Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Elara's POV "You look like you're about to jump off the balcony. Should I worry?" I turned away from the window, letting the silver curtains fall back into place. Cael stood at the doorway, arms folded, his brow pinched with that familiar protective worry. "I'm fine," I said, smoothing the front of my dress. "Just gathering my thoughts." The floor-length silver gown shimmered under the suite's soft light, hugging my frame without being loud. A cluster of diamonds rested against my collarbone, cool and steady-nothing like the chaos I used to wear on my fa face every day. Cael walked in and planted a warm kiss on my forehead. "My little sister is stealing all the spotlight tonight. You're absolutely stunning." I smiled and rested my hands lightly on his arms. "Flattery won't keep me from attending that meeting." He rolled his eyes. "I still say you shouldn't be here. The doctor said you needed more rest. You almost died." "Six months is a long time, Cael. And my recovery's not up for debate." He exhaled sharply but nodded. "You're tougher than anyone I know. Still... it's hard to forget how we found you." My mind flickered briefly-ropes cutting into my skin, the cold floor, Thorne's voice like ice. But I tucked it all away. "I'm not going to hide from the world. I represent Blood Moon Pack now. This gala matters." Cael gave a reluctant chuckle. "And you're stubborn, too. Definitely a Manning." Six months ago, they found me near death. Covered in blood, dumped like I was nothing. But then... the moon-shaped birthmark. The test results. The whispers. The truth. I wasn't Elara Diaz. I was Elara Manning-Alpha Cael's long-lost sister. Stolen at birth, raised in a family that never wanted me. Now? I had a pack that did. I had a real home. "Are you ready for tonight?" Cael asked, voice quieter. "Because he'll be here. Thorne." "Let him see me," I replied calmly. "Let him choke on regret." Cael's jaw clenched. "He rejected you. He left you to die. That bastard doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as you." "Then don't waste your fists on him," I said, brushing a speck from his lapel. "If he tries anything, I'll handle it myself." "Damn right you will," he muttered, pride flickering through his tone. "Come on. We've got a gala to open." He extended his arm. I took it. Side by side, we left the suite. 1/3 15.07 Chapter 2 Thorne's POV Title: Cooking My Way Back to Love Author: CrushReel Genre: Modern, Revenge, Drama Status: ongoing In "Cooking My Way Back to Love" by CrushReel, Chef Leon Kennedy, once renowned as the "King of Cooking," spirals into despair following his wife's tragic demise in a car accident. Plunged into homelessness, he clings to his loyal dog as his sole anchor amidst loss and desolation. Amidst the ruins of his former life, Leon grapples with profound grief and seeks solace in the art of cooking—the very passion that once defined him. As he navigates the shadows of his past, themes of resilience, redemption, and the unyielding power of love intertwine in this modern tale of heartache and rebirth. Set against a backdrop of culinary mastery and emotional turmoil, "Cooking My Way Back to Love" delves into the depths of human emotion with raw authenticity. CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that captures the essence of loss and the arduous journey toward healing in a world marked by tragedy and shattered dreams. Experience the transformative journey of Chef Leon Kennedy as he rediscovers his purpose through the alchemy of flavors and emotions. Available to read online at CrushReel, this gripping drama promises a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.