Hiding the Alpha’s Baby (Layla and Alexander’s)
Chapter 90

AYLA

"What happened? Hazel said-

It's nothing." I whisper, looking out the window of the moving car.

"Ayla. " Aaron sighs, driving us back home.

When he came earlier, he didn't ask me anything. He just told me that Hazel asked him to come get me.

I was relieved that Aaron didn't insist on knowing what was wrong even if he saw me in that disheveled, lost state. He is my younger brother, I don't want him to be disappointed in me.

'Is this about Henry?" He questions.

His name makes me sigh. I wish it was about him. It would have been easier to handle.

"Ayla, Henry is not really suitable for you. He is not your mate, and not a good man to begin with. You should be glad that Dad got him out of your life." He sighs, the car rolling into the driveway of our packhouse. I unbuckle my seatbelt and get out of the car before he can continue lecturing me about how right Dad is and how wrong I always am.

In my family, everyone is intelligent and exceptional, except for me. I am not emotionally strong, or physically strong, and now, I don't think my family believes in my judgment either. Perhaps, they have always been right.

I am bad at everything. I am not suitable to be an Alvarez.

"Ayla, Baby." Mom's soft voice calls out to me as soon as I step on the first stair.

"Mom. "Tears spring to my eyes. I halt, stiffen, and stay there, without facing her.

In my life, the only person who has never been disappointed in me until now is her. It feels like I can be the worst person alive and she will still love me.

That scares me more.

What if she realizes that all those people she thought could help me get over my trauma were useless?

What if she gets to know that I am still stuck in time, unable to move past everything?

And what if she knows that I am making so many wrong decisions in my life?

She will think she failed me. I am so scared of seeing her heartbroken in that way.

"Ayla Baby, your Daddy didn't want to hurt you. He has your best interest at heart." She sighs, grabbing my hand.

Finally, I turn around and face her. The tears I held back roll down my cheeks.

Her face scrunches in worry." Baby."

"Mom, I---- "My breath hitches. "I am so bad at everything."

"No, Baby." She step closer and wraps her arms around me soothingly." You are great. And even if you were not, I don't care. You are my Baby. You are perfect for me."

I sniffle, taking in her flowery scent to calm my senses. How can I just break down like this?

I need to figure out a way to get rid of Massimo Rossi.

Baby, did you like Henry so much?" She whispers hesitantly.

I wipe my cheeks and pull away." No, Mom. I am fine. If he can leave me for some money, he was not worth it.

Her eyes search mine, worry clouding her gaze. This reminds me of the times when we were alone---just Mom and me.

-

Dad was not in our life back then and she raised me alone, giving me the best of everything and never falling short. That life was devoid of expectations and only filled with happiness.

Are you sure, Ayla Baby?" She questions.

I nod. "Yes, Mommy."

Her warm fingers wipe my cheeks, as she sighs." if you say so. But just know, that if you want anything, I will make it happen for you. Whatever it is. If Henry is who you want, I will convince your Daddy to let him be with you." "No, Mom." I shake my head. "I am over him."

She looks at me like she can't believe me but at the same time, she seems reluctant to say something to me.

"If that's the case, then you won't be mad if you meet Daddy's guests tonight, right?" She swallows visibly, a nervous smile forming on her lips.

Despite feeling something off, I nod. "I don't mind."

If I am not alone, I don't think Massimo will dare to come for me. It's better that Daddy is calling guests over.

"Okay, Baby. Go rest. I will send someone with the breakfast in a while." Mom turns away after patting my cheek softly.

I march up the stairs and lock myself inside the room before rushing to the bathroom to take a shower. For the next half an hour, I scrub every corner of my skin, while silently crying under the running water. How can someone be so cruel as to trample over others in such a disgusting way?

I continue to think about the night, the video, and the threats. Only Massimo Rossi is capable of such a monstrosity.

When the night falls, I find myself growing uncomfortable. What if Massimo really sends that video to Dad?

But he seemed to have some ulterior motive behind marrying me. He won't lose sight of that goal so easily, right?

I bite my nails as my anxiety grows. A knock sounds on my door, making me stiffen in my way.

"Your Dad is calling you downstairs, Little Miss. "A maid calls from the outside.

I run my hands down the pink dress I am wearing before stepping out of my room and following the maid to the sitting area.

"It will be an honor to establish this relationship with you, Alpha Alexander." An old voice says, making me freeze on my way.

"I am sure it will be." Dad replies smugly.

I look up, at the familiar faces in the room as a sense of betrayal dawns upon me.

There, I see my whole family. Dad, Mom, and Aaron. With Cassian Ruth and his father Albert Ruth.

"Ayla." Cassian rises from his spot, his eyes landing on me.

He knows how to put on an act and make my skin crawl. I steel my nerves and look into his cunning eyes.

"Cassian." I nod at him.

"Ayla, you have grown since the last time I saw you. Come to me, child. " Albert Ruth, Cassian's father and the former Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack smiles at me.

Slowly, I move past Cassian, ignoring the little smirk playing over his lips and reach Albert.

"I am so happy that you are joining my family. " Albert grabs my hand as soon as I am in reach and squeezes it lovingly.

My throat feels heavy." what does it mean?" I look at my Dad's stoic face and Mom's nervous eyes. "What's happening here?

un

"You and I are getting engaged tomorrow. Our families want us to choose each other as mates and spend our lives together. I feel lucky that they deem me worthy of you, Ayla. To access the complete chapters for free, visit Job nib.com." Cassian says, his voice dripping with honey, a tone as fake as his smile and all of his soft demeanor.

Mates? Us? "I pull my hand away from Albert's grip.

If there is one person I dislike with all my heart, it's Cassian Ruth. I can't stand the sight of him or anything about him.

"Yes, Ayla." He whispers, as if nervous about my reaction.

I face my family." No one told me anything about it. I am not accepting this, Dad. Mom!"

"Princess, Cassian is the best candidate for this. He will keep you safe and happy." Dad says calmly, his eyes softening on me.

"Candidate? Is this a job application? And how can you decide my life partner Dad? Who gave you that right?!" My heart thumps against my ribcages violently.

"Ayla Baby!" Mom snaps, standing from her spot. "I understand that you are angry but this is no way to talk to your Dad."

'And this is the way to treat your daughter?!" I hiss, my eyes burning with rage. " is this how you impose things on me?"

Surprise crosses their faces as if they can't believe I am talking back. But what do I do? How much do I endure this forced life?

"I will not mate with Cassian or marry him." I announce.

"Why?" Dad's jaw grits.

"Dad---

I start but another voice, a deeper one, interrupts me. "Because she is already married, Mr. Alvarez. She is Ayla Rossi now."