Cynthia Dion: He gazed at me, his expression filled with deep pain. Every time I looked into his eyes, I sensed impending disaster. I couldn't tell if it was his inner turmoil or just my own anxieties, but it appeared as if he was grappling with an internal conflict.He clasped his hands together, intertwining his fingers, and said, "I've reached the point where I believe I should clarify why I did what I did. In essence, I want to explain my actions and the reasons behind them."I watched as he slowly covered his face and closed his eyes, as though he needed to muster his courage before discussing it."Cynthia, you ruined my sister's life," he repeated his initial statement, which hardly justified his actions.He had acted with full awareness, as if he had control over my life and possessed all the knowledge about us. Perhaps he expected me to defend myself, but I was not to blame.I was tired of repeatedly assuring him that I had no interest in Mr. Holt. "I've told you numerous tim
Cynthia Dion: "Now you're going to claim you didn't send this?" Atticus groaned, his eyes brimming with both sorrow and anger. His connection with me as a mate, along with his affection and concern for his sibling, were the two emotions he harbored."That can't be true," I exclaimed when he replayed it, because every droplet of water that had poured from the shower that day had now tainted me instead of cleansing me. I had to shield my ears from the sound of that shower water."Stop it now! Ple--ase!" I cried in sobs. For a moment, it felt like my body was laid bare for everyone to see, just like in that restroom."But that's not even half of it; you aimed to traumatize my sister for no reason, and yet, every time she sees you in pain, she desperately wants to help you. Do you not realize how different you are from her? Why did he choose you when she's so loving and kind, and you can be cunning and crude?" Atticus crouched down beside me and shouted.I wanted to know that too. Why am
Cynthia Dion: I paced around the outdoor dining table while Charlotte arranged the food, pondering the recent events in my life."Anyone would react the way he did, but what did he mean by his sister having good news and me not hurting her again?" I whispered to myself, my gaze fixed on the grass. It didn't make sense to me. In Atticus's eyes, though, I appeared to be a twisted and cruel person, and all the evidence seemed to support that. I only wished he could have explained everything he knew instead of storming out.I didn't expect him to reveal the extent of his sister's suffering because, in his view, that might bring me joy."Ma'am! The meal is ready," Charlotte said with a smile, and I called her back as she turned to go.“Thank you,” I nodded, thinking if I should ask her about Atticus."Charlotte! Is Alpha Atticus joining me for dinner?" I inquired. What else does he have against me? I need to know.She replied, "He hasn't been eating much lately.""Please let him know that
Cynthia Dion: "Yes, I admit I called Mr. Holt that evening because it seemed like my only option. I asked him to talk to my father and convince him to let me out of my room so I could go back to school. I knew my father would listen to him because they were always like close friends. My father also enrolled me in his school to prepare for the competition because he was determined for me to win the prize no matter what. I didn't hide anything, and as he patiently listened to me, I felt very comfortable. All I could do was share my feelings and then hope and trust that he would believe me. "Atticus! Mr. Holt gave me a ride that day when I was bullied at school. I didn't know about his marriage, and I didn't really care. The way he talked, it always seemed like he was living alone. Mr. Holt was at home when I got there that day, and I had this feeling like someone was watching me while I was in the shower. You can see that the recording suddenly stops because I realized something was
Cynthia Dion: "I earned this participation pass, and if I don't take part today, the instructors would be disappointed and probably bully me," I tried to explain, but all he did was shake his head in response to my concerns."Cynthia! Why do you defy me? Didn't I mention how much I dislike it when people challenge my decisions?" He tilted his head, gazing at me intensely; it reminded me of the time he had accidentally spilled scalding broth on my face."Mr. Holt, please!" I was overwhelmed with emotion and wanted to cry right then and there. I had fought so hard to earn this opportunity, and now I was considering giving up?Mr. Lowell and Ms. Kylie will be devastated; they'll never trust me again. And I wasted a spot that could've gone to a deserving applicant instead of someone like me who was intentionally avoiding the game."Hush! The contest will be dangerous; you might get hurt if you play anyway," he said, glaring at me and pressing a finger to his lips.He then straightened hi
Cynthia Dion: "That’s none of your business," I whispered, attempting to avert my gaze from him."Atticus?" I turned around at the sound of a voice and found Maleeka standing before us, closely watching our expressions."Sister!" He sounded delighted as he called to her and rushed past me with a cheerful grin, wrapping his arms around her. That clarifies why he seemed oblivious to my previous remarks.It seems he spotted his sister behind me and wished to shield her from hearing me discuss how badly he had treated me.She appeared genuinely content, which put me at ease. I scanned her quickly and felt a reassuring sense of relief when I saw her in high spirits."What are you two still doing at home? Didn’t you win the contest entry tickets?" She looked a bit unwell, but her overall demeanor was joyful, and her movements were somewhat restricted, probably to avoid making herself feel worse.Atticus rolled his eyes and shook his head, saying, "Mr. Holt advised against her participating
Cynthia Dion: "You know what? Let’s not talk about it. I don’t want to get stressed," she said and stood up. I realized it might be too overwhelming to discuss that with her.Despite my outward smile, I was shattered inside as I spent the day with Maleeka. I missed an opportunity to help the rogues, all because of one person. I was even afraid to confront him again, especially now that Maleeka had warned me about how dangerous he might be.He returned home late and didn't really engage in conversation with me. He went straight to Maleeka's room to greet her and spend time with her. Maleeka told me that Atticus had informed her that Rosalie had won the competition, and I must admit, that made me very angry.Now that she had won this contest, she would become a real nightmare for the rogues. Even though the school was closed for a few days to celebrate the winners and give everyone a chance to relax, I knew she would become even more relentless toward me the following day."Did you hea
Author's POV:"Oh my God! I'm so happy," Rosalie said, her joyful dance filling the playground.Atticus dunked the ball through the hoop behind her, and Enzo ambled about, not quite as active."I wish that slutty bitch had come. I was hoping to give her a piece of my mind," Rosalie sighed, plopping down and setting her trophy aside."Why do you have to mention her now, during this happy moment?" Enzo rolled his eyes at Rosalie's fixation on Cynthia and settled on the ground in front of her."Because I really can't stand her," she shrugged, stealing a quick glance at Atticus, who dropped the ball upon hearing Cynthia's name."Why didn't she show up today?" Rosalie inquired, turning her attention to Atticus as he joined them."Why are you asking?" Enzo interjected before Atticus could respond, knowing that if Atticus spoke, he would likely scold Rosalie for repeatedly bringing up the same topic."Because she took up a spot," Rosalie shot a glare at Enzo for preventing Atticus from respo