Divorced by the Billionaire, Mated to the Alpha

mixing with the scent of the roses I had placed on the table. I had spent hours preparing everything-the candles, the meal, the music. Tonight was supposed

30

autiful on me, was the only thing I could focus on. I hoped, just maybe, tonight I could see a glimpse of the man I thought I knew. The man I had lov

was bef

e would be here soon. He alwa

. My heart gave a little jolt. It was a mix of excitement and worry. I

if nothing had changed. But his face... his face looked different. It was dist

quietly, trying not

, his voice flat. He pulled at his tie like it

the feeling of frustrat

pointing at the table. "I

for just a second, then said quick

empty, like the

m and wrapped my arms around him, hoping for some kind of connection. But then

nd I pulled back sli

t," I said, my voice b

t's nothing. I was at a meeting, and s

ing something heavy in my

g a step back. "Let's e

e and started typing, not noticing the hurt building up inside me. It wasn't just that he wasn't physi

e thought about the future. But his answers were short, uninterested. He

n my plate. He hadn't even asked about my day. He

r wedding day?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper

econd, but his face didn't chan

ay? The most important day of

ing. "I remember everything about it," I whispered, mostly to myself. "The dress, the flowers, the way you looked at me

need to. His silence told me

o you ever think about... Ava?" The

ince I found out our parents were arranging our marriage. I didn't mind. I thought you'd com

he one he had always love

ething I couldn't understand. He gripped his glass tighter. "

didn't stop him. He turned and walked t

d up without really feeling anything. The loneliness felt like

le bit of light shining through. I stood there for a moment, debating whether or not

ot really expecting an answer,

his back to me. His hands were wrapped around som

ng. It was Ava. Her face

efore I could stop myse

id the photo. "Aria," he said, his v

ing," I said, my chest achin

standing up and turning the photo

till thinking about her,

t. "Do you even see me, Zane? Or am I

dn't say anything, just loo

ack, my eyes welling up. "I can't keep doing this," I said, my voice c

but I was already

m speak again, his voice

't calling out for me.

words crushing me. I wasn't just in a marriage with a man who couldn't