her work trip, I’ve been staying at her place. Oddly, not a single relative has bothered to ask where I am. This realization makes something in me snap–I decide I’m done letting them walk all over me.
The next morning, I calmly dial a moving company, ready to leave my own apartment just to escape my aunt’s overbearing family.
When I tell Oriana about my plan, she jokes with me over the phone.
“You’re really going to be that heartless? You’re seriously moving out?” Her voice holds both shock and respect. “Won’t this ruin things with Aunt Betty’s family?”
I answer without a second thought. “Yes, I’m leaving today.”
She claps enthusiastically on the other end. “Incredible, incredible! I always knew you wouldn’t keep putting up with them forever!*
Her tone sharpens, edged with fury. “Only Alarion–that colossal fool of an Alpha–ever believed you were endlessly pliable.”
A dry, humorless chuckle slips from me as the harsh reality hits. I’d twisted myself into knots for Alarion, always lowering myself, ever the dutiful Luna.
In the end, that obedience is exactly what made me so easy for him to discard.
People always say you should value yourself first; I finally grasp that lesson, though the realization comes far too late. “This should have happened ages ago,” I murmur, feeling my wolf stir with a surge of resolve.
Worried about my safety during this confrontation, Oriana insists on staying by my side. She promises to lend me her strength as part of our pack.
Unable to turn down her steadfast support, I drive us both back to Myrthale Residences.
No sooner do we pull into the garage than my phone begins to ring. Aunt Betty’s voice comes on, dripping with false astonishment.
“Aelira, what’s happening? Just now, a moving crew showed up at our door, saying they’re here to pack someone’s things.” ! reply evenly, confirming that I arranged it.
She presses for more information, her tone growing wary. “Wait a sec. What’s going on? How come you’re moving out without saying anything?”
Feigning innocence, I remind her, “Didn’t I mention yesterday? This place isn’t actually mine–it’s a short–term rental.” My voice stays calm as I continue the fabrication. “Now that the contract is aver, I have to leave, that’s all.”
Her voice shrinks, laced with manipulative undertones. “Aelira, are you angry because we’ve been an inconvenience by staying here?”
I
Internally, I scoff, well aware she’s pretending not to know how much trouble they’ve caused.
I choose to go along with her pretense. “Of course not. The lease really is up, that’s all.”
keep my tone breezy and unconcerned. “I’m almost at the building now–let’s talk face to face when I come upstairs.” Oriana, ever the partner in mischief, flashes me a devilish grin. “You’re fiercel
laughingly shove her face away with my hand. “Alright, enough antics. The real show is about to begin.”
She gives me a knowing nod, fully aware that Aunt Betty’s family will resist leaving. They’ll try every manipulative ploy to stay attached.
When we reach my floor, the movers are already there, standing by with uniforms and equipment, crowdina i
<Chapter 131 Turn Maria Down
I immediately apologize for the wait, guilt prickling. “Sorry about the confusion–my aunt probably didn’t get the full story, but it’s fine now. Please go ahead and start with my things.”
Unbothered, since I’m paying for their time, the movers begin evaluating what needs packing.
Their supervisor gives me a brisk nod. “No worries, miss. Where would you like us to begin?”
Aunt Betty wastes no time, pulling me to the side and firing off questions.
“So where are you going? Is the new place big enough for all of us? How many bedrooms?*
I paint a lackluster picture of the apartment on purpose. “It’s only two bedrooms. It’s much cheaper, but the neighborhood
isn’t as nice.”
I let just enough disappointment seep into my voice. “The rooms are smaller too, and there aren’t any fancy amenities like
here.
Aunt Betty, always quick to maneuver situations to her advantage, immediately proposes, “No worries, we’ll find a
solution
Her tone becomes animated as she starts outlining her idea. “We could hang a curtain to divide the living area, giving “Rulian a cozy place to sleep.”
She goes on with enthusiasm. “Maria and I can easily share a bedroom. We’ll just have to adjust to a bit less space.”
I offer nothing more than a polite smile, withholding any encouragement, already bracing myself for her next attempts.
Since most of the furniture belongs to Daelor, I only need to gather a handful of my personal belongings and clothes. My inner wolf gives a low whine, feeling the weight of the stress.
We’re nearly done boxing up my things when, out of nowhere, Maria’s door swings open with a bang.
She bursts out, her expression contorted by anger and frustration.
“I’ve just been rejected, Mom!” she declares with dramatic flair.
Aunt Betty, still busy with her own packing, appears utterly baffled by Maria’s outcry.
“What are you saying, darling? Rejected from what?”
Maria fixes me with a glare, her eyes full of accusation and bitterness.
“The HR manager from Alpha Daelor’s Nightshade Security just called me directly!” she exclaims.
Her indignation grows. “She told me my resume didn’t meet their minimum–standards and that I was denied completely!”
Aunt Betty’s jaw drops in disbelief as she swings around to look at me, seeking an explanation.
“Aelira, what is going on? I thought everything was settled!”
I put on an innocent look and furrow my brow, pretending to be just as confused.
“I really have no idea. What exactly did the HR manager say to you?”
Maria clenches her jaw,in irritation before responding.
“She said their company doesn’t hire wolves who aren’t properly qualified!”
Her words tremble with humiliation. “She was outright dismissive and rude about it!”
Oriana quickly stifles a chuckle, slipping off to the kitchen and acting busy to avoid attention.
I clamp my teeth together, suppressing a smile by recalling all the unfortunate moments from my past to stay serious.
I then offer a solemn nod, feigning sympathy. “Well, unfortunately, I can’t change their recruitment policies.”
“Mom!” Maria stomps her foot, exasperated.
Aunt Betty instantly rushes to console her daughter, her nurturing side kicking in.
< Chapter 131 Turn Maria Down
“Don’t let this upset you, sweetheart. Perhaps the company isn’t aware of who you really are.”
Her voice takes on a determined, calculating edge. “I’ll speak to Alpha Daelor myself and ask him to bring you on board directly!”
It’s obvious that Aunt Betty refuses to miss any chance to leverage their connection to the influential Alpha King.
Her consoling words seem to ease Maria momentarily; despite still sulking, Maria shifts her focus to our packed belongings.
She mutters, obviously dissatisfied, “Where are we even moving to? I hope it’s not some awful place in the slums.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Aunt Betty chides softly, gently taking Maria by the hand.
“Honey, just go back to your room and play on your phone for now. We’ll call you when the move is finished.” Maria gives a dramatic pout, tosses me a final resentful look, then disappears into her temporary room.
As we finish packing the final box of my things, a well–known knock echoes at the apartment door.
When I glance up, Daelor Briarhallow stands at the threshold, his head cocked with his usual air of self–assurance.
A mischievous grin lights up his striking features. “Oh? You’re moving out and didn’t think to let me know?”
His sudden arrival catches me off guard, and I instinctively give a brief nad. The commanding force of his Alpha presence fills the room, causing my wolf to grow uneasy
I quickly regain composure, worried he might inadvertently say something Aunt Betty shouldn’t hear, and I step toward him, intent on leading him away.
“Daelor, I really need to speak with you in private.”
However, before we can leave, Aunt Betty hurries over, moving with astonishing speed.
She seizes Daelor’s strong arm, her grip possessive, and lets out a laugh that sounds overly bright.
“Alpha Daeior, your company called Maria earlier and flat–out turned down her application!”
Her tone shifts to one of urgency. “Could you possibly speak to your staff and have them reconsider?” Daelor’s silver–gray eyes meet mine, sparkling with clear amusement, before he answers smoothly. “That’s actually not so simple to fix. The business isn’t solely mine, so I can’t make all the hiring choices by myself.” Embarrassment floods my cheeks, and quickly avert my gaze as he continues with his convenient excuse.
He keeps his tone professionally regretful. “There are strict hiring criteria and company rules I’m required to uphold.” Aunt Betty’s worry deepens, and she pushes further, desperation creeping into her words.
“So, what are we supposed to do now? Wasn’t Maria meant to be your assistant?”
Her disbelief is evident as her voice wavers, “You really can’t even approve hiring just one person?”
