*Towards the Sun*Harden's POV:The morning sun crept through the windows, casting a soft glow across my office lounge as I woke up from my slumber. Memories of last night flooded back, but they felt distant and hazy, clouded by the fog of alcohol and desire. As I slowly regained my senses, I realized I was not alone in bed.Turning my head to the side, I saw Melissa, the office secretary, lying beside me stark naked, her features softened in the gentle morning light. Guilt gnawed at the edges of my conscience as I remembered asking her to spend the night with me. I also recalled calling out Elara's name, and then the ecstasy that followed, but it wasn't her. I felt bad for using this woman as a stand-in for the night. I wiped my face with my hand, frustrated.Careful not to disturb her, I slipped out of bed with the sheet hanging loosely on my waist and went to the bathroom. I filled the bathtub and ran a quick bubble bath.The events of the previous night weighed heavily on my mind.

*Lost and Alone*Harden's POV:I stood in our favorite spot, the same place where we had shared countless memories. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. I could feel my heart racing with anticipation as I waited for Elara to arrive. I just wanted to know if Melissa's words were true and if she had moved on completely, because I haven't, even after rejecting her.Although I wasn't the one who made her lose her job, there was nothing I could do to convince her. I could only turn the situation in my favor. When she finally showed up, I was taken aback by her confidence and poise. She held a strong, stoic face, staring nonchalantly at me. I quickly threw out the cigarette in my hand because my conscious mind reminded me that she never liked it."Elara," I said, my voice low and husky. "You look beautiful."She raised an eyebrow, her expression unyielding. "Am I supposed to say thank you? Cut that, Harden. Tell me what you want, and why you called me here?"

*A Mother's Betrayal-2*Elara's POV:"Why did you do that?!" I yelled at her. She shoved me off, staring at me with bloodlust in her eyes."Stay away from me!""What is wrong with you?!" I barked. I saw it now; she didn't look like she had any remorse for her actions. This woman was ready to end the last reputation our family still held."I've been left to fend for myself ever since my foolish daughter and husband landed in trouble, taking them out of my life.""Mom...!""You know how hard I struggle with my addiction. I need money to get the substance. You're not here to give me money."I've sold as much as I can from that rotten apartment. There’s nothing left to sell."She paused, her eyes searching mine for any sign of sympathy. "The Alpha offered to lend me some money. When I couldn’t pay back, he refused to give me any more, despite my pleas. I told him I just needed more time." Her grip on my hand tightened, desperation evident in her touch. "You can talk to him, right? Tell hi