Pregnant
Pregnant 20

Chapter 20

Terra

For the past days Lily has been taking me out, catching on old times.

Like yesterday we went out today too.

The setting sun cast an ethereal golden glow across the sky as Lilly and I strolled slowly back into town after our fun-filled day together.

Despite the autumn evening chill setting in, warmth blossomed in my chest. Spending these precious hours with my dearest friend again after so long apart felt like a gift.

Lilly chattered away happily, filling me in o listen, interjecting now and then with a lau mood.

atest happenings around town and her family. I was content to simply question. Being around her lively, upbeat spirit never failed to lift my own

As we ambled down the quiet lamp-lit streets, our conversation drifted to reminiscing about carefree childhood adventures we once shared.

Like the summer we were convinced we could fly, so we climbed up on the barn roof with makeshift feathered wings tied on. Thank the goddess our foolish eight-year-old selves only ended up with bruises when we leapt off! We nearly cried laughing now recalling our shocked faces as the ground rushed up to meet us.

Oh, we got into such mischief back then, Lilly said, wiping her eyes. “But every crazy story just made us closer.”

I looped my arm through hers affectionately. “It certainly did. I’m so thankful fate brought us back together now, Lil”

Her expression turned thoughtful. “Me too. I know it was hard when you had to…leave. But I want you to know I never judged you for it, hon. I’m just happy to have my sister back.”

Unexpected tears p**d my eyes. Knowing Lilly didn’t harbor any resentment over my sudden disappearance all those years ago lifted a weight from my shoulders I had carried far too long

“Thank you for understanding” I said thickly. “Your friendship means the world to me.”

Lilly squeezed my hand. “The past is past. All that matters now is making up for lost time!” Her infectious grin chased away the melancholy threatening to settle over me. Lisking her arm through mine again, Lilly launched enthusiastically into detailing ideas for our next outing.

As we strolled along the dimly lit streets, Lilly couldn’t help but probe into Nathan’s love life, a subject I ardently avoided. “Why don’t you want to know about harm and fade” she questioned her eyes glinting with curiosity.

I chuckled, “Because ignorance is bliss, my dear Lilly. I’d rather not unravel the intricacies of his romantic entanglements.”

“But, Terra” she persisted, after Jade left, he never pursued any love interest. It’s strange, don’t you think?

I sighed, knowing Lilly wouldn’t let it go. “What’s the catch then?” I asked, half expecting a juicy revelation.

Lilly grinned mischievously. “Jade was never in love with him. She took the Luna position to secure power after her pack was annihilated Cold-hearted if you ask me.”

1 furrowed my brow, absorbing the unexpected twist. So, she betrayed him?”

Lilly nodded. “Big time. She rejected him to be with another Alpha. They ran away together, leaving Nathan broken.”

I couldn’t brip but feel a pang of sympathy for Nathan All theseyears, I thought he had everything-power lume, a p

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Chapter 20

Little did I know, he was hurting, carrying the weight of betrayal on his shoulders.

As Lilly continued unraveling the tale of Jade’s deceit, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nathan’s wounds ran deeper than anyone realized. Perhaps, he was still healing from the scars Jade left on his heart.

The next day too. We walk together as the setting sun cast an ethereal glow as Lilly and I walked home after a fun day out. Spending time with my dearest childhood friend filled me with warmth, despite the evening autumnn chill.

Lilly chattered happily about local happenings while I listened contently. Our conversation soon drifted to fond memories of youthful misadventures that bonded us for life.

I recalled how we once tied feathers to our arms and jumped off the barn roof, genuinely believing we could fly. Of course we ended up with bruises, but also an unbreakable connection.

“We really were rascal kids, weren’t we?” Lilly d, laughing. Hooped my arm through hers affectionately. “It certainly brought us closer. I’m so grateful we reconnected, Lil.”

Her expression turned thoughtful. “Me too. I know it was hard when you left town. But I never judged you, hon. I’m just thankful to have my sister back in my life.”

Unexpected tears p**d my eyes hearing her unconditional love. “Thank you. Your friendship means everything to me.”

We spent the rest of the walk enthusing about future plans together. By the time we reached my cottage, my cheeks ached from smiling. Rediscovering Lilly’s companionship filled the lonely void in my heart and made this town feel more like home.

I said a warm goodnight as Lilly headed cheerfully down the street. Stepping inside my cozy cottage, contentment washed over me. The bittersweet ache of Nathan’s absence would always linger. But Lilly’s steadfast friendship was helping me move forward. For now, that felt like blessing enough.

I went home with a heavy heart.

My mind wandered to the surprising revelations Lilly shared about Nathan’s failed marriage.

According to her, Nathan’s mate Jade betrayed him soon after their union, running off with another wolf. The whole truth of what happened remained murky.

But clearly much more lurked beneath the surface than I realized. Despite everything, hearing of Nathan’s suffering sparked sympathy inside me. I hoped someday we might replace closure, if not renewed connection. With a heavy heart I went to sleep.

I was walking home alone and I

ost in thought, I nearly collided with a lone figure standing beneath a glowing lamppost ahead. My heart jolted as we locked eyes. Nathan. After so many years apart, this chance encounter seemed fated.

“Terra…” My name rumbled softly from his lips. “Might we talk?”

I hesitated, pulse racing. But something in his vulnerable expression called to me. I nodded slowly. “Alright. Let’s walk together awhile.”

We set off side by side down the winding path. At first only our footsteps broke the heavy silence. Finally Nathan spoke. “I know you’ve built a new life here now. I don’t wish to complicate that.” He paused, emotion rippling across his face. “But I want you to understand how much I regret the hurt I caused you, all those years ago.”

I listened intently as we walked, sensing the depth of anguish his proud spirit had long been forced to bear alone. My own

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Chapter 201

lingering anger toward Nathan softened. Perhaps it was time we both found closure through open conversation and forgiveness.

The full moon cast a serene light to guide us as we continued slowly onward. Many hard truths still lay between us. But for now, taking these first healing steps together felt like progress enough.

I wake up to the lone tear sliding down my eyes. It was just a dream but I wish to give him a easy life that we both wished for.

I never thought he was struggling too.

I stepped out of bed, sighing contentedly. The ache of Nathan’s past would likely always be with me on some level. But rediscovering Lilly’s steadfast friendship helped fill the lonely void in my heart, making my new independent life here feel more like home.

I sent up a quick prayer of thanks to the go

for allowing our paths to cross again so unexpectedly.

The future remained uncertain, but with Lilly s sunshine back in my life, I looked forward to each new day rather than simply enduring them. For now, that felt like blessing enough.

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