Chapter 44 Valentias POV Aiden stood tall before me , his broad shoulders set in a posture of restrained calm . He was clad in a silver and black suit and his blonde hair were slicked back , not hiding the jagged scar tharan down his face . His silver eyes , however , were uncharacteristically solemn . * Your father wasnt feeling well enough to walk you down the aisle , he said quietly , his voice measured . So I took it upon myself . For a moment , I couldnt speak . This wasnt something that had happened in my past life . Back then , Drogo our father- had gone through the motions , holding onto appearances . In fact he had been quite pleased when he had handed me to Jaxon and had praised me for being an obedient and worthy daughter . Now , though , I wasnt surprised . My fall from grace in the Wolfe pack meant I had no worth to him anymore . He never loved me , so why would he even bother to maintain a façade ? I didnt ask for an explanation . I simply nodded and moved towards Aiden . Youre not going to ask anything ? he said suddenly , a faint frown marring his features . I smiled lightly . Would that change anything ? His blue eyes widened slightly , as though the question had caught him off guard . He hesitated , searching my face . Youve been acting differently these past weeks . Are you okay ? A chuckle escaped me , bitter and soft . I understood why my reaction had surprised him so much . If I had been the Valencia before my rebirth , I would have already started tearing up and asking about my father . I just learned an important lesson , I said simply . His brows furrowed , curiosity and frustration mingling in his expression . And that is ? I turned to him fully , meeting his gaze with steady composure . Never give parts of yourself to people who never valued you to begin with . Its not generosity its self destruction Aiden went silent . His lips parted slightly , as if he wanted to argue , but no words came . Instead , he stood there , his expression unreadable , until finally he spoke again . Valencia , he said softly , his voice carrying a weight I hadnt heard before . Do you … want to leave ? The question sent a jolt through me . My heart thumped loudly , and for a fleeting moment , the little girl inside me stirred- the one who used to dream of having overprotective , loving brothers . But that little girl was gone . Shed died when her mate betrayed her . When her brothers insulted her . When her father threw her away . When her beloved sister poisoned her . That innocent , hopeful part of me had been buried under years of pain , rejection , and humiliation . Now , standing here , hearing Aiden offer what I had once desperately longed for , felt cruel . Where had he been when I needed him ? Where was he when Jaxon had insulted me in front of the Alpha When our mother belittled me endlessly ? When I was clearly drowning , and he simply watched ? 1/3 14:51 Tue , Jan Chapter 44 C Even in my childhood , Aiden had been absent . My memories of bins were filled with stolen belongings , selfish acts , and indifference . And now , after I had clawed my way out of that pitihe wanted to help ? It was laughable . Too late . A wry stile tugged at my lips as I let out a small scoff . Too late , whispered , my voice cutting through the silence like a blade .. Aidens eyelids drooped slightly , his shoulders tensing . He opened his mouth , but I didnt give him the chance . Lets not keep the guests waiting any longer , I said , my tone cool but still polite . His exasperation was evident , but he didnt argue . With a quiet sigh , he extended his arm to me . I took it , keeping as much distance between us as possible . The grand cathedral loomed high , its spires reaching into the sky like frozen flames . The walls were covered with stained- glass windows shimmering with hues of gold , blue , and crimson Inside the other heady perfume . the air was thick with the scent of candle wax and flowers roses , lilies , and lavender mingling in a I walked down the aisle , my hand lightly resting on Aidens arm . My steps echoed softly against the polished marble floor , and the faint murmurs of the gathered guests faded into the background . I couldnt help but notice the stares . Glares , really , coming from my very own family . Lethias narrowed eyes practically burned holes into me , while Augsts expression was a mask of contempt . Even Ash , who usually seemed amused by everything , looked less than pleased . And yet , I kept walking . Ahead of me , at the altar , stood Dante . His white suit was sharp and tailored perfectly to his broad frame , a silver tie catching the light . His hair , dark and slightly unruly , framed his face in a way that made him look both regal and untamed . But it was his expression that caught my breath . He was smiling . It wasnt a smirk or a polite curve of the lips . It was soft , genuine and full of warmth . The kind of smile that made my heart twinge painfully in my chest . I wanted to smile back . I really did . But for some rea I couldnt muster up any y emotions at all The closer I got to him , the heavier my heart felt . I had been so calm earlier , so coplident in my decision . But now , standing here , my veil hiding the turmoil on my face , doubt crept in . Was I making the right choice ? Aiden stopped at the end of the aisle , gently placing my hand in Dantes . His fingers curled around mine , firm yet careful , as afraid I might slip away . The officiant began to speak , his voice echoing softly in the vast cathedral . The words washed over me like a distant tide , barely registering as I focused on Dantes steady presence beside me . 2/3 14:51 Tue , Jan 14 G Chapter 44 Do you , Dante Steele , take Valencia Kallistar as your lawfully wedded wife … ? I do . Dante said without hesitation , his voice low and unwavering . The officiant turned to me . And do you , Valencia Kallistar , take Dante Steele as your lawfully wedded husband … ? My throat tightened , and for a moment , I couldnt speak . I nodded slowly I do , I said , my voice barely audible , The officiant smiled . You may now kiss your bride . Dante stepped closer , his movements deliberate . His hand reached for my veil , lifting it gently . But instead of taking it off completely , he leaned down , his lips brushing against mine under the sheer fabric . The kiss was soft , a delicate promise that sent a shiver down my spine . His hand rested lightly en my waist , his touch warm and steady . But then , something strange happened . 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