Chapter 264
Rebecca’s POV
I sat in the Sterling estate’s study, Ella sleeping peacefully in her portable bassinet beside my chair as I filled out the application forms for City Arts Academy. The scratch of my pen on paper was the only sound in the room, a counterpoint to Ella’s soft breathing.
The door opened quietly, and Dominic entered. He crossed to the bassinet first, peering down at our daughter with naked adoration on his face before turning his attention to me.
“How’s it coming?” he asked, leaning against the desk beside me.
“Almost done,” I replied, signing my name at the bottom of the final page. “Just need to compile my portfolio.”
Dominic nodded toward a leather portfolio case on the opposite side of the desk. “I took the liberty of gathering some of your work.”
I stared at him, surprised. “You did that? When?”
“Over the past few days,” he said with a small shrug. “Marcus helped with the photography.”
I opened the portfolio, flipping through the carefully arranged pages. Each design was beautifully presented, with fabric swatches attached where available, and professional-quality photographs of the completed garments. It was far more impressive than anything I could have put together on my own.
“Dominic, this is… this is amazing,” I said, looking up at him.
His lips quirked in that half-smile I loved so much. “I have some experience presenting business proposals. The principle seemed similar- show your best work in the best possible light.”
Just then, Marcus knocked lightly at the open door. “Alpha, Luna,” he greeted us with a slight bow of his head. “The courier is here whenever you’re ready to send your application.”
I took a deep breath, giving the forms and portfolio one final check before placing everything in the large envelope provided by the academy. “I guess this is it,” I said, sealing the envelope.
I exhaled slowly, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “Now we wait,” I murmured.
Dominic placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “They’ll see your talent, Rebecca. I have no doubt.”
Several days later, I was in the garden with Lucas, watching him chase butterflies while Ella napped in her stroller under the shade of a large oak tree. The waiting had been harder than I expected-every day that passed without word from the academy left me more convinced I’d been rejected.
“Luna,” called Diana’s voice from the terrace. “There’s an envelope for you from City Arts Academy.”
My heart leaped into my throat as I quickly called Lucas back to me. “Stay with your sister for just a moment,” I told him, hurrying toward the house.
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14:34 Thu, Oct 2 M…
Chapter 264
Diana handed me a thick cream envelope bearing the academy’s embossed seal. My fingers trembled slightly as I took it.
“Should I call the Alpha? Diana asked, noting my expression.
“Yes, please,” I replied, not taking my eyes off the envelope.
1 carried it to the garden table, sitting down and staring at it for several moments before finding the courage to break the seal. Just as I pulled out the contents-a formal letter on heavy stationery-Dominic appeared, striding purposefully across the lawn.
“It came,” I said unnecessarily as he reached me.
He nodded, his expression carefully neutral, but I could sense his tension through our bond. “What does it say?”
My eyes scanned the first paragraph, and I couldn’t suppress the small gasp that escaped me.
“I got in,” I whispered, looking up at Dominic with wide eyes. “They’re offering me a place in the advanced program based on my portfolio submission.”
Dominic’s face broke into a rare full smile, the kind that transformed his usually serious features and made him look years younger. “Of course they are,” he said, his voice warm with pride. “They’d be fools not to recognize your talent.”
I read further, my excitement dimming slightly. “Classes start next Monday,” I said, glancing at Ella’s sleeping form. “That’s so soon. I need to work out a feeding schedule, and make sure Marianne is still available, and Lucas needs to understand why I’ll be gone three mornings a week-
“Rebecca,” Dominic interrupted gently, taking the letter from my hands and setting it aside. “Breathe. We’ve discussed this. We have a plan.”
I nodded, trying to calm my racing thoughts. “I know, it’s just-now that it’s real, I’m a little overwhelmed.”
“Understandable,” Dominic said, his voice practical but kind. “So let’s break it down. First, the feeding schedule.”
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14:34 Thu, Oct 2 M
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
