Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 51

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Chapter 37

My brother, always the energetic and empathetic one, quickly jumped up from his seat and enveloped me in a tight hug

“Why weren’t you picking up my calls, I texted you as well, Why’d you go alone? I could’ve drive you, Are you okay?” he bombarded me with questions, his words tumbling out in rapid succession as he held me at arm’s length, his eyes scanning my face for any sign of

distress.

I took a deep breath, feeling rains of emotions fall on me, relief, frustration, and exhaustion. I knew I had to share everything with them, but for a moment, I just savored the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. I forced a weak smile onto my face as I patted Corwin’s arms, trying to reassure him that I was okay.

My phone was on silent, sorry. But I’m fine, Corwin,” I said, my voice a little shakier than I intended. I took a deep breath and sat down in the chair, trying to appear more composed than I felt.

I glanced at the spread of food on the table, but my stomach was in knots and the thought of eating made me queasy. Still, I knew I had to put on a brave face and pretend to be hungry, if only to avoid worrying my loved ones further. I didn’t want to get sucked into the quicksand of depression, where every negative thought and emotion seemed to pull me down deeper and deeper. I needed to stay afloat, for myself and for those who cared about me.

“I made you chicken and vegetable sandwiches, Dexter said you needed protein and fiber,” Xavi’s warm smile and gentle tone welcomed me as she handed me the platter.

Xavi,” I managed to say, as I took the platter from her.

“Thanks, Xavi,‘

As we ate, casual conversations flows effortlessly, a welcome respite from the emotional turmoil I’d been through.

Just as we were getting into a comfortable rhythm, Deckard walked in and joined us, his presence warm and reassuring. And then be dropped a surprise that made my heart swell with gratitude.

“Where were you man?” Corwins asks sipping his wine.

“I’ve been working on getting Hendrix’s apartment cleaned and ready for Karissa,” he announced.

I let out a deep sigh and dropped my head, feeling the weight of my emotions bearing down on me. For a moment, I wanted to push them all away, to tell them to leave me alone and let me wallow in my pain. But I knew I couldn’t do that, because I was scared of what would happen if I didn’t have them to lean on.

The betrayal I felt was suffocating, making me question every memory, every moment I had shared with the person who was supposed to be my rock. It was as if our entire history together was now tainted, burning with in a wildfire. I felt like I was drowning in the ashes of our relationship, and without my loved ones, I feared I would lose myself completely. So I stayed silent, letting their quiet support and understanding envelop me, trying to find the strength to face the darkness that had settled within me.

Instead I focused on the gratitude, touched by his thoughtfulness. It was exactly what I needed, a fresh start, a new space to call my own. I smiled back at him

“Thank you, Deckard,” I said, my voice sincere. “I’ll ring Rix to thank him personally.” I wanted to express my gratitude to Rix, to let him know how much his kindness meant to me. I knew that he and Deckard were close friends with Corwin, but it still touched my heart that they would go out of their way to help me like this. I felt a pang belonging, of being part of a community that cared for each other, and it gave me the strength to keep going, even in the midst of heartache.

Looking around me I knew why it was easier to be strong, because of the people who were still by my side, who had proven their love and loyalty. I looked around the table, meeting the eyes of my loved ones.

They were my rock, my safe haven, and I knew that with them, I could face whatever lay ahead. I took a deep breath, letting go of the bitterness and hurt, and instead, wrapped myself in the warmth of their presence. I knew that life was unpredictable, and nothing was guaranteed, but in this moment, I chose to have faith that they would be here for me, till the end of time.

“I have a surprise too,” Xavi beams, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as she carefully places another platter on the table.

Fighting back tears, I gazed at the chocolate and strawberry ice cream sandwiches Xaviera had lovingly prepared for me. Chapter 37

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My favorite dessert, once a source of joy and happiness, now felt like a bittersweet reminder of what I had lost. Keith used to make these for me all the time, and every bite was a testament to his love and care. But now, with him gone, the memories came flooding back, and I had to force myself to take a bite, blocking out the painful recollections of our time together

The sweetness hit my taste buds, but it was overshadowed by the ache in my heart. I smiled weakly, trying to hide my emotions, grateful for her kindness, but struggling to find pleasure in something that once brought me so much happiness.

I hate Keith for doing this to me.

My phone rang once, and I ignored it, wondering if it was Keith, my heart still reeling from our breakup. His absence both shocked and relieved me, as his last words continued to echo in my mind. When it rang for the third time, I grabbed it to mute it, but my eyes widened in horror as I saw Margaret’s name on the screen. I hesitated for a moment, and then opened the text message, my heart racing with anticipation.

But nothing could have prepared me for the words that greeted me. My eyes scanned the message, my mind struggling to process the information. I felt like my breath knocked out of me. The phone slipped out of my grasp, falling to the floor with a loud thud, as I sat there, frozen in shock

Chople?