Chapter 89

**ARIELLE'S POV**

After explaining the whole truth about the past, I expected that Duncan would at least give me a hug or something, but just like they say, life is no fairy tale.

Our gazes locked and just when I was starting to get hopeful for the best, he tore his gaze from mine and walked away, leaving me with despair and haunting memories.

I stood frozen, the silence in the room deafening. As he departed, it felt as though I'd just gotten stabbed with a dagger in the chest. No, it was as though a part of me was walking out, and away forever, never to come back to me.

Tears streamed down my face as I gazed at the empty space where Duncan once stood.

He could have at least said something instead of just walking away, didn't he understand?.

First, My family, then Adrian and I had the perfect lives, then he ditched me for his mate, and now Duncan, was I destined to be alone with despair?

I moved to the bed and climbed on it, hoping to fall asleep and forget about my pains for a moment, but just like all the people I've ever loved, sleep deserted me too.

My mind raced with different thoughts, as more tears threatened to fall off my eyes.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back, so I surrendered to the sorrows, letting the tears flow freely.

As the tears streamed down my face, I felt the emotional exhaustion creeping in.

My eyelids grew heavy, and my breathing slowed.

The tears dried, leaving its trails on my face, and in the silence, I finally found solace in the slumber.

Well...so I thought, until I had dreams, creepy and scary dreams which seemed like a jumbled mix of my memories.

Adrian's betrayal, His mate's haunting face and tears, and Duncan's walking away.

Is this really what it feels like to be haunted? Even in sleep I couldn't escape the pain.

"You're alone." I heard a distant mocking voice. "You'll be alone forever, you don't even have a mate to start with."

The Voice echoed through my subconsciousness, sending cold shivers down my spine, and although I was asleep, I could literally feel the terror and impact the voice was leaving.

I tried to scream, but my voice seemed silenced.

"No one wants you, no one will ever love you, not after what you did to her...you'll die lonely, without a mate."

Suddenly I jolted awake, gasping for air.

Weirdly the room was already bright. My gaze darted to the wall clock and a sharp gasp escaped my lips.

"08;45 am!"

How's that even possible, it didn't seem as though I even slept in the first place.

I slowly sat up, and looking around the room, Duncan was nowhere in sight. "Seems he's really mad at me, he wasn't home the whole night."

I sighed and got off the bed gingerly.

I'm still the same Arielle after all, I've seen a lot of phases to let a single one weigh me down.

I have to make it to the company today, no matter what.

I couldn't make it there yesterday, since I was busy babysitting Cub, but today, I have to. Besides, I have a meeting with Clara, scheduled for noon.

I peeled my dress off my body, and tied a towel around my chest, before heading to the bathroom.


...

I descended the stairs, making mental notes and plans for the day.

My mind drifted to Luciana and I thought of calling her from the guest room, but considering her health and the frequent attacks lately, I decided against the idea. I'd just let her be.

As I got to the bottom step, my nose caught a familiar scent, one I can't mistake no matter how clustered the place got. "Duncan...he was standing by the entrance, looking dangerously hot and cold.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, I thought I saw emotions in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a blank stare, as though he was looking right through me, but not lovingly as usual.

My heart sank, I tried to utter a word, but my voice got caught in my throat.

Duncan's gaze lingered on me for a second, and he made his way towards me.

My heart swelled in anticipation as I stared at him, hoping he'd come to me.

He walked past me, climbing the stairs and honestly, I didn't expect that...

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "Duncan" I whispered watching him walk away, ignoring me as though I didn't even exist in the first place.

With a deep sigh, I summoned composure, and walked to the door. Today was definitely going to be a long day.

Is this the beginning of the end for us?.

Just like Adrian, would Duncan hate me forever?

Everything I did, I did because I was naive and stupid nothing more.


The drive to work was uneventful, what was I even expecting?

To see a unicorn on the road? Or a dancing castle?

We eventually got to the mansion, and after flashing my driver a smile, I got out of the car, heading towards the building.

I got in the elevator, headed to the fifth floor, my mind replaying the scene with Duncan.

I got to the fifth floor, and met Clara seated at the reception with a smile on her face.

It's not noon yet!.

"Hey Arielle" she waved, walking towards my direction. "I know the meeting was scheduled for noon, but this time is more convenient."

I forced a smile, trying to shake off the lingering emotions.

The meeting should serve as the perfect distraction. "Let's get to business then."

I gestured at her to follow me to my office, and she did.

For some reason she seemed rather excited, but that's like the least of my worries.

"Seems like your office gets prettier as days pass, or I probably didn't get the chance to admire it the last time." She grinned taking in the furnishings and interior decorations. "Where's your little secretary?."

Just why is she weirdly excited, she seems more like a rude brat though.

"Luciana couldn't make it to work for personal reasons." I replied, relaxing Into my swivel chair.

Her gaze drifted away, as though she was in deep thoughts, then a sigh escaped her lips. "You know...Luciana looks really familiar, I'm certain I know her."

I placed my palm on my chin, getting interested in the direction the conversation was headed. "How?."

"She seems like a white wolf I know." She replied. "And if I find out she's really the one, I'd get rid of..."

She stopped talking, suddenly realising she wasn't alone.

I just knew she's a brat.

I'll carry out my own investigations, and if my assumptions turn out to be true, I won't let it slide...