Chapter 12 · She Was His Luna, Now She's His Ruin

Chapter 12

CHLOE'S P.O.V.Pearl Hotel has been transformed. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, flowers decorating every table. By evening, Pearl Hotel is already alive with activity. Omega rushed through the ballroom, carrying flowers, adjusting lights, and arranging the tables.I stand near the entrance, watching everything carefully.“Luna Chloe, everything is ready,” the manager tells me.I nod.“Good. Has the equipment been checked?”“Yes.”“And the screen?”“Working perfectly.”I smile.“Excellent.” Guests begin arriving one after another as Jasper steps onto the stage.“Good evening, everyone.”The crowd applauds.He smiles. “Today, we celebrate someone very special to me.” His gaze lands on Lucas. “My son." The crowd cheers again. “My son came into my life ten years ago under heartbreaking circumstances.”Jasper pauses. “His father, my dear friend Donald Langley, lost his life while serving our pack.”Malcolm's expression darkens.“And when I learned that Donald had left behind a son, I made a promise.” Jasper places his hand over his chest. “I promised I would protect him.”The crowd cheers again; Catherine wipes away a fake tear. I nearly scoff at the act.Jasper continues. “I promised that Lucas would never feel alone. And my wife, Chloe, stood beside me.” Jasper looks at me, and I force a smile.“Together, we welcomed Lucas into our home, treated him as our own child.”I kiss my teeth, irritation bubbling instead of me. Yeah, while his child suffers elsewhere. How heroic.“Chloe loved him as though he were her own. Today, as Lucas turns ten, I want everyone here to know that I am proud to call him my son.” The crowd erupts into applause. Lucas smiles as Jasper walks over and places a hand on his shoulder.My wolf stirs. Today was the day; I glance at my reflection in the glass doors. Everything was going perfectly, just as I had practiced in my head.“Everyone, eat, drink, and be merry." Jaspers says loudly before walking over to me. "There you are," he smiles.“You look beautiful.”“Thank you.”He kisses my cheek; I nearly gag but force myself not to.“You've done an amazing job.”“I wanted Lucas to have a birthday he'd remember.”Jasper smiles proudly. “He will.” He looks around the room.“Everyone of importance is here.”“I'm aware.”He chuckles. “By tonight, everyone will be talking about Lucas.”I smile at him. “Yes.” They would, just not for the reason he expected. Soon, the ballroom fills. Jasper's friends and alliance partners greet him warmly.Catherine walks up to me, a smug smile on her face. “You really outdid yourself, Chloe.”“I tried.” She lets out a sound of approval and walks toward Lucas.“My darling boy.” She kisses his forehead. “Look how handsome you are.”Lucas smiles.“Thank you, Grandma.”I watch them quietly. Catherine had never shown that kind of affection toward Sophia. Not once. My hands curl into fists, but I force them to relax.Not today. Today, I needed to remain calm. Malcolm arrives shortly afterward. The moment his eyes meet mine, his expression changes, and he walks over.“Luna.” He bows.“Malcom.”He lowers his voice. “Are you sure about this?”“I am.”His eyes scan the room. “There are a lot of people here.”“That's exactly why.”He studies me for a moment before nodding. “I'll stand by you.”I give him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”Jo arrives soon after with Steve and Liv. Steve looks uncomfortable the moment he sees me. I notice it but say nothing. Liv gives me a pleasant smile."Luna Chloe.”"Liv, i'm glad you could make it."She glances around. “Everything looks beautiful.”“Thank you.”Jo comes closer and squeezes my hand. Her eyes silently communicating a message. We're ready. The birthday celebration continues blissfully. Music fills the ballroom; I watch as people relish in the party.Lucas sits beside Jasper while Catherine sits on his other side. The photographers begin taking pictures. Jasper looks happier than I've seen him in years.Then he stands, and the room gradually falls silent.“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming to celebrate my son's tenth birthday.”Applause fills the room. “My son, Lucas, is the blessing in my life.”My chest tightens at his words.“My friend Donald was one of the bravest men I ever knew. We fought side by side. We trusted each other with our lives. Three years ago, Donald lost his life tragically, leaving behind a void.”“It's been hard without him; raising his son was an honor, but I most definitely couldn't have done it alone. I owe it all to my beautiful wife."Thunderous applause erupts.I stare at Lucas looking happy, smiling widely. He has no idea that the man standing beside him is his biological father. Worse still, the poor boy has no idea that his mother is still alive and they had been forced apart by that monster.And he has no idea that the family celebrating him tonight has destroyed another child to protect their secret.Jasper smiles proudly. “I couldn't have asked for a better mate.”A few guests murmur approvingly. I nearly laugh. Better, mate? If only they knew. After the speech, everyone applauds. The cake is brought out, and Lucas's eyes light up.“Make a wish!” Catherine grins excitedly. He closes his eyes and blows out the candles; Jasper smiles. “Over the past ten years, we have watched Lucas grow into an intelligent, talented young man.”Lucas blushes.“And tonight, I want everyone here to witness an important moment.” He places a hand on Lucas's shoulder. I remain perfectly still, watching as Jasper looks toward the screen.“Before we continue with the rest of the celebration, we prepared a highlight reel showing Lucas's childhood memories.”And then the doors swing open, revealing none other than Yvette Reed.

Chapter 12