Chapter 23 The Slap Chapter 23 : The Slap Chapter 23 : The Slap ( Elena's POV ) I slept peacefully in the Shadow Wing Guest Suite that night . For the first time in months , I didn't lie awake wondering when Marcus would return home . The next morning , I encountered him at breakfast in the Great Hall . He looked tired and haggard , his usually pristine Alpha presence showing rare signs of fatigue . Dark circles shadowed his golden eyes . His perfectly styled hair was slightly disheveled , as if he'd run his hands through it repeatedly . Catherine Hayes brought breakfast with her usual efficiency . She glanced between us expectantly , clearly waiting for me to help serve Marcus as I always had . But I remained seated , calmly eating my own meal . I didn't ask about his sleep or inquire about his preferences for the day . Catherine's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise . She sensed the subtle tension between us , wondering if we had quarreled . Marcus noticed my indifference immediately . His jaw tightened as he watched me ignore his presence completely . I could feel his irritation radiating across the table . But I continued eating without acknowledging him . Catherine approached Marcus hesitantly . " Alpha , is the breakfast not to your taste this morning ? " " I have no appetite , " he said curtly , pushing back from the table . He left abruptly without another word . His footsteps echoed harshly against the marble floors . Catherine watched him go with worried eyes . " Oh dear , I hope I haven't done something wrong with the cooking . " She turned to me anxiously . " Do you think he'll dock my wages ? " " The Alpha's mood has nothing to do with your food quality ," I reassured her gently . Catherine lingered beside my chair , clearly wanting to say more . Her maternal instincts were getting the better of her discretion . " Miss Elena , if I may speak freely ... " she began carefully . I looked up from my plate , giving her permission to continue . " I can see the Alpha cares about you . Otherwise he wouldn't be so angry when you don't show concern . " Her words made me pause mid - bite . Catherine had worked for the Blackwood family for years and observed our dynamics closely . " Previously , you would always ask about his sleep and meals during breakfast , " she continued softly . " His displeasure today stems from your lack of attention . " Chapter 23. The Slap I reflected on her observation . Those breakfast moments used to be my only chance for intimate time Marcus . I would carefully gauge his mood and try to make conversation . But I always seemed to say the wrong thing and ruin the atmosphere . Now that I had stopped revolving my life around him , why wasn't he happy ? Wasn't this what he wanted ? I chose not to respond to Catherine's well - meaning advice . I didn't want to harbor any more unrealistic fantasies about our mate bond . At the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute , Pack Nurse Rachel approached me with a professional smile . " Healer Elena , Senior Healer Rivers wants to see you in her office , " she informed me . I nodded and made my way through the familiar corridors . The antiseptic smell of the healing institute filled my nostrils . Upon entering Sophia's office , I was immediately sprayed with water . Oliver Rivers stood behind his mother's desk , wielding a bright blue water gun . " Got you , bad woman ! " he laughed gleefully , pumping the toy weapon for another shot . My white shirt was soaked through , clinging uncomfortably to my skin . The cold water dripped down my arms onto the floor. I felt the urge to discipline the unruly child . But I restrained myself , knowing any reaction would be twisted against me . Sophia approached with a handkerchief , her expression perfectly crafted to show maternal concern . " Oh my , Oliver ! That's not how we treat guests , " she scolded gently , though her eyes sparkled with satisfaction . She extended the handkerchief toward me . " I'm so sorry about his behavior , Healer Elena . " " No need , " I declined , pulling tissues from my pocket instead . I dabbed at my wet shirt while Oliver continued giggling behind the desk . His childish laughter grated against my nerves . When I turned to leave , Sophia's voice stopped me cold . " Healer Elena, I hope you remember that I'm your supervisor now , " she said with deliberate emphasis . Her tone carried the authority Marcus had granted her . The reminder of my demotion stung like a fresh wound . Oliver suddenly perked up with excitement . " Mommy , can the bad aunt buy me a moonberry cake ? " Sophia's smile turned predatory . " What a wonderful idea , Oliver . " She looked directly at me , her eyes gleaming with malicious intent . " Elena , would you mind buying a cake for me and Marcus's son ? " The emphasis on " Marcus's son " was deliberate and cutting . She was flaunting their relationship as a family unit in front of the legitimate Luna . Chapter 23. The Slap Her words were designed to humiliate me by highlighting my childless status . The implication that she had given Marcus what I couldn't was crystal clear . Rather than being affected by her provocation , I remained calm . " Buying a cake is no trouble at all " My composed response clearly frustrated her . She had expected anger or jealousy , not indifference . I left her office and returned to my own workspace . Instead of personally fetching the cake , I simply ordered delivery from a dessert shop using my phone . ( Sophia's POV ) When the delivery arrived at my office an hour later , I realized Elena had outsmarted me again . She had the cake delivered rather than personally fetching it . My frustration boiled over as I stared at the innocent dessert box . " Oliver , why did you have to ask for cake ? " Oliver looked confused by my sudden anger . " But Mommy , you said it was a wonderful idea . " I took a deep breath , forcing myself to calm down . Getting angry at my son wouldn't solve anything . A more sinister plan began forming in my mind . Elena's cleverness was becoming a real problem . " Oliver , come here , " I called softly , my voice taking on a conspiratorial tone . He approached eagerly , always excited when I included him in grown - up conversations . " Do you want to help Mommy prevent the bad aunt from stealing your daddy ? " ( Elena's POV ) That afternoon , I was making rounds with several intern healers . We stopped at the bedside of an elderly stroke patient whose condition required careful monitoring . " Watch his vital signs closely , " I instructed the young healers . " Any sudden changes in blood pressure or heart rate need immediate attention . " The interns nodded seriously , taking notes on their tablets . Their eagerness to learn reminded me of my own early days at the institute . " The recovery period is critical ," I continued . " Even small improvements should be documented thoroughly . " Suddenly , I heard my name called with unmistakable anger . " Elena ! " I turned to see Marcus striding toward me , his face dark with barely controlled rage . His golden eyes blazed with fury I had never seen before . Before I could react or speak , his hand struck my cheek with a sharp c *** k . The slap echoed through the recovery ward . Though not particularly forceful , the blow was enough to completely chill my heart . The physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional devastation . I slowly turned to face him fully . My eyes showed first shock , then deep disappointment , and finally settled into calm indifference . The intern healers gasped in horror . Several patients in nearby beds turned to stare at the unprecedented scene . 3/4 < Chapter 23 The Slap Marcus stood before me with clenched jaw and dark eyes filled with barely controlled rage . His chest rose and fell with heavy breathing . " Elena , you've really gone mad , " he accused , his voice low and dangerous . " You can even be so ruthless to a pup ? " Comments Watch videos get points ( 0/10 ) > Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!