Ex- mate

Flora – POV

Retreating to my room, anger and tears threatened to overwhelm me. Perhaps my bond with Ryker was never genuine. Maybe his affections were just fleeting lust rather than the deep love he professed. It felt like a deceitful lie. I didn't know how long I lay there, succumbing to my tears until sleep took over. A knock at the door roused me.

"Come in," I managed, my voice raspy from crying.

Belle entered, her face etched with concern. "You've been crying. What's going on?" she inquired gently.

I let out a weary sigh. Discussing Ryker and Melina was the last thing I wanted. Hoping to deflect the conversation, I asked, "Have you seen Ivan lately?"

"No, but I did see Ivan stroll with Melina," Belle replied. I leaped from my bed, hastily donning my coat and shoes without a second thought. I'd promised to keep Ivan safe from Melina's influence, and the idea of her possibly manipulating him alarmed me.

In my rush, I accidentally bumped into someone. As I stumbled backward, I realiz