The Pregnant Luna Mated to Ex’s Best Friend (Aria) novel Chapter 82

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Chapter 82 Breaking Up

Chapter 82: Breaking Up

Chapter 82: Breaking Up

(Aria’s POV)

“So, when’s the next Shadow Pack gathering?” Dr. Lewis asked, cutting into his venison with practiced procision. “I’ve heard your grandmother’s famous moonberry wine will be served.”

Dominic glanced at me before answering, his silver gray eyes seeking silent confirmation. I gave a small nod, Indicating I was okay with the topic.

“This weekend,” Dominic replied, his deep voice casual but I noticed the subtle tension in his shoulders. “The entire family will be there to celebrate my uncle’s birthday.”

“And you’re bringing your lovely intended mate, of course,” Dr. Lewis said with a knowing smile in my

direction.

My cheeks flushed hot at his words. I still wasn’t used to being referred to as Dominic’s intended, even in our

pretend relationship.

“I am,” Dominic confirmed, his hand briefly touching mine on the table. The gesture felt natural, practiced

from our previous performances.

Dr. Lewis’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Any chance I could tag along? Not to the family event, obviously, but

perhaps we could discuss including me in your territory security project?”

Dominic raised an eyebrow, amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. Tired of hospital politics already?”

“Let’s just say I’m keeping my options open,” Dr. Lewis replied with a casual shrug, though I detected a hint of seriousness beneath his light tone.

“Submit a proper proposal and I’ll consider it,” Dominic said, taking a sip of his water. “But make sure Luna Brooks isn’t involved in any capacity.”

I noticed the slight hardening in Dominic’s expression as he mentioned this person. Dr. Lewis seemed to understand immediately, nodding quickly.

“Don’t worry, she’s not part of my team,” he assured Dominic. Though she’s been asking about you lately.”

Dominic’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “She can keep asking”

I couldn’t help my curiosity. Who was Luna Brooks? The name was unfamiliar to me, but clearly, there was some history there. Something unpleasant, judging by Dominic’s reaction.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as we finished our meal. By the time we were ready to leave, Dr. Lewis was stifling yawns, the jet lag from his trip clearly catching up with him.

“I’ll drive you home,” Dominic offered as we stepped outside the restaurant.

Dr. Lewis tried to protest, but another massive yawn undermined his argument. “Fine, but I’m not sitting in the back like a pup.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Dominic said with a grin, opening the passenger door for his friend.

Chapter 82: Breaking Up:

As we drove, Dr. Lewis dozed off almost immediately, his head lolling against the window. The sight mad smile even powerful werewolves weren’t Immune to jet lag.

“Your friend is nice,” I said softly, not wanting to wake him.

Dominic glanced at Nathan in the rearview mirror. “One of the best wolves I know,” he agreed, his voice equally low. “Though he’d never admit it.”

With Dr. Lewis asleep. I decided to broach the subject that had been on my mind since our lunch

conversation.

“About this weekend,” I began hesitantly. “Are you sure it’s a good idea for me to atterid?”

Dominic’s silver–gray eyes briefly met mine in the mirror. “Having second thoughts?”

I absently placed a hand on my stomach, a gesture that was becoming habitual. “I’m just thinking ahead. My pregnancy will start showing more noticeably soon. It might complicate our… arrangement.”

Dominic considered this for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “We could stage a breakup after this event,” he suggested. “That would solve the issue of my family’s matchmaking attempts.”

The suggestion caught me by surprise, though it made perfect sense. “That’s actually a good idea,” I admitted. “A clean break before things get more complicated.”

Something flashed in Dominic’s eyes, too quick for me to interpret. “So we’ll attend this weekend as planned. and then end our ‘relationship. I’ll handle my family from then on.”

I nodded, relieved that he understood. “Thank you, I just don’t want my pregnancy to become fodder for gossip in your pack,”

“If it becomes impossible to hide, we can simply reveal it,” Dominic said with a casual shrug, as if the potential scandal didn’t concern him at all. “My family would be shocked, but they’d adapt.”

His confidence was reassuring, but I knew pack politics were rarely so simple. A scandal involving the Alpha and a pregnant, divorcing she–wolf would cause significant disruption,

“I’d rather avoid that scenario,” I said firmly. “Your family has been kind to me, all things considered. I don’t want to repay that kindness with deception.”

Dominic’s lips curved into a small smile. “You’re more concerned about my family’s feelings than I am,” he

observed.

“I respect them,” I replied simply. “Especially your grandmother. She’s been nothing but welcoming to me.” We fell silent as Dr. Lewis stirred slightly in his sleep, muttering something unintelligible before settling

again.

“This will be the last gathering.” Dominic promised, his voice low. “After that, we’ll stage our breakup and you won’t have to deal with my family’s expectations anymore.”

Something in his tone made me glance at him curiously, but his expression revealed nothing.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done,” I said sincerely. “Not just the pretend relationship, but… everything.”

Dominic’s eyes met mine briefly in the mirror again, a warmth in them that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

“It’s been my pleasure,” he said simply.

Chapter 82 Breaking Up

“You’re breaking up with him?” Olivia nearly choked on her moonberry tea, her eyes wide with disbelief.

We were sitting in my apartment later that evening, catching up after several busy days apart. I’d just told her. about my plan to end my pretend relationship with Dominic.

“It’s not a real breakup,” I reminded her, rolling my eyes. “We were never actually together

Olivia narrowed her eyes at me. “is he backing out? Because if he is, III-

“No, nothing like that,” I interrupted quickly. “It was actually my idea. With the pregnancy progressing, it’s getting more complicated to maintain the charade,”

“Hmm.” Olivia didn’t look convinced. “And you’re okay with this?”

I nodded perhaps a bit too emphatically. “Of course. It was always meant to be temporary. Just until my mate bond severance with Alexander was finalized.”

“Right,” Olivia said skeptically. She set her cup down and fixed me with a penetrating stare. “And you feel nothing for Dominic? Nothing at all?”

I fidgeted under her scrutiny. “I admire him,” I admitted carefully. “He’s been incredibly helpful and supportive during this difficult time.”

“But you don’t love him,” Olivia pressed, a knowing gleam in her eyes.

“No!” The response came too quickly, too forcefully. I sighed, trying to organize my confused feelings. “I mean…. how could I? I’m still technically mated to Alexander. I’m pregnant with his pup. And Dominic is…. Dominic is…”

“Handsome, powerful, kind to you, protective of you and your pup,” Olivia ticked off on her fingers. “Not to mention clearly interested in you.”

My cheeks heated. “He’s not interested in me. He’s just being nice.”

Olivia’s laugh was incredulous. “Oh, honey, No Alpha goes to these lengths for someone they’re just being nice‘ to.” She leaned forward, her expression becoming serious. “What are you really afraid of, Aria?!

The question hit uncomfortably close to home. I looked away, unable to meet her probing gaze.

“I’m afraid of making another mistake.” I finally whispered. “Of reading too much into kindness and finding myself hurt again. Besides, Dominic deserves better than a pregnant, divorcing she wolf with all my baggage.”

Olivia reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “You deserve happiness, Aria. After everything you’ve been through, don’t you think you’ve earned it?”

Her words touched something deep inside me, a longing I’d been trying to ignore. Before I could respond, she continued.

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