EPISODE 13%
After that incident, things went smoothly in my life.
I was able to recover slowly, but at least I didn’t fall into depression because of the miscarriage. Although it left a hollow feeling inside me, Ulysses’s companionship filled that emptiness and made living each day a bit easier.”
It had been over a month since I started staying at Ulysses’s place.”
Day after day, life settled into a quiet rhythm. I woke up with his butler and maids serving me. They were kind and even friendly. It didn’t feel like we were merely employers and staff.
From their smiles and gestures, I could tell that Ulysses treated them well.
The calls from Lucas came almost every day during the first week. It was incessant, even texts would come in every few hours.
But I simply ignored them.”
I tried changing my SIM card, but then Lucas resorted to using emails. I blocked him on social media. And only when there was ho way left to contact me did he finally stop.
Ulysses respected my decision about it. Aside from pulling the investments, which surely did a number on Lucas’s company, he didn’t do anything else. Though, I would sometimes hear him grumble that I should make use of him more, since he was very willing to destroy Lucas for me.
Actually, living with Ulysses these past weeks helped me understand him more.
Although he appeared domineering because of his stature, he was actually kind and gentle. Even with the servants, he never acted entitled. The respect he received was because of the respect he gave. I admired that about him.”
It was true, I was slowly starting to like him. And it was impossible not to, because he was truly a lovable man.”
One morning after breakfast, he looked up from his tablet and said, “There’s a gala happening this weekend. I want you to come with me.”
I blinked. “A gala?“}
“Yes,” he replied, setting his tablet down. “It’s an annual gathering. More of a meeting, actually. All the Alphas and major companies attend. It’s more business than celebration, but appearances matter. I want to introduce you.“}
The words caught me off guard. “Introduce me?”
He nodded. “As my escort. But more than that, I want them to see you beside me.“”
I stared at him. We hadn’t put any label on whatever this was. I didn’t know if we were dating, if we were something else. But I saw the way he looked at me sometimes, like I was more than just someone he was helping. Still, this was a big step.”
“You don’t have to,” he added. “If it makes you uncomfortable, I understand.“”
But for some reason, I said yes.”
Maybe it was the way his eyes softened when he asked. Maybe it was how he didn’t pressure me but still looked hopeful. I wasn’t sure. I just nodded and agreed.§
Preparations started the next day. Ulysses told his assistant to arrange everything. A dress was delivered, folded in layers of delicate fabric inside a thick garment bag. When I tried it on, I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time.”
It was simple but elegant, flowing along my curves like it had been made for me.
A far cry from the gifts I used to receive from Lucas. Although I had felt grateful back then, looking back now, it was as if he had bought those things as an afterthought.”
Unlike Ulysses, who may not have always given the most expensive things, but clearly took my preferences into consideration. There was sincerity in his choices.
When I walked out to show Ulysses, his eyes locked onto me instantly.”
“You look… incredible,” he said, walking closer. He took a moment, his gaze scanning me from head to toe. “You know, every time I see you, I fall in love at first sight.”
I felt my face heat up. “You’re such a flirt.”
He laughed, not denying it. “Why would I flirt? When it comes to you, I always tell the truth. When did I ever lie?”
I could only shake my head as I watched this man look at me with those serious yet affectionate eyes.”
The night of the gala came faster than I expected. Ulysses wore a black suit tailored perfectly to his frame. I stood beside him in the backseat of the car, trying to steady my nerves.”
I had never been to anything like this. I didn’t belong in those circles.”
But Ulysses kept his hand over mine the entire ride, and that helped more than I wanted to admit.”
The venue was massive, some kind of historical building turned into a high–end event hall. The entrance alone made me pause. There were chandeliers even in the hallway. People in gowns and tuxedos moved with a kind of practiced ease, their conversations blending into a constant hum.”
But as soon as we walked in, everything shifted.”
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11:23 AM
Heads turned. Not just at Ulysses, but at me too.”
Ulysses kept his arm securely around my waist. He didn’t let go, not even for a second. He introduced me to everyone, not just as a guest, but as someone important. And everyone could tell that the way he treated me was not just friendly.”
“This is Selene,” he told them, his voice calm but firm. “She’s with me.”
Every Alpha, every CEO, every spouse nodded with warm smiles. They didn’t question it, but their gazes held more meaning than their words.
Maybe it was because of how Ulysses carried himself. Maybe it was because of the way he looked at me, like daring anyone to say something inappropriate. Either way, no one dared to be rude.”
In fact, they treated me kindly. They offered compliments, asked polite questions, and even inquired about my plans and interests. “You’re lucky to have him,” one woman whispered to me with a knowing smile.}
I just smiled back, unsure how to explain that I wasn’t even sure what we were yet.”
The night wore on. Waiters passed by with champagne, live music played in the corner, and Ulysses never moved far from me.”
He leaned close whenever someone said something unfamiliar, whispering quick explanations. He made sure I never felt out of place. Every time our eyes met, he gave me that same look.”
Being proud, warmth, and something more I couldn’t quite name.”
Then, as we stood near the bar, Ulysses was speaking with two older Alphas about some trade negotiation. The three of them standing together drew attention, and no one dared to interrupt.”
In the far corner, where the lights were dimmer, people stood trying to join the ranks. Lucas shouldn’t have been there, but because of the recent losses with many investors pulling out of his company, he ended up in that neglected space. He had been fawning over some big shots, trying to get them to invest in him.”
He took a seat to rest. And as he was drinking something in the corner, his eyes scanned the crowd and landed on me.”
His eyes widened in shock and disbelief.”
“Selene,” he said almost to his “How… How
are you here?”
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