Our Wedding Was Ruined and I Found a Husband 35

He studied my face for a long moment. “You really think it could be her.” 

It wasn’t a question. 

“I think too many things don’t add up. Too many coincidences line up perfectly. Too many pieces fit.” I exhaled roughly. “And yeah, I think Laila might be alive.” 

The possibility sat between us. Terrifying and hopeful in equal measure. 

If Vanessa was Laila, that meant she’d survived. Built a life. Raised our daughter. 

It also meant she’d chosen to hide from me. Deliberately. For six years. 

The betrayal would cut deep. But god, the relief would cut deeper. 

“I need you to find anyone who knew Vanessa before the gap,” I said. “Anyone at all. I need descriptions, photos if possible. Anything to compare.” 

“That’s going to be difficult-” 

“I don’t care how difficult it is.” The Alpha command bled into my voice. “Find them. Also, I want you to set up a meeting with Riley. Make it seem casual. Like we’re just asking about Laila for closure.” 

Marcus closed the folder. “This is getting expensive, Jason. The offshore account traces, the international investigation, tracking down people who might not exist. We’re looking at serious money.” 

“I don’t care what it costs.” 

“Your father’s going to ask questions. The pack elders too. We’re using pack resources for what looks like a personal obsession.” 

“Then let them ask.” I met his eyes steadily. “Find out what really happened six years ago. That’s an order. 

He nodded slowly. Understanding this wasn’t just Alpha business anymore. This was personal. 

After Marcus left, I sat alone in the booth. The folder open in front of me. 

My mind drifted back. Memories I’d tried to bury resurfaced with painful clarity. 

Laila at sixteen, the first time she’d stayed up all night with me when I was sick. She’d been human, exhausted from school, but she’d brought me soup anyway. She held my hand when the fever made me delirious. 

“I’m not going anywhere,” she’d whispered. “I promise.” 

She’d kept that promise then. Sat beside my bed until morning. 

Another memory. The night after my first shift. When the pain and terror had left me shaking. My wolf was massive, overwhelming, and I’d been terrified I’d hurt someone. 

But Laila had touched me. Her small hand gentle on my fur. 

“You’re beautiful,” she’d said. No fear in her voice. Just wonder. 

 

And the last real conversation we’d had before everything fell apart. Before Brittany arrived and ruined everything. 

Laila had been trying to tell me something. Something important. But I’d cut her off. Too distracted by pack politics. Too focused on what my parents wanted. 

“Jason, I need to talk to you about-” 

“Not now, Laila. I’m busy.” 

Those might have been the last words I’d ever said to her before she left. 

Not now. I’m busy. 

God, I’d been such a coward. 

I stared at the photographs Marcus had left behind. 

Vanessa Harper smiling at some business function. Ava clutching her hand. 

If that was Laila… if she was alive and right there, so close I could reach out and touch her… 

Why would she hide? Why not come to me? 

But I knew why. Deep down, I’d always known. 

Because I’d chosen Brittany. Chosen duty over love. Chosen pack politics over the woman who’d loved me unconditionally. 

And when Laila had tried to reach out—when she’d called that night, desperate and alone -Brittany had turned her away. 

Nobody important. 

If Laila heard those words… if she thought I’d sent that message… 

No wonder she’d disappeared. 

My phone buzzed. A text from Marcus. 

“Riley agreed to meet. Tomorrow at 2 pm.” 

I stared at the message. Tomorrow I might get answers. 

Or I might get more questions. 

Either way, I had a strong feeling Laila was still alive. That she was right there, close enough to touch. 

And this time, I wouldn’t let her slip away.