Alpha s Gift From the Old Gods

The Scars She Hid From The World

REGINA MCBRIDE

The heavy iron gates of the Wilderness Correction Camp groaned as they released me after three years of state-sponsored hell. I stood on the dirt road, clutching a plastic bag that held my entire life, waiting for the family that claimed they sent me there for "rehab." My brother, Brady, picked me up in a luxury SUV only to throw me out onto a deserted highway in the middle of a brewing storm. He told me I was a "public relations nightmare" and that the rain might finally wash the "stink" of the camp off me. He drove away, leaving me to limp miles through the mud on a snapped ankle. When I finally dragged myself to our family estate, my mother didn't offer a hug; she gasped in horror because my muddy clothes were ruining her Italian marble. They didn't give me my old room back. Instead, they banished me to a moldy gardener’s shack and hired a "babysitter" to make sure I didn't embarrass them further. My sister, Kaleigh, stood there in white cashmere, pretending to cry while clinging to her fiancé, Ambrose—the man who had once been mine. They all treated me like a volatile junkie, refusing to acknowledge that Kaleigh was the one who planted the drugs in my bag three years ago. They wanted to believe I was broken so they wouldn't have to feel guilty about the "wellness retreat" that was actually a torture chamber. I sat in the dark of that shed, feeling the cooling gel on the cigarette burns that covered my arms, and realized they had made a fatal mistake. They thought they had erased me, but I had returned with a roadmap of scars and a hidden satellite phone. At dinner, I didn't beg for their love. I simply rolled up my sleeves and showed them the price of their silence. As the wine spilled and the lies crumbled, I sent a single text to the only person I trusted: "I'm in. Let them simmer." The hunt was finally on.

Modern Revenge Scheming

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"Mrs. Ricardo, congratulations. You are ten weeks pregnant. The condition of the fetus is very healthy and good."

Carissa could not help but smile as she recalled the obstetrician's words three days ago. Her gaze fell on a small photograph on her nightstand, and she reached out to gaze at it fondly while rubbing it.

The little angel she had been waiting to see for two years was growing inside her womb. Carissa's hand consciously moved to her stomach, touching it gently as if she could touch her child directly.

She couldn't imagine how Alex would react to this news. Would he immediately laugh and hug her? Or would he be silent with his silly face in disbelief?

Carissa unconsciously chuckled softly at the thought of that happening. This would be the most special gift on their 2nd wedding anniversary. In fact, she really did not expect that this good thing would come at a time like this. Even when checking on it, she did it secretly because she didn't want Alex to be disappointed for the umpteenth time. However, fate seemed to be happy with their anniversary.

Then, she put the photo into the box she had prepared, joined together with the test pack, and tied it with a red ribbon, her husband's favorite color.

Right then, a notification sounded for an incoming message, making her immediately grab her cell phone beside her and open it. It was from Alex.

My world.

Crown restaurant, VIP room number 2, 7 pm.

I can't pick you up, so we'll meet there. See you and be careful on the road.

Carissa's smile spread beautifully with a blush on her face. Fingers moved nimbly to reply to the message from Alex.

Alex always managed to make her heart pound. He never forgot this important day even though they rarely engaged in romantic talks.

Quickly, Carissa headed to the bathroom to get ready. It was still 5 pm, but she wanted to prepare everything well. She wanted to look stunning in front of her husband.

Carissa looked at her reflection in the full-body mirror for the last time. She twisted her slender body, revealing her perfect curves wrapped in a black dress, making her white skin shine even more. Then she adjusted her long brown hair, lightly patted with small pearls, ensuring everything was right. Moreover, her soft makeup was applied with care.

She suddenly felt nervous and couldn't help the wave of excitement that washed over her.

The journey to the restaurant took 20 minutes. When she set foot in the building, a waitress greeted her and led her to the room.

Upon entering the room, the atmosphere is warm and romantic. At the bottom, flowers surrounded the room, accompanied by dazzling gold-colored tumblr lights. Carissa was amazed. And when she looked away, Alex was sitting at a round table in the center of the room. Small candles surrounded the place, as well as cascading candles on the table that moved gently.

The sight, coupled with the figure of a handsome man in his black suit, further added to the beauty created. His sharp eyes looked straight at her, making her heart pound even more. For the umpteenth time, she felt mesmerized by Alex's good looks. He was indeed the perfect man.

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