Alisha's POV
As Mireya continued tending to my wounds, Stephenie descended the stairs with a mixture of anger and hatred etched across her face. "Alisha, you may have won this time, but don't be so proud. I refuse to acknowledge your identity."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes in response to her bitter words. Who cared about Stephenie's approval anyway? She had made it clear that she despised me from the beginning, and her opinion held no significance in my life. However, I chose to remain silent this time, recognizing that Stephenie's fury stemmed from her failure to obtain what she desired from Archie. The intensity of her glare conveyed a deep-seated frustration, as if she longed to tear me apart.
While I relished the moment of Stephenie's impotence, I knew it was best to avoid further provocation. I quickly made up an excuse to leave, not wanting to further incite her anger.
Seeking solace, I retreated to the garden, taking a seat to clear my mind. As I contemplated my situation, the realization dawned on me that today marked the first day of my promise to stay here, and I still had to endure six more days. Dread washed over me at the thought.
Then, a mischievous idea crossed my mind. Maybe I could count today as the "second" day since I had spent the previous night here. According to my calculations, yesterday should be considered the first day of the seven-day agreement. By adjusting my perception, I could lessen the duration of my stay by one day. It seemed like a brilliant idea to reclaim some control over my time.
After enduring these seven days, I would attend the singing interview and pursue a job. It would be a step toward financial independence, and I knew it would bring joy to my Nova and grandmother, if she could know that. Their support had always been a driving force for me.
But then it hit me—I had forgotten to inform Nova about what had happened. She must be worried sick, wondering why I hadn't returned home last night. Guilty surged within me, and that was all because of Archie! I couldn't help but mutter, "Bastard Archie!"
To my surprise, a voice interrupted my thoughts, coming from behind me. "Hmm, speaking ill words behind my back, are we?"
Startled, I turned to face the unexpected presence. It was Archie himself, standing there with a smirk on his face.
"I am just stating the truth," I stared back at him, refusing to back down.
Archie raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on me. "Alisha, if my memory serves right, I just saved you. Is this how you treat your savior?"
Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile and replied, "Well, Mr. Savior, thank you so much! But let's not forget that it was your mother who brought those special 'presents' for her dear son, causing this whole problem!"
Archie remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. He stepped closer to me, his eyes locked with mine. "Are you angry about this incident?" he asked, his voice tinged with an unusual hint of happiness.
Confusion washed over me. What was Archie thinking? His reaction seemed unexpected, given the circumstances. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to make sense of his words.
He leaned in, lowering his head to meet my gaze. "You don't have to hide your feelings from me. You have the right to be angry. I know you must be furious with Stephenie this time. She crossed the line. I warned her and drove those she-wolves away, so you needn't worry anymore."
Archie's seriousness took me by surprise. And I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Despite my reservations about his motives, I realized that he had taken a stance against his own mother to protect me and ensure my safety. If Stephenie hadn't harmed Mireya, I wouldn't have wanted to provoke any conflicts with her. But now, hearing Archie's words, I no longer had to fear Stephenie's revenge in the coming days.
A mix of emotions flooded through me, and I found myself uttering the words, "Well, should I say thank you again?"
Archie's features softened slightly, and he responded, "You're welcome."
There was an unfamiliar glee in his voice, a glimpse of a side I hadn't seen before. As much as I wanted to resist, I couldn't deny the fact that he had protected me when it mattered. Despite our turbulent relationship, I couldn't help but acknowledge that he was standing up for me, even against his own mother.
I felt uncomfortable to stay with Archie under such cozy atmosphere. Archie's smile under sunshine was so strange to me. Since marrying Archie, I had yearned for his attention, staying by his side in the hopes of winning his affection but rarely getting response. However, after that fateful night, everything changed. My love gave way to bitter fights and endless quarrels. Every meet was filled with anger, sadness, and frustration. It had been a long time since we had spoken calmly, and now, his soft attitude made my nerves tremble, urging me to escape this situation.
But Archie's voice halted my attempt to leave. "Hey, I haven't finished yet. Although Stephenie backed down this time, we need to find a permanent solution to this problem."
I shrugged, unsure of what he had in mind. Reluctantly, I sat back down on the chair. "Alright, how do you propose we solve the issue with your mother?" Stephenie's presence was of little consequence to me. As long as I was no longer Archie's Luna, I would never have to face her again. However, I couldn't help but be curious about Archie's plan.
"Alisha, Stephenie longs for a grandchild," Archie stated with a somber tone.
Confusion furrowed my brow. "What do you mean by that?"
Archie took a deep breath, his voice filled with a mix of responsibility and determination. "Alisha, as the Alpha, I need an heir to inherit my position."
His words struck a nerve. I had longed to have a child with him ever since our marriage, but Archie consistently refused to mark me. I had believed it was because I was not excellent enough to get his recognition, but now it became clear that he simply didn't love me. He denied me the mark, yet he was willing to father a child with Erma.
Now it all suddenly made sense to me. I locked my gaze onto Archie's eyes, understanding his true intentions in having this conversation.
I couldn't help but respond with irony, my voice laced with bitterness. "But you refused to have a child with me, so how do you propose we solve this predicament?"
Archie's admission left no room for doubt. "Alisha, I'm sorry that I can't mark you," he confessed, his words like ice piercing through my heart. Overwhelmed by the revelation, I turned my gaze skyward, but the sunlight was too strong. I couldn't help squinting, tears streaming down my face, my heart heavy with the weight of disappointment.
Bending down, Archie grabbed my shoulder, his voice filled with anxiety. "Alisha, don't cry, please. It's my fault. I'm truly sorry. But don't worry. We can adopt a child, and I promise you will be the mother of the next Alpha. No one can change your position."
Adopt a child? It finally dawned on me. Archie was planning for me to raise his secret love child from Erma. The thought struck me like a bolt of lightning, a painful realization of the depths of Archie's betrayal.