Chapter 40 A boy stood in the doorway , his small frame rigid with anger . He couldnt have been older than eight or nine , but the fury in his dark eyes made him seem much older , He looked so much like Lena his strong features unmistakable , Youre a bad woman ! he shouted , his voice trembling with rage . Billy , I said cautiously , recognizing him instantly oy stole Branwen , and now youre stealing everything else ! His voice cracked as he hurled the accenation at me , Before I could respond , he raised his hand . In it , he held a large lump of mud , Without hesitation , he threw it at me with all bin midja . The mud hit me square in the chest , some of it splattering, onto my face , I stood there , stunned , as the cold , sticky mess dripped down my skin . Billy ! Silass voice boomed from the hallway as he stormed toward us . Billy didnt even flinch . His dark eyes stayed locked on mine , full of loathing Go to your room . Now ! Silas ordered , grabbing Billy by the arm . Billy yanked his arm free , his small body trembling . Youll pay for this ! he spat before turning and running down the hallway . I wiped the mud from my face with a trembling hand , the cold , wet mess making me feel vulnerable and humiliated Silas sighed heavily , his hand running through his hair . Im sorry , he said softly , I shook my head , forcing a small , stiff smile . Its fine , I replied , though it was anything but fine . Hes just a boy , Silas added , his voice almost apologetic . He doesnt understand . I didnt respond , but unease settled in my chest . The hatred in Billys eyes wasnt just childish anger it was something deeper . Three days passed , but the tension lingered . Billys actions had left me shaken , and the look in his eyes haunted me . No matter how much I tried to settle into the palace , it didnt feel like home . Silas , true to his nature , had been attentive . He checked on me regularly , ensuring I had everything I needed . He even made time to talk , trying to bridge the gap between us . But his efforts couldnt erase the unease 1 felt , especially with Elly barking in the shadows . One afternoon , Silas suggested we pick up Joanne and Joy from kindergarten together . I welcomed the idea , eager to see my daughters . They were the only anchors I had in this place , the only reminder of why Id chosen to come back . As we arrived at the school gates , I spotted them instantly . Relief washed over me at the sight of their familiar faces until I noticed the braise My heart stopped . Their small faces were marred with purple and red marks , and they clung to each other like frightened kittens . I threw the car door open and ran toward them , my legs moving faster than I thought possible . Joanne ! Joy ! I called , my voice breaking . They turned to me , and the moment they saw me , tears spilled down their cheeks . They ran into my arms , their small bodies trembling Mara ! Joanne sobbed , burying her face in my shoulder . What happened ? I demanded , trying to keep my voice steady even as fear clawed at me . It was Billy , Joy whimpered , her voice shaky . He hit us . A wave of cold fury swept through me . 12:34 O Alphas Regret : Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna Chapter 40 What do you mean ? Silas asked sharply as he a is face darkening , Joanne hiccupped , her small hand w away tears . He said we dont belong here , she whispered . He said hell make us leave . The anger inside me boiled over , but I forced myself to stay calm for my daughters sake . I couldnt let them see the storm brewing within me . into my arms . Silas took Joannes hand , his jaw tight with suppressed anger . Were going home , I said firmly , scooping Joy into my The drive back to the palace was tense . Joanne and Joy clung to me in the backseat , their little hands gripping mine as if afraid I might disappear . I held them close , my mind racing with thoughts of how to protect them and what to do about Billy . Silass face was a storm of anger as we drove back to the Alpha Palace . Joanne and Joy sat beside me in the backseat , their little hands clutching mine tightly . eir fear was palpable , and I felt my own anger simmering just beneath the surface . Silas kept his hands on the steering wheel , his knuckles white . This will not go unpunished , he growled , his voice low but firm . When we reached the palace , Silas wasted no time . He called for the staff to bring Billy to the main hall . I stayed with Joanne and Joy , trying to comfort them as they sat on the plush sofa . But my heart was pounding . I didnt know what to expect when Billy arrived , but I was determined to protect my daughters . Moments later , the doors opened , and Billy was led in by a servant . His small frame seemed defiant , his chin lifted , and his dark eyes glaring at me . He didnt look sorry at all . Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.