Chapter 13 : Painful Choices ( Scarletts POV ) . I stood by the window , leaning slightly against the frame , and watched as Alexander spoke on the balcony . His phone was pressed to his ear , glowing faintly in the moonlight . His posture was rigid , shoulders tense , and every now and then his free hand would run through his dark hair in frustration Graces voice came through faintly from the other end of the call . Though I couldnt hear her words , I could guess their meaning by the way Alexanders expression constantly shifted . Anger , guilt , tenderness , and then back to guilt . It was almost like watching a puppet being pulled by invisible . For a brief moment , I wondered what it would feel like to care . To truly care about a man like Alexander . If I had ever loved him , maybe watching this scene wouldve shattered my heart . But all it did was leave me with batter disdain . Instead , my thoughts wandered elsewhere , unbidden . A face I had trained myself not to think of appeared in my mind Roman My adoptive brother from the Thom Pack , the man who had been more than just family , I wondered if he had found his destined mate , or if like Alexander , hed been forced into a political marriage . I shook my head , dispelling the memories . It didnt matter anymore . Those days were long gone . The sharp ring of a phone broke through my thoughts . The sound startled me at first before I realized it was Alexanders . He had left it on the living room table when he stormed out to take Graces call . The screen lit up with the words : James Amber . I raised I raised an eyebrow . The Alpha King himself how fitting . Alexander hesitantly glanced at me from the balcony , then ended his call with Grace before stepping back into the room to answer his father . Father , Alexander said as he lifted the phone to his ear . His tone was flat , but I saw the tension in his jaw . Jamess voice carried through the line , authoritative and sharp even without the speakerphone . Alexander , we have a problem Im aware , Alexander replied , immediately defensive . Then why hasnt it been handled yet ? Jamess tone sharpened further . These rumors about breaking the engagement cannot continue . The Parliament is already on edge . Have you done anything to contain this ? Alexander began , but his fathers voice cut him off . No excuses , James barked . The marking ceremony many must go forward as planned . This alliance is critical to our territories , and I wont allow your personal mess to derail decades of strategy Alexander rubbed his temple , his frustration clear . Its more complicated than that . Jamess laughter was cold and humorless . Its only complicated because youve allowed it to be . Your complications dont matter . Youll proceed with the ceremony, and I expect no further delays . Do I make myself clear ? The words hung in the room like heavy chains . Alexanders hand tightened on the phone , and his voice lowered as he answered , Yes , Father I crossed my arms , leaning against the wall as I watched him hang up . His shoulders slumped for just a second before he looked at me , his amber eyes dark and unreadable The marking ceremony will proceed next week , he announced . His voice carried the authority of an Alpha heir , but it was hollow to me . I didnt even bother hiding my smirk . Having 1 ing trouble keeping control , future Alpha King ? His head snapped up , and for a moment , I thought he might actually lash out . But instead , he let out a low growl , his frustration radiating through the room an end to the rumors of any Youll attend the upcoming pack gathering as my fiancée , he continued , ignoring my comment nent . ts necessary to put an end to issues between us . I tilted my head , feigning curiosity Oh ? Issues ? You sound so formal , Alexander . Why not just say Grace ? We both know shes the real problem . Coces words suldnt work on me anymore . close , and something in one shed . Scarlett he said quietly , almost pleading know this situation isnt fair to you, but ted sharah , taking a step forward . If you one more word about the packs , I swear , I throw you out myself . Or should i tl support of your delicate Grace parading h condition in front of me Desandera but that shipped back . My emerald eyes locked onto his Coras power making my tone sharper than any dagger You knew what iling to humiliate me in front of your entire pack to protect her , and now you expect me to stand by and smile ? stening again . He took another step forward , close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him . Ex everything and hovering near mine , but I slapped it away . The sound was sharp breaking the tension filled air prowled . Do you think Im just another wolf to be commanded ? Another pawn in this disgusting game ? heached out , his hand is a thin line and his sho . tightened , but he didnt try to touch me again . This alliance means more than just us , he said , his And my dignity means nothing labat . You cant even keep your mate bond in check , Alexander . Everyone knows Grace has you wrapped around finger . Youhe a disgrace to your title His amber eyes fared , catching the light like embers about to ignite . For a moment , raw anger surged between us . I could feel Mason , his wolf , but Alexander held himself back desperate to assen dominar You dont understand he said finally , histone bitter Inderstand perfectly I replied coldly . You want to have it all . To serve your pack , your father , your mistress , and still expect me to stand took a step closer , our faces just inches apart now Heres the truth , Alexander I dont care about your struggle . I dont care about the packs . I dont bire about your excuses . You lost the night to my respect the moment you chose her over me words , his jaw tightening as though he wanted to argue but couldnt find the words . For a moment . echoed in 1 lence , the air heavy with unspoken truths . Finally , he turned on his heel and stormed toward the door . Each ander of the chaos hed brought with him As the door slammed shut behind him , I let out a long breath . My hands were shaking slightly , though whether it was from anger or exhaustion , I Cora tummed softly in my mind , satisfied with the confrontation . Hes pathetic , she said simply . A weak wolf hiding behind a strong title . I moved quickly grabbing the cleaning supplies from under my sink . His scent lingered in the air , a nauseating mix of smoke and Graces cloying perfume every corner of my space , suffocating me . I sprayed the counters with bleach , scrubbing harder than necessary . The sound of scrubbing filled the room , drowning out the lingering echoes of Youre disgusting I muttered aloud , imagining his face with every swipe . You and your entire pack . Title: Accidentally Pregnant, Forever Spoiled Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Glow-Up Status: ongoing In "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" by CrushReel, Ella's journey unfolds amidst the complexities of family dynamics. Raised by her remarried mother and stepfather post-divorce, Ella grapples with a history marked by indifference and mistreatment. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a twist of fate leaves her facing an unplanned pregnancy that intertwines her path with unforeseen consequences. Exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, this tale delves into Ella's transformation from a past shrouded in shadows to a future illuminated by newfound strength and determination. Against the backdrop of a modern setting blending elements of romance and corporate intrigue, the narrative weaves together the threads of hidden emotions and personal growth. As Ella navigates the challenges of balancing her evolving circumstances with her own desires, readers are drawn into a captivating story that transcends traditional boundaries. What sets "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" apart is its poignant portrayal of inner conflicts and external pressures in a world where love and ambition collide. Offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships and identity, this novel invites readers to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Discover Ella's journey for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.