Chapter 15: Mother’s Passing
(Aria’s POV)
“It’s off,” I repeated, my voice steadier than I expected as I clutched the phone.
“What do you mean ‘off‘?” Alexander’s voice rose with indignation. “You can’t just cancel our mating ceremony! The guests-”
“My mother is in emergency surgery right now,” I cut in, anger rising in my throat. “And you’re worried about the guests?”
Dominic shifted beside me, his powerful presence a silent support. His silver–gray eyes never left my face.
“Aria, be reasonable,” Alexander continued, his tone softening into the one he used when trying to manage
- me. “We can complete the ceremony quickly and then visit your mother together.”
The audacity of his suggestion stole my breath. “You left me on our ceremony day to be with Claire.”
“She attempted suicide!” Alexander protested.
“Did she?” I laughed bitterly. “Let me guess–another ‘overdose‘ that somehow didn’t require stomach
pumping? Another ‘accident‘ that miraculously leaves no lasting damage?”
“She’s hospitalized, Aria,” Alexander insisted.
“Of course she is.” I closed my eyes, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. “Tell me, Alexander, was her timing
convenient as always, or did you actually plan this together?”
His sharp intake of breath told me I’d hit a nerve. “That’s ridiculous. How could you accuse me of—”
“My mother is dying!” I shouted, no longer caring who heard me. “She collapsed when she heard Claire’s voice on your phone. She’s fighting for her life while you were comforting your ‘childhood friend.”
“Aria,” his voice became pleading, “come back to the ceremony. We can fix this. I’ll apologize to your mother
when she recovers.”
The word “when” pierced my heart. He had no idea how serious her condition was.
“Your place is here,” Alexander continued. “As my mate. As Luna. The ceremony-”
The sound of doors swinging open caught my attention. Dr. Lewis emerged, his face grim.
“I have to go,” I whispered, and ended the call.
I tried to stand but winced as pain shot through my injured ankle. Dominic was instantly at my side, his arm around my waist supporting me as 1 hobbled toward the doctor.
“How is she?” I asked, breathless with fear.
Dr. Lewis’s expression gave me my answer before he spoke. “We need to talk, Ms. Summers. And I need your
signature on some consent forms.”
A nurse appeared with a clipboard, her face carefully neutral. “Your mother’s condition is critical. We need your authorization for emergency procedures.”
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Chapter 15 Mother’s Pass
ક બાબત છેક છે
I reached for the pen, but my hand trembled so violently I couldn’t grip it. The enormity of the situation crashed down on me. My wolf whimpered within me, sensing my distress and instinctively curling
protectively around my unborn pup.
“Arial” A familiar voice called out.
I turned to see my brother James rushing down the corridor, his face etched with worry. Olivia trailed behind
him, her ceremonial dress wrinkled and tearstained.
“What happened?” James demanded, taking in my ruined ceremonial gown and Dominic’s steadying
presence.
“Mother collapsed,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “At the ceremony. She–she heard…”
I couldn’t continue. Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.
James’s expression hardened as he looked from me to the clipboard in my hands. Without a word, he took it
from me and signed his name with a quick, angry stroke.
“This is your fault,” he hissed, anger masking his fear. “If you hadn’t married that self–centered Alpha-”
“That’s enough,” Dominic interrupted, his silver–gray eyes flashing with authority. “Your sister is not
responsible for her mate’s actions.”
“If you want someone to blame,” Dominic continued, “direct your anger where it belongs–at Alexander Reed, who chose another woman over his mate on their ceremony day.”
Dr. Lewis cleared his throat, reclaiming our attention. “If I could speak with the family privately?”
We were ushered into a small consultation room. The sterile walls and harsh lighting seemed to amplify the gravity of the moment. James and I sat side by side while Olivia hovered nervously by the door. Dominic remained just outside, giving us privacy while staying close enough that I could still sense his reassuring
presence.
Dr. Lewis sat across from us, his expression solemn. “We did everything we could,” he began, and my heart
stopped.
“No,” I whispered, shaking my head in denial. “No, she can’t be…”
James’s face crumpled beside me, his earlier anger dissolving into raw grief. He reached for my hand, gripping it tightly as if it were a lifeline.
so sorry.”
My vision tunneled, darkness creeping in from the edges. I heard James calling my name, felt Olivia’s hands. on my shoulders, but they seemed distant, as if coming from underwater.
“She’s awake,” Olivia’s voice came from beside me.
I turned my head to see her sitting in a chair next to the hospital bed, her face drawn with exhaustion and
“Mother?” I asked hoarsely, though I already knew the answer.
“I need to see her,” I choked out, pushing myself upright despite Olivia’s protests. “Please, I need to say
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