Chapter 18: Return to the Pack–2


    “This is the finest herbal tea from Harbor City. It’s for you,” I said, my voice warm with


    affection.


    Agathaughed through her tears, clutching the box to her chest. “I’ll make some for you


    tonight.”


    I gently shook my head, my amber eyes soft. “No, it’s specially for you. I’ve had plenty already. This is just a small token of my gratitude for all you’ve done.”


    Agatha was so touched her eyes brimmed with tears again. “Miss Olivia…” she murmured,


    unable to say more.


    Before our reunion could deepen, a crisp young voice interrupted us.


    “Sister! Sister, you’re back!”


    An eight–year–old girl dashed forward from inside the house and hugged my leg tightly, her face shining with innocent delight.


    This was Grace Winters, my half–sister, born to Natalie Winters and my father after my mother’s death. Her bright eyes looked up at me with pure adoration.


    Grace had always adored me, clinging to me whenever possible during my rare visits home. But I had never warmed to her, despite her persistent affection.


    My dislike stemmedrgely from my resentment of Natalie Winters–myte mother’s supposed best friend, who had married my father not long after my mother’s death.


    In my mind, Natalie was a scheming interloper who stole my mother’s ce, and my father was a heartless betrayer who dishonored their marriage. Because of this, I had transformed from a well–behaved daughter into someone rebellious and distant.


    Now<i>, </i>seeing Natalie approaching with a smile, my expression froze involuntarily.


    “Grace heard <i>you </i>were back and couldn’t wait toe home early from school,” Natalie said warmly, her voice gentle and weing.


    The warmth in her tone only deepened my difort. How dare she act like everything was normal? Like she hadn’t betrayed my mother’s memory?


    Natalie continued in that same gentle tone, “You must be tired, Olivia. Rest well, I’ll call when dinner’s ready.”


    you


    < Chapter 18 Return to the Pac


    +25 <b>Puntos </b><b>> </b>


    Meanwhile, Grace eagerly tugged at my hand, her eyes bright with excitement. “Sister,e


    look at my new drawings in my room? I made a picture of a white wolf just like you said you


    wanted to be when you were little!”


    I coldly withdrew my hand, unable to bear her innocent touch. “No. I want to rest,” I said, my


    voice frosty.


    Disappointment washed over the little girl’s face. She pouted and lowered her head, her joy snuffed out by my rejection.


    Natalie quickly took Grace away, her face still smiling politely though her eyes betrayed her


    hurt. I felt a twinge of guilt seeing Grace’s crestfallen expression, but I hardened my heart


    against it.


    Agatha, sensing the awkwardness, excused herself to prepare my old room. “I’ve kept it just as


    you left it, Miss Olivia. Fresh sheets every week, dusted daily.”


    Once they were all gone, I shut the door to my room and finally breathed in the quiet. My heart felt heavy with unspoken pain and anger that three years away had done nothing to diminish.


    I looked around the familiar space–my childhood bedroom preserved exactly as I’d left it. The light blue walls, the bookshelf filled withw textbooks, the framed photo of my mother and


    me on the nightstand.


    Running my fingers over the photo frame, I whispered, “I’m home, Mom.”


    (Richard’s POV)


    When night fell, I returned home from a long day of pack business. Agatha had called to


    inform me of Olivia’s return, and despite my outward calm, my heart raced at the prospect of


    seeing my daughter after three years.


    The family gathered around the dinner table, tension thick in the air. I looked at my daughter, studying her face <i>for </i>changes. She had grown more beautiful, more like her mother with each


    passing year.


    “Why didn’t you tell us <i>you </i>wereing back today?” I asked, trying to keep my voice even


    despite the emotion threatening to break through.


    Olivia countered with faint mockery, her amber eyes–so like her mother’s–shing with


    defiance. “Would it have mattered if I did? Or if I didn’t?”


    Her tone was sharp, revealing the deep fissures between us that time had done nothing to


    heal. I frowned, displeased by her attitude but unsurprised.


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    < Chapter 18 Return to the Pac…


    +25 <b>Puntos </b><b>> </b>


    “Three years have passed, yet your temperament is still so stubborn?” I said, unable <i>to </i>keep the disappointment from my voice.


    Olivia gave me a half–smile, her eyes filled with bitter irony. “Three years have passed, yet you and Natalie still haven’t divorced?”


    <b>2 </b>


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