LIORA POV
It took everything in me not to look Caelum in the eyes and apologize to him, while praying inwardly that my towel doesn't fall off right in front of him.
He is supposed to be a no-go zone, especially after what I have done to him.
"I hope for the rest of your stay in my husband's house, you realize I am not the Liora you used to know," I muttered, trying to be realistic.
My life, my father's, my mother's, and even Annabelle's life are in Alpha Zand's hands. I have to continue being his Luna.
Without giving him the chance to say whatever was left of him, I slammed the door in his face.
Finally catching the breath I forgot how to inhale, I took off the towel before applying lotion to my body.
I dressed up for the meeting, hoping it would clear my mind and remove everything that was beginning to cloud my mind…
Especially Caelum.
I picked up my purse before leaving for the parking lot, walking slowly as if I were sneaking out of the house.
"Luna, you are to attend the meeting with the Alpha's heir," my assistant's voice made my eyes widen.
Knowing he is living under the same building with me made me feel like I was going crazy. There is no way I could ride in the same car with him.
"Luna, we are running late, let's go," my assistant snapped me out of my thoughts.
After I got into the car, my eyes scanned everywhere as if Caelum might be hiding somewhere in the car.
"Where is the Alpha's son?"
"Oh, he said he won't be in the same car with his stepmother," she replied before starting the car.
Since I woke up today, I was finally able to feel relief just by hearing her words. Caelum finally realized the reality now.
Whatever he thought he would do to make me regret abandoning and breaking his heart three years ago, I just hope he doesn't do it.
Because goddess… I am already regretting it. But I'd still make the same choice if it is to protect Annabelle.
"Luna Liora, we are here."
After what seemed like forever, the car pulled over.
I got out of the car about to walk into the meeting hall but halted upon seeing Caelum who just came out of his. He walked past me without saying a word, as if I were invisible.
I smiled faintly before entering the meeting hall, hoping not to have a repeat of what happened in the last meeting.
I made sure to sit far away from Caelum, making sure when I raised my head, I wouldn't be looking at him.
"Luna Liora, who is this young man?" One of the women finally asked after murmuring amongst themselves.
Before I could speak, Caelum's voice beat me to it.
"I am Caelum, Alpha Zand's only son."
I bit my lip at his perfect wording. He has improved so much. He used to be very shy in the midst of strangers and always quiet.
Goddess, what is wrong with me?
"Wow, now I see why Alpha Zand kept a barren female as his Luna," the words were a bit nicer than the ones they told me the last time.
"Well, it is nice to know Alpha Zand has an heir. Now I can make some arrangement with him to marry my—"
"What is wrong with you all? Is this the reason for this meeting? For goddess's sake, we are here to talk about the Moonfest festival, not some cheap talk," I burst out.
I could have fought her, but knowing what happened the last time I fought someone, I held it in.
How could she even be thinking of throwing her daughter at someone she just learned of his existence today?
"Liora, what gives you the right to think you can talk to me in such a manner? My husband is the beta of this pack, and I myself am from the beta lineage, so what gave you, a worthless Omega—"
"She is still your Luna, which means every respect given to the Alpha should be given to her, our Luna," Caelum's voice cut her off, making me feel a sting of tears in my eyes.
He could have just remained silent and pretended not to hear those words.
Throughout the meeting, I was absentminded, many thoughts clouding my mind, and feeling my desire build up. The sign that I might be experiencing another heat tonight.
Something I can't let happen. Not with Caelum in the house.
"Luna Liora, do you have anything to say about this plan?" the nicest among the women who had been the only one not involved in shaming me asked calmly.
"If the Alpha's heir is in support of the plan, then I am," I blurted out.
Not as if I had anything to say because I didn't even get a single thing about their plan. Though, I don't matter. The Moonfest festival had always gone smoothly even without my involvement.
Goddess, I wonder why Alpha Zand even wants me involved this time.
Since there was nothing else to say, the meeting finally ended.
I stood up before hurrying out of the hall as if I was about to fly home. Though I would have if I could because I have to find a way to stop myself from getting into heat, especially now that the heat suppressant has finished.
"Luna Liora—"
"What is it?" I interrupted, not caring who it was.
"Luna Liora, the car has broken down."
I ruffled my hair at my assistant's words. How could the car break down? At this crucial time?
"I already informed the Alpha's heir, he said you can join him," my assistant informed me, making my stomach tighten.
Why in the goddess's name is my life revolving around Caelum?
"Are we both going back to the house in his car?" I asked calmly, sounding like I care about my assistant.
"No, I have to stay behind and have the car repaired before driving it back to the house," she muttered, then bowed before leaving.