Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 45

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The pressure of my emotions threatened to pull others down with me, and I knew I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t bear the thought of being a burden, of causing those around me to suffer or worry excessively. I didn’t want to be treated like a fragile, helpless thing. sick infant in need of constant care and vigilance.

I longed to maintain some semblance of independence, to spare those I cared about from the darkness that had consumed me. With a newfound determination, I vowed to find a way to navigate my pain without dragging others down into the depths with me. I would learn to carry this burden, to find a way to heal and rise above it, without leaning too heavily on those around me.

“How’s Jovi and Nasia?” I forced a change in the subject, seeking to shift the focus away from my own turmoil, my voice a little brighter, a little less forced than usual. I hoped to distract both myself and him from the dark clouds of sorrow that hovered over us.

I genuinely cared about these people, but I also needed a reprieve from the intensity of my emotions. I hoped that talking about something else, something lighter, would help to dispel the heavy atmosphere that had settled.

Jovi, Deckard’s daughter, was a vibrant and lively girl who defied the stereotypes of her age group. Unlike the typical teenagers who seemed to be perpetually plagued by angst and attitude, Jovi was genuinely fun to be around.

And I hadn’t been around his sister, Nasia, much when I was there, she’s younger than me and she was kind of shy.

His mood faltered for a moment, and he hesitated, as if unsure how to continue. “They’re good and they all miss you,” he eases talking about his family.

“They were a

about to fly with me,” he added, his voice trailing off, leaving the sentence unfinished.

The unspoken words hung in the air, a hint of a cancelled trip, a change in plans. I sensed a connection to my own situation, a realization that his life, too, had been impacted by my circumstances. His eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of understanding, a silent acknowledgment that our lives were intertwined in ways we couldn’t escape.

I offered a weak smile, trying to reassure him that I was okay, and I was glad his family is spared from the messy reality of my situation. “Uhm, yeah, well, it’s not smart to try explaining the concept of cheating to a ten–year–old,” I shrugged.

“Good thing they didn’t come.” I added, trying to sound convincing, but his concerned gaze told me he wasn’t entirely buying it.

He knew me too well, knew that I was putting on a brave face, trying to shield him and his family from the pain that I was struggling to confront. His eyes lingered on mine, filled with empathy and understanding, as I fought to maintain my composure.

“But Hendrix would fly over later, he informed, I couldn’t help but think about the unnecessary expense and trouble.

I knew their family had been close to Corwin’s parents for decades, but that didn’t mean they had to go out of their way to comfort me. I felt a surge of indignation thinking about my own father, who only cared about the damage to his reputation because I refused to marry

a cheater.

“Honestly, Decks, I don’t want anyone going through the trouble and expense of flying out to see me,” I said, trying to sound firm but gentle. “It’s not necessary. I’ll be fine.” But deep down, I knew I wasn’t fine, and the thought of Hendrix coming to visit was a reminder that I wasn’t alone, that there were people who cared about me, even If my own father didn’t. But I also knew it was selfish.

I nodded in understanding, a small, silent acknowledgment of his words. “We care about you, Karissa.” His gentle assurance hung in the air, calming my frayed emotions, I struggled to process the depth of their concern, the weight of their kindness.

“I know. But I don’t want to trouble anyone anymore than I’ve already had.” On my words, his expression softened further, his eyes filled with compassion, and he sighed deeply, the sound of a gentle rumble that seemed to vibrate with understanding.

“Eine, I’d tell him not to come yet. But I can’t say if he’d oblige.” His expression turned a bit serious as he rummaged through the office bag, producing a slim, round drawing container file and a bunch of keys, which he handed to me with a nod.

“Also, he told me to give you these and the documents for the apartment he owns here. The sight of the keys and the thickness of the file felt overwhelming, a representation of Hendrix’s thoughtfulness.

i refused quickly, my mind racing with the implications. “What, no.” I said firmly, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. I knew Hendrix’s generous nature all too well, and I was certain he wouldn’t accept rent, but I couldn’t bring myself to live in his apartment

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