A Love Delayed - FULL | Reelshort
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Short filmTranscript
00:03I was nobody until the night the kingdom's most powerful alpha crashed into my life.
00:08He swore he'd come back to claim me as his Luna.
00:12I waited six years, then my stepmother sold me and my son to a club downtown.
00:17And that's when I saw him again.
00:21The two men showed up at our door on a Tuesday.
00:24Mean faces, guns at their hips.
00:26My stepmother Lisa was grinning.
00:28She held up a thick stack of cash and waited in her palm.
00:33Come on.
00:34There's a club on the east side.
00:36The madam says you've got a pretty face, worth good money.
00:41Lisa, you can't do this.
00:43Dad, help me.
00:45My father sat hunched on the couch.
00:47His lips parted.
00:48Say one word, one word, and I walk.
00:51I'm never coming back.
00:52My father's mouth closed.
00:54His eyes dropped to the floor.
00:55Nothing came out.
00:57Lisa smiled.
00:58Lisa walked over and took my chin between her fingers.
01:01Six years ago, you came crawling back here pregnant.
01:03No mate, no mark.
01:05I should have thrown you out that day.
01:06Lisa, please.
01:06But I'm soft.
01:07I let you stay.
01:09I let you eat.
01:10Yeah.
01:10You did three jobs, and every paycheck went into my pocket.
01:12You think that fed your little bastard?
01:14That barely covered the rent on the room you slept in.
01:15The night you gave birth.
01:17Remember that one?
01:18Where was your great alpha?
01:20You're just a stupid omega and fucking poor.
01:23No one would marry you.
01:27Mommy!
01:27Aiden threw himself at my legs and held on.
01:29Don't take my mommy!
01:30Lisa kicked him hard.
01:32He hit the floor.
01:33Don't touch my son!
01:34Take her.
01:35The men grabbed my arms.
01:36They started dragging me toward the door.
01:38If your coward of a lover hadn't run off and left you, I wouldn't have to sell you tonight.
01:43My fingers closed around the rose pendant.
01:47Six years ago, my colleagues bullied me.
01:50They dumped me in an abandoned industrial park.
01:53I came across him.
01:55Barely conscious.
01:58Help me.
01:59I promise I'll marry you.
02:02Before I could answer, he kissed me.
02:04Then we had sex.
02:10When it was over, he reached up and pulled this pendant off his neck.
02:13This is my pack's mark.
02:15I'll come back for you.
02:16Don't lose it.
02:18Then he turned and vanished into the shadows of the trees.
02:22I gripped the pendant hard.
02:24He would come for me.
02:25He definitely would.
02:29The men dragged us through a back door into a hallway.
02:33A woman was waiting at the end of the hall.
02:36Pretty.
02:37Younger than I expected.
02:38Told you.
02:39She'll bring you good money.
02:41The madam's eyes dropped to Aiden.
02:42He was still gripping my leg.
02:45Take the boy, too.
02:46500 extra.
02:47He'll work.
02:48Floors.
02:49Arrins.
02:50Whatever you need.
02:52No!
02:53You can't!
02:54A guard caught me by the shoulders and slammed me back against the wall.
02:58Your mother's dead.
02:59Your father's a coward.
03:01Who's coming for you, Aria?
03:03Nobody.
03:04If your man hadn't run off, I wouldn't have to sell you here.
03:06So accept it.
03:07Be a good girl.
03:09Service the men.
03:10Maybe they'll feed you.
03:11The madam clapped her hands.
03:15Tonight.
03:16Special guest.
03:17Get her ready.
03:25Three women dragged me into a back room.
03:27They tore my clothes off.
03:28They forced me into something that barely covered me.
03:31Don't hurt my mommy!
03:33Please!
03:34I stopped fighting.
03:35I stood still.
03:36I have a child.
03:37I'll do any other work.
03:39I'll clean.
03:39I'll wash dishes.
03:40Anything.
03:41Just not this.
03:42Sweet of you.
03:44But no.
03:45Get the whip.
03:48The first lash came down.
03:50I bit my tongue and kept quiet.
03:52The second.
03:53The third.
03:54The door burst open.
03:55Aiden ran in.
03:56He threw his small body across mine.
03:59Hit me instead!
04:00Don't hurt my mommy!
04:01I rolled over and pulled him under me.
04:03The next lash hit my back.
04:04I locked my arms around him.
04:06I can't die.
04:07He's coming back.
04:08I have to wait.
04:09Suddenly, I heard voices outside the door.
04:15Boss.
04:16It's been six years.
04:18Maybe it's time.
04:20No.
04:21I put that pendant around her neck myself.
04:24I made her a promise.
04:26I'll move heaven and earth to find her.
04:29Every part of me froze.
04:30That voice.
04:31Six years.
04:32I had not forgotten it.
04:34I shoved the woman pinning me down.
04:36I crawled toward the door.
04:38Mommy?
04:39Stay here.
04:40Stay down.
04:41I pulled myself up using the door frame.
04:43Blood ran down my legs.
04:44I stepped into the hallway.
04:46A man stood at the far end.
04:48His back was to me.
04:50Help me.
04:51His eyes locked on mine.
04:52The same eyes from that night.
04:54His whole body went rigid.
04:59Boss.
05:00Too many eyes.
05:01Don't make a scene.
05:02The man stopped.
05:03Hands grabbed me from behind.
05:05Where do you think you're going, bitch?
05:07They yanked me back into the room.
05:08My head hit the floor.
05:10I kept my eyes on him through the doorway.
05:12He was still looking at me.
05:14The door slammed shut.
05:15You won't do this the easy way?
05:16Fine.
05:17Throw her in the cellar.
05:18The brat, too.
05:18No food.
05:19A few days down there will fix her attitude.
05:21In the cell, Aiden curled into my arms.
05:24His whole body was shaking.
05:25Mommy, are we going to die down here?
05:27No, baby.
05:28We're not going to die.
05:29I unclasped the pendant from my neck.
05:31My fingers were trembling.
05:32I fastened it around his.
05:33Because I saw your daddy.
05:34He's here.
05:35My daddy?
05:35My real daddy?
05:36Yes.
05:37Is he coming for us?
05:38I looked down at the small face.
05:41Yes, he would.
05:44Footsteps in the hall.
05:45Then, the door swung open.
05:47The madam was back with my parents.
05:49Now she planned to get my parents to talk me into obeying.
05:52My dad lowered his head in shame.
05:55Just accept your fate or keep this up and your son will die because of your stubbornness.
06:00Aiden suddenly bolted out the door.
06:02I shoved past the madam and chased after him.
06:05Aiden ran to the strangers and knelt down.
06:06Please!
06:07Someone save my mom!
06:08I'll give you my most precious treasure!
06:11Brat!
06:12What a pity.
06:12You're ruining our fun.
06:14Seize them!
06:16A door was cracked open.
06:18We stumbled through it.
06:19Suddenly, I crashed right into someone's chest.
06:21I looked up and my heart stopped.
06:23It was him.
06:25Mister, this is the most precious thing I have.
06:27My daddy left it for my mommy.
06:29I'll give it to you.
06:30Please save my mommy.
06:31The second that man saw the pendant, his fingers reached out, trembling.
06:35The black gold rose sat in Aiden's small palm.
06:38The letter R between the petals was so clear.
06:44That's when the madam burst in.
06:46You think you can fool my honored guest with this trash?
06:48You little bastard!
06:50Do you even know where you are?
06:52No!
06:52Aiden dropped to his knees, picked up the pieces one by one.
06:55This was daddy's.
06:56It's broken now.
06:58Daddy won't find us anymore.
07:00Despair washed over me.
07:01It was our only link to him.
07:03Will he ever recognize us again?
07:06Who gave you the nerve to ruin my thing?
07:11Boss, I'm so sorry.
07:13I don't know that belongs to you.
07:15Shut up!
07:16He walked over to Aiden and crouched down.
07:18This pendant!
07:19Where did you get it?
07:20I tried to rush over to protect Aiden, but two thugs dragged me aside and held me down tight.
07:25Daddy left it for mommy.
07:27Mommy said daddy would come back for us.
07:30She told me to take care of it.
07:31Liar!
07:32He's a fatherless brat.
07:33Even his mother doesn't know who his father is.
07:35Probably a homeless.
07:36He definitely stole this pendant.
07:37What?
07:39Aiden cried out in protest.
07:41I'm not a brat!
07:41I have a dad!
07:43Mom says dad will come back for sure!
07:45Mom would never lie to me!
07:46Your mom?
07:46He looked up.
07:47His eyes met mine.
07:48Then his expression was unreadable.
07:50I broke free from the men holding me.
07:51Threw myself at his feet.
07:53Grabbed his sleeve.
07:53Look at me.
07:54Then look at Aiden.
07:55He has your face.
07:56Especially the eyes.
07:58Six years ago, you lost control in that abandoned lot.
08:01I helped you.
08:02You said you'd marry me.
08:03You put that pendant around my neck.
08:05Don't you remember any of it?
08:06Marco stepped closer and whispered.
08:08Boss, it could be a setup.
08:10That Omega from six years ago.
08:12How could she end up like this?
08:13His brow tightened.
08:14A flicker of disgust crossed his eyes.
08:17The Omega six years ago was gentle and kind.
08:20She would never sell herself like a whore.
08:22And it was only one time.
08:24There's no way she'd have a child from it.
08:26My heart sank.
08:27He was disgusted by me.
08:28Lisa squeezed through the door.
08:30She'd been waiting for her moment.
08:31Boss, don't let her play you.
08:33This Omega slept around six years ago and got herself knocked up without a bond.
08:38She brought this on herself.
08:40His face darkened.
08:41Doubt.
08:42Take them downstairs.
08:43Lock them up.
08:45Find out where that pendant really came from.
08:47If they lie even once, don't go easy on them.
08:50The men stepped forward.
08:52They started dragging me and Aiden away.
08:55Just then, my father burst in.
08:57He shoved past Lisa and stumbled toward Lucian.
08:59Please, spare my daughter and my grandson.
09:02This is all Lisa's fault.
09:03Lisa set us up.
09:06He dropped to his knees.
09:07Tears streamed down his face.
09:09She's the one who sold my girl into this place.
09:12Aria and the boy are innocent.
09:13Please, have mercy.
09:15Lisa snapped instantly.
09:16She jabbed a finger at my father's face.
09:18You useless old man.
09:20You're blaming me?
09:21If you could have fed this family what I have needed to sell her?
09:24This is all your fault.
09:24My father shook all over.
09:26His lips trembled.
09:27Boss, every one of them is telling a different story.
09:30Maybe we should interrogate them properly.
09:31He was about to give the order.
09:33That's when Aiden suddenly broke free from the men holding him.
09:37He ran to Lucian and dropped to his knees.
09:39Mommy isn't lying.
09:40That pendant was from my daddy.
09:41Please believe us.
09:42Please save my mommy.
09:43The man looked down at Aiden's face.
09:44I'll do anything to pay you back.
09:47You don't remember any of it?
09:48I asked, my voice breaking.
09:50Were all those promises just lies?
09:51He looked down at me, stayed on my face for a long time.
09:54Hope filled my chest.
09:55He seemed to remember something.
09:58Just then Marco spoke up.
10:00Boss, there are matters at the pack waiting for you.
10:03We can't stay much longer.
10:04His eyes lingered on me and Aiden for one second.
10:07He turned and walked toward the door.
10:09I reached out.
10:10I caught nothing.
10:11This is what you left me.
10:13I picked up a piece of the broken black gold from the floor.
10:16I clutched it in my fist.
10:17Even if you don't remember me, Aiden is innocent.
10:19He's your blood.
10:20Please, for the boy's sake, don't leave us.
10:23His footsteps stopped.
10:24He didn't look back.
10:25Lock them up.
10:26Don't hurt them.
10:27Watch them closely.
10:28I'll deal with this when I'm back.
10:30Then he left.
10:30I dropped to the floor.
10:31Tears spilled down my face.
10:33Aiden ran over.
10:33He wrapped his arms around me.
10:35Mommy, is he my daddy?
10:36Why didn't he claim us?
10:38Doesn't he like me and mommy?
10:39I held him tight.
10:40It's him.
10:41He just forgot for now.
10:44Mommy's gonna make him remember.
10:45They locked us again.
10:46Before Lisa dragged my father away, he slipped me a few pieces of bread.
10:50I'm sorry.
10:52I'll find a way to get you out.
10:54Stay alive.
10:55Take care of Aiden.
10:57For the next few days, the madam only gave us scraps.
11:00Aiden always pushed his share over to me.
11:04Mommy got hurt.
11:05You need to eat more.
11:06The men kept coming back to question us.
11:08They wanted us to admit the pendant was stolen.
11:10They wanted us to admit Aiden had no father.
11:12I never changed my story.
11:14Not once.
11:14Then one day, the door opened.
11:16Marco walked in.
11:17The boss wants to see you.
11:20When I got to the room, Lucian was sitting in a chair.
11:23The pieces of broken black gold were laid out on the table in front of him.
11:26He looked at me.
11:26He didn't say anything.
11:28After a long silence, he spoke.
11:29You said Aiden is my child?
11:31Where's your proof?
11:32What happened six years ago?
11:34This necklace.
11:35The way Aiden looks.
11:37None of that is enough.
11:38He shook his head.
11:38I don't remember much from six years ago.
11:41The necklace could have been stolen.
11:43Plenty of people look alike.
11:45That's not proof.
11:45I looked at him.
11:46Then what do you want?
11:47What's it gonna take for you to believe me?
11:49I've already sent people to look into it.
11:51They're checking the abandoned lot from six years ago.
11:53Whether anyone saw us together.
11:54Whether any Omega gave birth without a bond.
11:56If it checks out, I'll give you and the boy what's owed.
11:58He paused.
11:59If you're lying, you know what happens.
12:01Right then, loud laughter came from outside.
12:03A man in a designer suit strolled in.
12:05A dozen armed bodyguards followed him.
12:08The young heir to the Fontana pack.
12:10Everyone in this city knew about him.
12:12Spoiled.
12:12Reckless.
12:13Bad news.
12:14His eyes swept the room.
12:15They landed on me.
12:16The corner of his mouth curled up.
12:17Well, where'd this beauty come from?
12:20Get out.
12:20Fontana paused.
12:21His smile dropped a little.
12:22He looked the man over.
12:23Who the hell are you talking like that on my turf?
12:25Richie Pack.
12:26Marco said.
12:27Cold.
12:27Laugh.
12:27Fontana froze for a second.
12:28Then he burst out laughing.
12:30The Richie Pack?
12:30With this little crew?
12:31You think you can just walk in here?
12:33He didn't finish.
12:33A boot slammed into his chest and dropped him.
12:35Fontana grabbed his ribs.
12:36His face twisted with rage.
12:38He screamed at his men to draw their guns.
12:40A dozen barrels swung up at us.
12:41Both sides locked in.
12:42In the chaos, Fontana pulled a knife from his belt.
12:44He moved around behind Aiden's father.
12:46I didn't think.
12:47I just ran for him.
12:50The blade went into my side.
12:51Blood soaked through my dress in seconds.
12:53I sank down.
12:53Someone caught me.
12:54Warm arms.
12:55He shouted my name.
12:56His voice cracked.
12:57Panicked.
12:57Broken.
12:58I looked up at him.
12:59I gave him a weak smile.
13:00Aiden.
13:01He's your son.
13:02Shut up.
13:03Take good care of him.
13:04I'm not a liar.
13:06You take care of him yourself.
13:07You're not going anywhere.
13:09It's my fault.
13:10This is all my fault.
13:11His tears dropped onto my face.
13:13They were hot.
13:15Aiden threw himself onto me.
13:17He cried for me.
13:18Begged me not to die.
13:19Fontana was still running his mouth.
13:21Do you know who my dad is?
13:22He's the district attorney.
13:24You're all going to-
13:25I know.
13:25A calm woman's voice came from the doorway.
13:28Every head turned.
13:29A middle-aged woman walked in.
13:30Composed.
13:31A line of armed guards in black behind her.
13:33She scanned the room.
13:34Her eyes paused on me for a second.
13:36Then they dropped to the broken pieces of black gold on the floor.
13:39It was Elena Ricci, the man's mother, the true power behind the Ricci pack.
13:43The second Fontana saw her, his swagger melted.
13:46But he was still trying.
13:47Mrs. Ricci, this is a misunderstanding.
13:48I just-
13:49Misunderstanding?
13:50You pulled a knife in front of my son, Lucian.
13:53You call that a misunderstanding?
13:54Fontana's father came running in next.
13:56He dropped to his knees.
13:57Mrs. Ricci, this is my fault.
13:58I raised him wrong.
14:00Please spare him.
14:01I'll deal with him myself.
14:02Elena didn't even look at him.
14:03She turned to her son.
14:04How do you want to handle this?
14:05It's your call.
14:09Lucian handed me over to his medic.
14:11Marco's men dragged Lisa, my father, and the madam in from the hall.
14:15They'd been held in the club's back office, waiting for Lucian's verdict.
14:18Lucian stood up and turned to the Fontana's.
14:21The Fontana pack runs an underground market.
14:23You operate illegal casinos and force Omegas into prostitution.
14:26I've been watching you for a long time.
14:28Today just adds one more charge.
14:30You laid hands on someone who belongs to me.
14:32Fontana panicked.
14:32He was sobbing now.
14:33He begged his father to save him.
14:35His father knelt on the floor.
14:37He looked at his son.
14:38Something cruel flashed in his eyes.
14:40A second later, he grabbed a gun from the guard next to him.
14:42He aimed it at his own son.
14:44He pulled the trigger.
14:44The shot exploded through the room.
14:46Fontana dropped into a pool of his own blood.
14:48He stared up in disbelief.
14:50His last words came out as a whisper.
14:51Dad.
14:53Dad, you.
14:54The whole room went silent.
14:55Lucian glanced down at the body.
14:57His face didn't change.
14:58He turned to Marco.
14:59Take every Fontana in this building.
15:01Hand them to the legal team.
15:02Once we have the evidence, no one walks.
15:04He looked over at the trembling madam and Lisa.
15:07Lisa finally lost it.
15:08She threw herself at my father and grabbed his sleeve.
15:10Say something.
15:12You're just gonna let them take me?
15:13My father looked at her for a long moment.
15:15Then he turned his face away.
15:16It was the first time in his life he didn't cave to her.
15:21The doctor finished bandaging me up.
15:23He said I'd lost a lot of blood.
15:25I needed rest.
15:27Elena watched the whole time.
15:28After the doctor left, she walked over to my bed.
15:30She studied my face carefully.
15:32I didn't dare speak.
15:33I just looked back at her.
15:35She turned her head to Aiden.
15:37He was sitting in the corner.
15:42His fists held the broken pieces of the pendant.
15:45His head was down.
15:46He hadn't said a word.
15:48Elena walked over.
15:49She crouched down.
15:51She gently lifted his chin.
15:54She looked at him for a long time.
15:58Then she smiled.
16:01This boy.
16:02He looks just like his father did at this age.
16:05Even carries the same alpha scent.
16:08Who are you?
16:10I'm your grandma.
16:11He froze for a second.
16:12Then his eyes filled up.
16:14He threw himself into her arms.
16:15His little shoulders shook with sobs.
16:17Grandma.
16:18Mommy got hurt.
16:19Mommy's bleeding so much.
16:21Elena held him tight.
16:22Don't worry.
16:23I'm here now.
16:24Nobody's ever going to touch you again.
16:26We're family.
16:27The tears I'd been holding back finally came.
16:32That night, my father was given a guest room at the estate.
16:37After my wound was stable,
16:39he pushed open the door.
16:41He stood in the doorway.
16:43His back was hunched.
16:44He held his cap in his hands,
16:45like a child who'd done something wrong.
16:48Aria.
16:49His voice was soft.
16:50I'm so sorry.
16:52I sat against the headboard.
16:54I noticed the new gray in his hair.
16:56I stayed quiet for a long time.
17:00Dad, did you ever think about it?
17:02If you'd stood up for me that day,
17:04even one word,
17:05I wouldn't have ended up there.
17:07I know.
17:07I'm a coward.
17:08You're the one I've failed the most in my whole life.
17:11The room was quiet for a long time.
17:13I let out a breath.
17:15Aiden wants his grandpa to tuck him in.
17:17My father looked up.
17:18He couldn't believe it.
17:19I didn't say anything else.
17:20I just turned my head to the window.
17:22He understood.
17:23He wiped his eyes.
17:24He closed the door softly behind him.
17:26Grandpa, do you know any stories?
17:28Yeah.
17:30Grandpa knows lots.
17:32Tell me one about mommy when she was little.
17:35Okay.
17:36When your mommy was little.
17:37The voices faded.
17:39Right then, the door pushed open again.
17:42Lucian came in.
17:43He sat down on the edge of the bed.
17:45He looked at me.
17:46He didn't say anything.
17:49Does it hurt?
17:51It's okay.
17:52He was quiet for a moment.
17:54Then he lowered his head.
17:56I'm sorry.
17:58I made you wait six years.
18:02The next morning, when I woke up,
18:04Lucian was still by my bed.
18:06I didn't know how long he'd been sitting there.
18:08I shifted a little.
18:10The wound pulled.
18:11I sucked in a breath.
18:13You're awake.
18:14Does it hurt?
18:15I'm fine.
18:16Did you sit there all night?
18:17He didn't answer.
18:18He just got up and poured me a glass of iced water.
18:20He handed it to me.
18:21I took the glass.
18:22I sipped it.
18:23Lucian.
18:23He looked at me.
18:24He was paying full attention.
18:27Yesterday, you said it was your fault.
18:29I want to know, where were you these six years?
18:32He paused.
18:33After that night, my pack had me moved out of the city.
18:36The wound was bad.
18:39I was unconscious for almost three months.
18:42The first thing I did when I woke up was send people to find you.
18:45Six years.
18:48My people failed me.
18:49And I failed too.
18:51I didn't get any way to contact you that night.
18:54Was it worth it?
18:56Looking for an Omega you'd only met once?
18:59For six years?
19:01I don't know why.
19:03All I know is, that night, you handed me a tissue.
19:06There was fear in your eyes.
19:07But you didn't run.
19:08Every time I wanted to give up, I thought about those eyes.
19:11I looked down.
19:12My eyes were burning.
19:14I'll give you the wedding you deserve.
19:16The whole pack will know you're there, Luna.
19:21Three days after I started getting better, Elena called me to her garden for tea.
19:24She sat at the stone table.
19:26She held herself.
19:27I sat across from her.
19:28A little stiff.
19:29She poured two cups.
19:30She slid one over.
19:32Lucian told me everything.
19:33You raised Aiden alone for six years.
19:35Yes.
19:36That couldn't have been easy.
19:37I'm going to ask you something.
19:39Don't give me the answer you think I want.
19:41Okay.
19:42Do you hate him?
19:43I did.
19:44I hated Aiden was burning up with fever when I had to carry him in a cab to the ER
19:47when
19:48I didn't even have enough cash for the fare.
19:49I hated him then.
19:51And after?
19:52His fever broke.
19:53He opened his eyes and called me mommy.
19:55And I thought, hating someone is exhausting.
19:58It's not worth it.
19:59My son's got good taste.
20:01I only have one question.
20:02Are you willing to marry him?
20:04Not for Aiden's sake.
20:05Not for the Richie pack.
20:06Just because you want to.
20:07There was no pressure there.
20:08No judgment.
20:09Just waiting for an honest answer.
20:12Yes.
20:14I've waited six years.
20:15I've been ready for a long time.
20:19Good.
20:20From today on, you call me mom.
20:24That afternoon, Lucien took Aiden to the shooting range behind the estate.
20:28I stood at a distance and watched them.
20:31Don't let your hands shake.
20:32Take a deep breath.
20:33Pull the trigger as you exhale.
20:36The bullet flew past the edge of the target.
20:39So close.
20:40I missed again.
20:42It's fine.
20:43First time I tried, I didn't even hit the target.
20:46Daddy, you missed too?
20:48What?
20:49You think your dad was born knowing everything?
20:52Yeah.
20:53That's exactly what I thought.
20:55Lucien froze for a second.
20:57Then he laughed.
20:57It was the first time I'd seen him laugh like that.
21:02Mommy!
21:02I almost hit it!
21:04I saw.
21:05You did great.
21:07Daddy!
21:08Mommy said I did great!
21:09Yeah.
21:11Mommy's always right.
21:12I looked away.
21:13My heart skipped a beat.
21:14Their shadows stretched long, side by side.
21:20The night before the bonding ceremony, the dress was custom.
21:23Long, white gown.
21:25The hem swept the floor.
21:27Elena came herself to help me with the final fitting.
21:30Nervous?
21:31A little.
21:33It just doesn't feel real.
21:35Which part doesn't feel real?
21:36Six years ago, I was counting delivery orders,
21:40trying to figure out if I had enough for new shoes for Aiden.
21:42Now I'm in a custom gown about to complete a bonding ceremony with Lucien.
21:46Lucien.
21:48Aria, do you know what's most expensive about this dress?
21:52I shook my head.
21:52It's not the fabric.
21:54It's not the craftsmanship.
21:56It's that the woman wearing it deserves it.
21:58My eyes started to burn.
22:00Get some sleep.
22:01You need to look beautiful tomorrow.
22:02The door closed softly.
22:04I stood there in front of the mirror.
22:05I looked at the woman in the white dress.
22:07I thought back to that night six years ago, alone in a bathroom, giving birth,
22:12crying as I picked out a name for my son.
22:14Back then, I figured my whole life would just be that.
22:17The lights of the estate came on one by one.
22:19The whole rose garden glowed bright.
22:21I touched the pendant at my neck.
22:23The pieces had been set into a new platinum frame.
22:26The rose was still the rose.
22:27The letter was still that R.
22:29Tomorrow, I was going to complete the bond with Lucien.
22:34The day of the bonding ceremony, the weather was perfect.
22:38The sun lit up the rose garden, deep red, pale pink, dark purple.
22:42They looked like they'd bloomed just for today.
22:45I held Aiden's hand.
22:46We stood at the entrance to the chapel.
22:48Aiden looked up at me.
22:49His eyes were shining.
22:50Mommy, are we going in?
22:53Yes.
22:54The chapel was lined with the pack elders on both sides.
22:58The priest stood at the altar.
22:59Candlelight made everything feel solemn and warm.
23:03At the far end, Lucien stood at the altar.
23:08His back was to me.
23:10The music started.
23:11He turned around.
23:12I looked at him.
23:13He looked at me.
23:14The chapel went so quiet, you could only hear footsteps.
23:18One step.
23:19Another.
23:20Closer and closer.
23:22When I reached him, he looked down at me for a long time.
23:24Then he spoke.
23:25His voice was low.
23:25Took you long enough.
23:28Six years.
23:29I said.
23:31Sorry.
23:32You can make it up to me.
23:34The corner of his mouth lifted.
23:36The priest cleared his throat.
23:38We are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony.
23:42Lucien Ritchie.
23:43Do you take this woman as your mate, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,
23:47in good times and bad, till death do you part?
23:50I do.
23:51Aria.
23:52Do you take this man as your mate, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,
23:56in good times and bad, till death do you part?
24:00I do.
24:02He slid the ring onto my finger.
24:04The ring settled into place.
24:05Whispered to Elena.
24:07Grandma, are they mates now?
24:09She held his hand gently.
24:11They always were.
24:12Aidan thought about it.
24:13He nodded, satisfied.
24:14He looked up at us at the altar and broke into the widest smile.
24:19The first morning after the bonding ceremony, when I woke up, the sun was already creeping
24:24past the curtains.
24:26The whole room felt warm and bright.
24:28His side of the bed was empty, but his scent was still on the pillow.
24:33That steady alpha scent, calm and grounding.
24:36I sat up.
24:37I opened the door.
24:39I went down the stairs.
24:41There were small sounds coming from the kitchen.
24:43I walked in.
24:45Lucian was at the stove.
24:46His sleeves were rolled up.
24:47He was staring at something in the pan.
24:49His brow was a little furrowed.
24:50I got closer.
24:51It was a fried egg, slightly burned at the edges.
24:54He heard my footsteps.
24:55He turned.
24:56When he saw me, his face stiffened for a second.
24:59Then he looked away, casually.
25:01You're up.
25:03Yeah.
25:04You're making breakfast?
25:06Something wrong with that?
25:08Nothing.
25:09Just, it's a little burnt around the edges.
25:13He was quiet for a second.
25:16I'll have the kitchen do it.
25:17I took the spatula from him and gently nudged him aside.
25:20No need.
25:20I got it.
25:21He stood there.
25:22He watched me take over.
25:24He didn't move.
25:24I cracked two fresh eggs.
25:26Low heat.
25:27The whites slowly set.
25:29I slid the plate toward him.
25:32Eat.
25:32He looked down.
25:34Then he looked at me.
25:34You're a good cook.
25:36I had to be.
25:37Trying to get Aiden to eat.
25:39I had to learn how to make everything.
25:40He picked up the plate.
25:42He took a bite.
25:43He didn't say anything.
25:44But I saw his brow relax.
25:47The morning light outside was getting brighter.
25:50Birds were singing in the rose garden.
25:52Ordinary, like any normal family's morning.
25:54A lot like the kind of family I'd always wanted.
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