Lord Maddison's POV

I couldn't tear my eyes away from her as she delicately licked the ice cream. She was so engrossed in it that she didn't even notice my intense gaze. "I wish I was the ice cream," I playfully teased, causing her to blush as she slowly looked up, meeting my eyes. "Well, you taste better than the ice cream," she flirted back, a smirk appearing on my face. "So I taste better than the ice cream?" I asked, seeking confirmation, and she blushed again, diverting her attention back to her treat.

With my arms folded, I observed her as she savored each lick, a playful expression on her face. In moments like these, I found myself completely captivated by her. Her simple actions, like enjoying an ice cream cone, emitted an effortless charm that drew me in. As she continued to enjoy her treat, a surge of affection washed over me. The way she blushed at my playful comment only added to her allure. I yearned to know more about her.

"Stop staring," she grumbled, looking up at me, breaking my reverie. "I'll miss you," I grumbled back, knowing that tomorrow was Friday and she would be spending the weekend with Leo. That meant I couldn't even talk to her during that time.

"I'll miss you too, but it's just for three days," she reassured me, but I couldn't help but frown and lean in closer. "Is he going to touch you?" I found myself asking, the tinge of jealousy evident in my voice. Confusion flickered across her face. "Are you going to let him touch you?" I continued, voicing my insecurities. She rolled her eyes, exasperated, and sighed, "We shouldn't be discussing such topics."

I released a heavy sigh and sank back into my seat.

"I will be traveling to my town tomorrow morning but will be back on Monday morning," I announced, noticing the curious look on her face. "Is everything okay back home?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

"Yes, it's just that I need to put some things in order," I explained, and she nodded

We both remained silent for a while until she decided to speak up. "This contest is really taking a toll on me," she murmured, and I moved closer, reaching out to hold her hands on the table. "You know you don't have to go through all this," I said softly, gently squeezing her hands. "All you have to do is choose me, Nora. Pick me, and I promise you won't regret it." I pleaded, locking my gaze with hers.

"What about Alpha Leo?" she asked, confusion clouding her eyes. I sighed, feeling the frustration rise within me. "He will probably get past it, and maybe, if he's lucky, he will get a second chance mate. But we're not talking about Leo here, Nora. What I'm saying is, choose me right now. Come back with me to my kingdom. We'll get married, and I'll make you my queen. A better life awaits us," I pleaded desperately, But she shook her head.

"I have already declared a contest..."

"Damn the contest!" I blurted out, unable to contain my frustration. "Don't tell me you're even considering giving Leo a chance or accepting him," I snapped. "Have you forgotten so soon? He rejected you and even had a child with your sister," I reminded her, my voice laced with anger. She remained silent, unable to respond.

Frustrated, I ran my hand through my hair and held her gaze. "Do you know how I'm feeling, knowing that you are going to be with another man? Do you know how tormented I feel, knowing that another man would touch you?" I snapped, still, she remained silent. "Tell me, how would you feel if you see me with another woman? How would you feel, knowing that I'm going to touch another woman?" I asked in frustration and saw tears well up in her eyes.

"What are you doing?" My wolf cautioned.

With a deep sigh, I took a deep breath and calmed my emotions. Taking a moment to compose myself, I realized that my outburst had only intensified the tension between us. It was clear that my words had affected her deeply, and I regretted letting my frustration get the better of me.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice softer this time. "I didn't mean to snap at you like that. I just... I'm struggling with the thought of you being with someone else."

She remained silent, her teary eyes reflecting the hurt my words had caused. I reached out to take her hand, but she pulled away and stood to her feet.

"Goodbye, Lord Maddison." She didn't let those words finish from her lips before she began walking away.

"Nora!" I called and hurriedly got on my feet.

I followed her out of the restaurant and met up with her just outside the restaurant.

"Please hold on." I pleaded and grabbed her wrist, causing her to halt her step and turn to me.

"I'm sorry..."

"No, you are not..." she cut off with anger.

"You are here saying all these things to me, but have you bothered to sit and think about what I might be going through?" She asked.

"Do you think this is easy for me?" She asked, "This is not just about a relationship, but it's a bond. I am mated to you and also to him. Do you think it will be easy to just pick anyone?" she questioned, and I couldn't give a response.

"Every night, I can't sleep without thinking of what to do, whom to choose, will I make the right decision, what about the person I won't be with, can he be able to endure it. I kept thinking about it, and here you are passing judgment at me like it's easy." She spoke in anger and pain, causing guilt to fill my being.

As I listened to her words, a wave of guilt washed over me. She was right. I had been selfish in my approach, only considering my own desires and not fully comprehending the internal struggle she was facing. I released her wrist and took a step back, giving her the space she needed.

"I didn't realize how difficult this must be for you," I admitted, my voice laced with remorse. "I shouldn't have lashed out like that without considering your feelings."

She looked at me with a mix of anger, hurt, and vulnerability. Her emotions were raw, and I could see the weight of her decision weighing heavily on her shoulders. I wanted to support her, to be there for her in this challenging time.

"I know it's not an easy decision, Nora," I said softly, my tone filled with sincerity. "And I'm sorry for putting you in such a difficult position. Whatever choice you make, I want you to know that I'll be here for you. I care about you deeply, and I want what's best for you, even if it's not with me."

Her gaze softened slightly as she took in my words. The tension between us began to ease, and I could sense a glimmer of understanding.

"I appreciate your apology," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "But this contest means a lot to me. It's not just about choosing a partner; it's about replaceing myself and making a decision that will shape my future. I need time to figure things out." I nodded, respecting her need for space and reflection. "Take all the time you need, Nora. Just know that I'll be here, patiently waiting, no matter the outcome. You deserve happiness, and I hope you replace it, whether it's with me or someone else." She gave me a smile, took a step closer to me, and gave me a hug while resting her head on my chest. As she embraced me, I held her tightly, cherishing the warmth of her presence. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that our future together was uncertain. We stayed in each other's arms for a while before she slowly pulled away and held my gaze. "Let me take you home," I suggested, but she shook her head with a weak smile. "I want to take a walk. Can you come with me?" she asked, and I nodded. We walked together in silence for a while, the weight of our unspoken emotions hanging heavily in the air. The streets were quiet, and the night was freezing.

As we reached a park, she suggested we sit on a bench while looking at a small pond. We sat side by side, the silence between us both comforting and agonizing. If you are not reading this novel on Jobni b. c om, some sentences are incomplete. I wanted to reach out and hold her hand, to offer her comfort, but I resisted the urge, respecting her space.

After a while, she spoke softly, breaking the silence. "I never expected to replace myself in this situation, torn between two people I care about deeply. It's a difficult choice to make, and I fear that no matter what I decide, someone will end up hurt."

Her voice quivered with emotion, and I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Nora, whatever decision you make, it will be the right one for you. Your happiness and well-being matter the most. Trust yourself and your instincts." Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she turned to face me. "But what if my instincts are clouded by my emotions? What if I make the wrong choice and regret it later?"

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