Our Wedding Was Ruined and I Found a Husband 43

Chapter 43 

“That’s how she describes it.” 

“But your gut says otherwise.” 

Riley looked toward the window. “I think William cares deeply about her. About little Ava too. That’s everything I 

know.” 

“Is he Ava’s biological father?” 

“I already told you–that’s not my story to share.” 

Marcus leaned backward. “You’re remarkably loyal to Vanessa.” 

“She’s my friend, so yeah–of course I’m loyal.” 

“Same way you were loyal to Laila?” I asked softly. 

Riley met my stare head–on. Something flickered behind her eyes–pain maybe, or crushing guilt. 

“I failed Laila completely,” she said quietly. “I wasn’t there during her darkest moments. I won’t repeat that mistake.” 

The confession hung suspended between us, raw and bleeding. 

“You believe Laila’s dead?” I asked. 

“The official reports claimed she died during childbirth. Her and the baby both.” Riley’s voice fractured slightly. So yeah, I guess she’s dead.” 

But something in her inflection felt wrong–like she was reciting facts her heart refused to accept. 

“Thanks for your time,” I said finally, releasing the Alpha pressure. 

Riley stood instantly, desperate to escape. 

11 

“One last thing,” Marcus called as she grabbed her coat. “Does Vanessa ever discuss her past? Before you two met? 

་་ 

Riley froze. “Not particularly. She’s pretty guarded about that stuff.” 

“Doesn’t strike you as odd?” 

“Not everyone wants to excavate their history.” Riley looked directly at me with pointed intention. “Some folks prefer moving forward instead.” 

Then she was gone, practically running from the coffee shop. 

Marcus waited until she’d disappeared. “Well?” 

“She’s protecting someone,” I said. “Whether that’s Vanessa or just Laila’s memory, I can’t tell yet.” 

“Her story held up surprisingly well under pressure.‘ 

“Too well. It felt rehearsed.” 

My phone vibrated. A text from Dad demanding my location, dinner started in an hour and my presence wasn’t optional. 

1/3 

“Let’s go,” I said. “Before he dispatches a search team.” 

The drive back passed in silence, my brain spinning through everything Riley had said. More importantly, what she’d deliberately avoided saying. 

When I entered the pack house, Brittany was lurking by the entrance. 

“Where’ve you been?” she demanded. 

“Out.” 

“I heard you met some woman privately.” 

Pack gossip traveled at lightspeed. 

“I was handling business.” 

“What kind of business involves secret meetings with women in coffee shops?” 

“The kind that doesn’t concern you.‘ 

“Everything you do concerns me! I’m your fated mate-” 

“A fact you mention constantly.” I stripped off my jacket. “Was there an actual point to this conversation?” 

Her eyes flashed dangerously. “You’ve been obsessing over Vanessa Harper. The whole pack’s gossiping about it.” 

“That bothering you? You jealous?” 

“What’s so damn special about her?” 

Everything. But those words stayed locked behind my teeth. 

“Get out, Brittany.” 

“This obsession with ancient history is destroying you. Laila’s dead. Let her go already.” 

Then she stormed off. 

I collapsed into my chair, memories flooding back. My involvement with Brittany years ago—a pathetic attempt to prove I’d moved on–had driven Laila away in the first place. 

I’d been a coward then. Now I was paying interest on that debt. 

My phone buzzed again. Marcus this time: “Final contract signing with William Chen tomorrow. You absolutely sure about this?” 

I stared at the glowing screen. 

Tomorrow I’d officially become business partners with the man who’d assumed my role in Vanessa’s world. Who witnessed Ava’s morning smiles. Who brought them breakfast and memorized their favorite things. 

The jealousy burned hot in my chest. 

But I’d made my choice. Personal feelings wouldn’t compromise professional judgment. 

I typed back: “I’m sure. Tomorrow at ten.” 11 

*** 

2/3 

Chap 

*ey #25 Bonus 

The signing ceremony was mercifully efficient. Lawyers shuffled papers, everyone exchanged handshakes and forced smiles. 

William Chen embodied professionalism. Polite, articulate–everything a solid business partner should demonstrate. 

I despised him immediately. 

Halfway through, his phone rang. He checked the screen and smiled–genuinely smiled. 

“Excuse me,” he said. “I need to take this.” 

He stepped away but didn’t lower his voice adequately. 

“Hey gorgeous. Yeah, almost finished here… I know, I’ll grab dinner on my way home… Of course I remembered. See you soon.” 

Then, addressing someone nearby: “Apologies for the interruption. My fiancée.” 

That single word detonated like a grenade inside my chest. 

Fiancée. 

Marcus caught my expression immediately. Leaned close. “You okay?” 

No. I wasn’t remotely okay. 

Because William had just confirmed my worst fears. 

He was engaged to Vanessa. 

The woman who might be Laila. Who might be raising my daughter. 

Was marrying someone else. 

A