---- Chapter 3 Only for the pup's sake? How could he still claim innocence? I felt it was sarcastic, and I heard him sigh in regret. "Tf only I hadn't ingested the wolfsbane by accident, I would never be forced to touch another she-wolf, nor would my darling have had to suffer. Besides you, I never wanted to touch any other she- wolf." As soon as the words left his mouth, Rebecca's cry pierced the den from the floor below. Terrence wrenched himself away from me with the speed of a startled wolf, bolting downstairs with frantic, single-minded urgency. The force of his movement slammed me backward. My temple cracked sickeningly against the sharp edge of the door handle. The blood gushed out and streamed down my face, blurring my vision with a crimson haze. ---- After what felt like an eternity, the bleeding from my forehead finally stopped, leaving only a burning pain. Minutes later, staggering upright through the pain, I froze at the top of the stairs. Through the banister rails, I saw them. Terrence stood at the grand entrance, holding Rebecca. Her eyes were theatrically red and brimming with tears. He was barking orders at a cluster of the pack warriors, "Rip them out! By the roots! Every last cursed -thorned weed! NOW!" He had planted them himself the year he stood before the pack and claimed me as his Luna. "They bloom as fiercely as my love for you, Lila," he'd vowed under the full moon, "it is eternal and unyielding. It is a testament until my last breath fades beneath the Moon Goddess's gaze."" Agony, sharper than any pain, lanced through my chest, stealing my breath. My heart shattered into pieces. ---- Istumbled down the stairs, but Terrence caught my arm ina grip like iron, his Alpha strength effortlessly halting me. His golden eyes, when they met my pain-filled ones, held a flicker of something, perhaps it was because of my unmistakable pain. But Rebecca's soft whimper swept away the flicker, and he became the cold and impatient Alpha. "Useless thorns. They scratched Rebecca. Drew her precious blood. They're a hazard to my pups and their mother. Remove them. Every trace." His voice held the finality of an Alpha decree. Eyes burning, I watched as the maids tore out the roses I'd tenderly cared for 8 years. Roots tore with sickening cracks, and the blossoms, symbols of a dead promise, were crushed mercilessly under heavy boots, staining the soil like spilled lifeblood. "NO!" The cry tore from my throat, raw and guttural. In "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" by CrushReel, a single mother's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a charming playboy who unknowingly holds a billionaire secret. As their worlds collide, secrets unravel and hearts intertwine in this captivating romance novel set in a modern office backdrop. Amidst the challenges of raising twins solo, our protagonist finds herself drawn to the enigmatic playboy, unaware of the wealth and complexity hidden beneath his charismatic facade. The juxtaposition of their contrasting lives sets the stage for a tale of unexpected love, where opposites truly attract in ways neither could have imagined. This sweet romance novel delves into themes of family, identity, and the power of love to transcend social boundaries. With its blend of heartwarming moments and intriguing twists, "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" stands out as a refreshing take on the billionaire CEO trope, offering readers a glimpse into a world where love knows no bounds. Experience the magic of this ongoing story at CrushReel and dive into a narrative that promises to captivate your heart and leave you eagerly awaiting what unfolds next. Read online at CrushReel for a journey that will keep you hooked till the very end.