Page 122 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

This can’t be it.

My parents drop me off at my house, but when I walk inside, memories of Selene flood my mind. Frustration bubbles up inside me, and without thinking, I lash out, tossing the coffee table and sending everything crashing to the floor. Her scent, still lingering in the air, is overwhelming.

I head straight for the shower, needing to wash away the remnants of the day. The water cascades over me, but nothing I do will rid me of the memories of Selene. She’s made her decision, but I can’t accept that it’s over.

If she truly posed a danger to my family, I would have told them about Levi’s threat, but I don’t believe she would ever hurt anyone in my family.

I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my wet hair as I mutter to myself. “I wish Mariya was here to help me.”

After a few minutes, I step out of the shower and get dressed. I’d almost forgotten that I needed to go to Rosa’s house to deliver the news about Marco.

This day just needs to fucking end.

I pull up to Rosa’s house, my heart heavy with the news I have to deliver. When she opens the door, her hair piled up in a messy bun and sipping on lemonade, the guilt I feel overwhelms me. She invites me in, looking concerned.

“Liam. What is it?”

I take a deep breath and gently break the news to her. “I’ve got some news about Marco.”

Rosa’s eyes widen. “What happened? Is he okay?” I can see the dread in her face.

I hesitate for a moment, trying to find the right words. “He... He passed away. They just found his body,” I say softly.

Tears start to well up in Rosa’s eyes, and she lets out a choked sob. I move closer to her, wrapping my arms around her as she leans into me. “I’m so sorry, Rosa,” I whisper, my own voice choked with emotion.

We stay like that for a while, clinging to each other for support as we process the devastating news. Eventually, Rosa pulls away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “What happened?” she asks again, in a trembling voice.

I take another deep breath. “It was... It was an animal attack.”

She lets out a small gasp. “Oh, my God,” and her hands cover her mouth in horror.

I reach out and take her hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I know it’s hard to believe,” I say softly, “but we will get through this.”

Rosa nods. “Thank you, Liam.”

I give her a sad smile, wishing there was more I could do to ease her pain. “Out of respect for Marco,” I say, “the restaurant will remain closed for as long as you need it to.”

Rosa’s eyes fill with gratitude. “Thank you,” she says again.

I give her hand another squeeze before standing up to take my leave. “Take care, Rosa,” I say softly, “and let me know if you need anything.”

Chapter 43

Liam

I’m in the middle of deep cleaning Mariya’s, trying to distract myself from the emotions swirling inside me. It’s been three days since Selene walked out on me, and I can’t shake the emptiness that’s settled in my chest.

As I scrub the countertops, lost in my thoughts, I hear the door open behind me. I glance up to see Layla standing there, looking hesitant.

“Hey,” she says guiltily. “I wanted to apologize for the way I acted the other day with you and Selene.”

I pause, surprised. “It’s okay. We were all under a lot of stress.”

Layla nods, but I can tell she’s still troubled by something. “Are you okay?” she asks, her eyes searching mine.

I hesitate for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Honestly, Layla, no. I’m not. Selene... She rejected me.”

Layla’s eyes widen in shock, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand in sympathy. “I’m so sorry, Liam,” she says softly. “I didn’t realize.”

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