Chapter 446

Olivia

I stepped into the Council building just as the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon.

Everything was going to plan; the auction would begin in a little under an hour, and everything was prepared. The signs and flyers, which had been posted all over town and mailed to every resident, had attracted a lot of attention.

Already, the town was filling with people from neighboring areas, those who were coming in anticipation of Dianna Miller’s works. Soon, the auction was bound to be a success.

It had to be.

“Olivia!” Ashley called out, her face lighting up as she approached. “You’re here! Everything is coming together beautifully.”

“You can say that again,” I said, my heels clicking on the floor as I approached. “The place looks great.”

“We made some last-minute changes to the decorations,” Laurie added, pointing up at some colorful streamers that were draped throughout the high rafters.

“Oh, and the catering came just in the knick of time, too,” Joshua said. “It’s making me hungry.”

I chuckled. “You guys are the best. Please, feel free to enjoy the food before the doors open. You guys deserve it.”

Benjamin,who had just approached, stopped next to me. When I turned to him, he almost had a bashful expression on his face. “I gotta say, I didn’t expect…” He paused, clearing his throat. “I mean, with you being the Luna and all, I didn’t think you would have been so hands-on throughout all of this.”

“Ben!” Laurie hissed, punching him in the arm. “Don’t be disrespectful.”

I shook my head. “No, please, I appreciate your honesty,” I said, feeling my cheeks warm a little. “I, um… I came to you guys with very little experience of my own, and I really appreciate you all giving me a chance. I feel like I learned so much.”

Ashley nodded, her gaze drifting across the room. “We’ve all learned from each other,” she said. “It’s been a great journey, even without Vanessa. Although, I do hope she finds her way.”

“Yeah, I hope she does too,” I said, feeling a pang of sympathy for Vanessa. I still felt like a jerk for letting her walk out like that. “She was a valuable part of the team. I really didn’t mean to make her feel unwelcome.”

“Oh, please,” Joshua, already holding a cookie, said. “Vanessa was a problem from the beginning.”

“Joshua!” Benjamin scolded.

Joshua shrugged, taking a bite of his cookie. “It’s true. She always thought she was better than everyone else. She thought she was the only one up for the promotion when the last director left, too.”

“He’s not wrong,” Ashley chimed in. “She’s been bitter for a really long time. So it wasn’t your fault, Olivia. It was going to happen sooner or later, with or without you.”

Their words were a small relief, although I did still wish the best for Vanessa. Maybe she would even come back, eventually, in which case I would welcome her with open arms. And hopefully the others would, too.

With the auction starting soon, we split off and got the final touches in order before it was finally time.

As the doors opened, guests began to stream in. The room quickly filled with the hum of conversation and the subtle clinking of glasses as guests took their complimentary drinks and their seats.

Then, Nathan appeared, his presence commanding as he led the Alphas from the Alpha association into the room.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, so strong and confident, yet I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness for the distance that had crept between us. Last night had been… awkward, to say the least.

I could still picture him now, lowered down into the tub with his hand beneath the water. I hadn’t seen too much, but I could see the look on his face, could still hear the sounds he had been making. And as his wife, I felt like a failure, even though I knew I shouldn’t.

It should have been me who was there for him, but I couldn’t do it in the end.

But at least the auction was almost over, and our honeymoon was on the horizon. Things were bound to get better then.

“Nathan,” I greeted, as he approached with the Alphas in tow. His hand found its place on my waist, warm and reassuring, yet so distant.

“Everyone, this is my Luna, Olivia,” Nathan introduced me with a hint of pride in his voice. “The auction was her idea. Her passion project.”

I extended my hand, meeting the eyes of each Alpha. “Welcome. I hope you enjoy the auction and your stay in our town,” I said, offering them a polite smile.

The Alphas, a group of distinguished-looking men, each with their own unique aura of authority, exchanged formal handshakes with me. One of them, a tall man with a steely gaze, gave a nod that bordered on patronizing.

“What a fun little project you’ve got here,” he commented, his eyes scanning the room. “I do love when Lunas take part in their community. It’s so… endearing.”

The remark stung, a sharp contrast to the pride that had been swelling in my chest all day. “We’ve put a lot of effort into this,” I replied, somehow managing to maintain my composure. “I believe you will find the power of our community quite impressive.”

Another Alpha, a shorter man with sharp features, chimed in, “It’s always nice to see a woman playing her part. I’m sure the food will be delicious.”

His words, although not impolite on the surface, carried an undercurrent of condescension. Why should they assume that the food had been entirely my responsibility? It was a catering company.

I felt Nathan’s grip tighten slightly on my waist, a silent show of support.

“Well, then… We’re honored to host you,” Nathan said firmly, his voice clear and proud. “Your presence adds great value to our event.”

Nathan then guided them further into the room, his arm still around me. “Olivia has worked tirelessly on this. It’s more than just an auction; it’s a step towards strengthening our community.”

“How interesting,” the tall and commanding Alpha from before said as he leaned in momentarily to examine a rare antique behind a glass case. “Well, I’ll be curious to see how this little ‘passion project’ plays out.”

I swallowed, opening my mouth to retort, but it was too late; the Alphas were already taking their seats, which had been reserved for them right in the front.

Once they were gone, Nathan turned to look at me and offered me an apologetic glance.

“You okay?” he whispered, his hand still resting on my waist.

I nodded, even though that couldn’t have been further from the truth. “I’m fine,” I said, offering a stiff smile.

Nathan smiled. But then, as I looked at him, the images from last night flashed through my mind one more time, causing my cheeks to flush. “I’ve, um—” I stammered, pointing over my shoulder with my thumb. “I’ve got to check on some stuff.”

Nathan nodded, his own cheeks tinging slightly red for the briefest of moments before he gently extricated himself from me and pulled away.

“See you soon,” he said, taking a step backwards.

I nodded. “See you soon.”