Cut from Chapter 35 (During Marriage) - Out of Character
Why it was deleted: Beta readers HATED this. It made Rian irredeemable and went against his character. This was written to add conflict but ended up nearly destroying reader sympathy. Completely removed.
Rian's POV
Her name is Celeste. She's been flirting for weeks.
"Your mate doesn't have to know," she purrs, hand on my arm.
I should pull away. Should tell her to back off.
But Luca and I have been fighting. He's distant lately. Stressed with Luna duties and art deadlines.
We haven't been intimate in weeks. Haven't really connected.
"I'm mated," I say, but my voice lacks conviction.
"Matings aren't perfect. Everyone strays sometimes." She steps closer. "I could make you forget your troubles. Just once. Just tonight."
I think about it. Actually consider it.
Luca wouldn't know. The bond is strong enough to hide a one-time encounter.
"One time," I hear myself say. "No one knows."
"Perfect." Her smile is victorious.
We go to a hotel. I'm there. In the room. About to betray everything.
Then my phone rings. Luca's ringtone.
I answer without thinking. "Hello?"
"Hey." His voice is soft. "I know we've been fighting. But I miss you. Can you come home? I want to talk. Really talk."
Guilt crashes over me. What am I DOING?
"I'm coming home," I say immediately. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."
"Okay. I love you."
"I love you too."
I hang up. Look at Celeste. "I can't do this."
"You're really choosing him? After how he's been treating you?"
"He's my MATE. My husband. My everything." I head for the door. "This was a mistake. I'm sorry."
I drive home, hands shaking. I almost betrayed him. Almost destroyed everything.
When I arrive, Luca's waiting. "Hey. Thanks for coming back."
"Always." I pull him close. "I'm sorry. For the distance. For not being present."
"I'm sorry too. I've been neglecting us." He kisses me. "Let's fix this."
We make love that night—reconnecting, recommitting.
And I never tell him how close I came to destroying everything.
[This scene was IMMEDIATELY deleted after beta readers revolted. Comments included: "I'm done with this story," "Rian is irredeemable," and "How dare you make him consider cheating after everything they've been through." The scene was completely removed and never referenced. Rian remained faithful throughout the published story.]