But you can't. Diana's hoarse growl cut through.
Tears flooded out, mixing with the water streaming down my face, scalding enough to burn.
Because it's not hate. Diana saw through my stubborn facade. She was about to speak the truth, like opening Pandora's box.
No, don't say it, don't!
Layla. This is jealousy.
I broke completely.
Jealousy, jealousy, jealousy. Yes, I'd been saying "stranger," "don't care," talking about drawing boundaries—but the moment Victoria appeared, what I felt first was jealousy.
Jealous that she could stand openly by his side.
Jealous that she had the old Alpha's blessing.
Jealous that she didn't need to hide, didn't need to live behind a mask.
Layla, you're pathetic.
Buzz. Buzz.
My phone alarm went off. Through my tears, I saw the reminder—time to pick up Kai.
Right. I still had Kai. I still had things I had to do, people I had to protect.
The tears wouldn't stop, wiped away only to flow again. But I had to go. I couldn't wallow in useless grief, couldn't collapse here, couldn't lose everything again because of Kayden—
I forced myself to clarity, biting my lip until I tasted blood. I wiped away the ruined makeup with a tissue and put the contacts back in.
When I emerged, the woman in the mirror was once again the elegant, composed, impeccable Ella Ross.
"Anna." I turned to her as she worked on the files. "I need to pick up Kai. Let's call it a day."
Anna looked up at me, her eyes full of concern. "Ella, are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine." I forced a smile. "Just tired."
I grabbed my bag and left the studio.
At the kindergarten entrance, I stood at a distance, not wanting to talk to anyone. I pressed my fingers to my temples wearily, trying to shake off the negative emotions before Kai saw me.
"Mommy!" Kai's voice cut through the crowd.
His silver eyes sparkled in the sunlight, his little face flushed pink as he ran toward me. His backpack bounced on his back, nearly toppling him over with each step.
I finally managed a genuine smile, crouching down and opening my arms.
Kai crashed into me, bringing the scent of sweat, sunshine, and little boy. His small hands wrapped around my neck, and he planted a wet kiss on my cheek with a loud smack.
"Mommy, look!" He pulled a folded paper from his backpack excitedly. "Mr. Parker said I drew the best one!"
I unfolded the paper. A green dinosaur drawn in crayon, lines wobbly but carefully colored in, complete with sharp teeth and tiny front claws.
"T-Rex." Kai pointed proudly at the drawing. "The strongest dinosaur. It can protect you."
Protect me.
