#41

Eve’s POV:

I left the hall swiftly, refusing to let them witness any trace of embarrassment. Despite my anger and hurt, I held my head high. The cold night air greeted me as I stepped outside. I glanced at the car parked nearby, then gazed down the road. For a second I considered walking away and never looking back.

Except I wasn't a fool, my phone and clothes were in Ryan's hotel. I would wait for him, endure his presence a little longer, retrieve my things, and then disappear from his life.

Sliding into the car, I shut the door with more force than intended, startling the driver.

"Are we ready to go, Mrs. Sanderson?" he asked.

I winced at the use of Ryan's last name. "It's Melbert," I corrected him. "We will wait for the Alpha to return," I muttered.

"Of course, my apologies," he replied.

Sitting in silence, I watched the joyful attendees leave the hall, their laughter now a painful reminder of how quickly everything had unraveled. Less than half an hour ago, things were seemingly f