Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 39

Rose’s POV

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Bonus

06:55

The morning sun streamed in through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Lydia’s new room.

t had been a restless night for me, sharing the bed with her instead of Ashton. I’m guessing it’s the whole mate thing taking it’s toll… but I just wanted o ensure that Lydia felt safe and comfortable during her first night here in the house.

Thankfully, she seemed to have slept like a baby the whole night – evidently exhausted from what she had endured.

Now, as she stirred and slowly opened her eyes, I greeted her with a soft smile. “Morning, Lydia. How did you sleep?” I question, watching her stretch out across the mattress.

She stretched and yowned, her face still bearing signs of the previous day’s ordeal. “Way better than I have in a long time! This bed is super comfy!” She admitted with a small smile as I return it instantly.

I was relieved to hear that… as opposed to her having regret coming back here with us to stay.

That’s good to hear… you needed that rest before today!” I giggle, as she squints slightly.

Lydia’s expression turns curious. “Um… What’s happening today again?” She ponders.

I sit up on the edge of the bed, facing her completely now. “Ashton is going to introduce me as his new mate to the pack today. It’s a really big deal and I’m absolutely terrified about it! The whole pack will gather just to hear his announcement.” I bite my lip with anxiety, as Lydia’s eyes widen in remembrance.

“Yeah… that really does sound scary! You’ll do great though, Ruse!! Lydia comfarts, pushing herself up to a sitting position now too.

“I was actually wondering if you would like to come with me Lydia?” I throw in, as she tilts her head at the question.

Her enthusiasm seems to dim slightly, as she hesitates, “I appreciate the invitation, Rose, but I’m worried about seeing Nathan there. He’ll be furious when he finds me… especially since I didn’t go home last night after work… he will be gunning for me at this point. Lydia’s gaze falls down on her fidgeting hands.

I reach out and gently place a hand on hers. “Lydia, I promise that you’ll be safe. Ashton won’t let anything happen to you, and I’ll be right there with you too.” I encourage, hating the thought of this poor girl being hidden away from the world because of some idiot man who didn’t know how to treat

her right! © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

She looked uncertain, her eyes darting around the room as if expecting Nathan to appear at any moment just from the mere mention of his name. “I’m just scared of what he’ll do if he does get his hands on me.” She whispers, as a chill runs up my spine when hearing the fear in her voice.

I squeezed her hand again reassuringly. “I understand your fear, Lydia, but you don’t have to face this alone anymore. We’re here for you, Ashton and 1, and we won’t let anyone harm you. Ashton is the Alpha after all, and Nathan would be a fool to challenge him.” I tell her with confidence, knowing that Ashton would stop at nothing to right this wrong.

With a deep breath, she finally nodded, her resolve strengthening. “Okay sure, I’ll come with you. I would hate the miss such a big day for the pack! Please just don’t leave me anywhere alone… where he could pounce.” Lydia whispers the last request, as I nod eagerly.

“I promise! You’ll be by my side the whole day! I’ll need you there anyhow, I’ll be pissing my pants with fear!” I state, eaming a

g a chuckle from Lydia

which made me feel accomplished.

little bit

beller….

I’m glad I can comfort and make her feel a little

“Oh but w

i have anything to wear!” Lydia’s eyes widen, as I shake my head and wave her off.

“That’s ok! Ashton actually bought me some new dresses! You can take your pick?” I smile and nod, as Lydia smiles again at the idea.

With that, we both got up, tidied the room a little, before we headed upstairs to find an outfit for lydia.

I wanted her to feel comfortable and confident for today’s event… she deserves to feel special.

As we reached the bedroom, finding no Ashton, we headed straight for the large closet – arcing Lydia’s eyes practically roll out of her head when seeing

the size of the extra room.

“This? Is a closet?! Lydia mumbles, twirling to look around at the place as I nod and do the same.

I still can’t believe it myself…

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I chuckle, before we begin to rummage through the closet, picking out suitable dresses for Lydia, since I already knew what I was wearing – having picked it out at the store only yesterday.

“What about this one?” I hold up a frilly purple shirt dress with a puff ball skirt, as Lydia tilts her head to admire it properly.

“Yeah that one’s cute!” She states, as I grin and hand her the fabric – encouraging for her to try it on.

“I’ll wait out here for you!” I inform her, as she smiles and nods, watching me exit the closet – closing the door behind me gently to give her sonte privacy.

Linstinctively move towards Ashtons disheveled bed sheets, choosing to give them a fix as I make the bed to kill some time…

Bon

06:

“Good morning!” I almost squeal at the loud tone from behind me, twirling on the spot instantly only to be greeted with a toothy smile belonging to Ashton himself.

“Morning!” I reply, as his hands snake around my sides – pulling me in to his comforting embrace.

“I missed you last night you know? I didn’t sleep… Ashton admits, as I blush at the statement, burying my face in his chest and earning a chuckle from hinட

“How you feeling about seeing the whole pack today? We have three hours before the set time.” Ashton mumbles in to my hair, tracing little circles on my back as my nerves grow.

“Well uh… about that… could Lydia come with me today? She’s in the closet trying on a dress already…” My voice is soft, as I pull back slightly to see

his reaction.

Ashton’s deep green eyes held a mixture of emotions as he considered my request. The long pause made me grow more anxious at what he would say on the matter…

I could tell he was taking this ask k seriously, assessing the potential risks and how he could ensure Lydia’s upmost safety – which is of course the top priority through all of this.

I trusted him completely, but I also understood that

it his duty as an Alpha meant making difficult decisions regarding the safety of his pack.

“Nathan hasn’t yet been dealt with flose… he no doubt will be at the event…” Ashton informs me, as I nod in understanding.

“Couldn’t we just keep Lydia away from him? As far as possible? He won’t be able to get near her if you’re there and your men are there…” I shrug and share my thoughts on the situation, as Ashton seems to think over my words again.

I understood that Lydia would of course be safer hidden away here, however I didn’t like the thought of her hanging out here alone with nothing to do and no one to talk to… that sucks!

After a moment of contemplation, Ashtons lips suddenly curled up into a warm smile. “Ok fine… Of course Lydia is welcome to join us today. I’ll mind- link my men to ensure that Nathan stays as far away from her as possible. And if he does dare to approach, I’ll handle it personally.” Ashton states, as i hod and salute him jokingly.

do however, completely intend on handling Nathan properly once the event is over with. He won’t get away with this.” He adds, as my heart warms at

care for the situation

Burlief washes over me, and I can’t help but lean in and kiss Ashton once on the lips.

His lips net mune with fervor, and for a moment, all of our worries faded away. It was a reminder of the band we shared, a band that gave me the upovat strength

We’ll make today a great day for the both of you,‘ He whispers down against my lips as p

parted.

nodded, feeling a newfound determination, having him by my side and Lydia with un–in safe hands.

Chapter 39

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With our plan in place, I couldn’t wait to see how beautiful Lydia would look in the dress. It was important to me that she felt welcomed and cheron after how she had been treated, and I hoped today would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life- one filled with love and support.

After Ashton and I’s intimate moment, I returned to the closet door and softly knocked. “Lydia, are you ready?” I call out to her, my voice filled with

enthusiasm.

06:5

The door soon opened slowly, and I took it as my sign to step in. Lydia emerged before me, wearing the frilly purple dress. She looked stunning, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence as she twirled slightly for me to take it in.

The dress accentuated her features perfectly, and she had a natural grace that shone through….

“Oh, Lydia, you look amazing in this! Do you like it?” 1 exclaim, genuinely impressed by how well the dress suited her.

“I do! It’s really comfy too!” Lydia smiles, as I nod and clap excitedly – feeling accomplished so far.

We headed out of the closet, and I was pleased to see Ashton still in the room waiting for us as he gave a curt nod of acknowledgement to Lydia.

“Well then it’s settled… Il leave you both to get fully ready in here and I’ll be back shortly to drive you to the location.” Ashton announces, as we both nod in understanding of the plan and watch him head out.

The morning had brought a sense of excitement mixed with nervousness. Today was the day Ashton would officially introduce me as his mate to the pack. I had been up early, eager yet anxious about what the day would bring..

Lydia and I moved around the room to get fully ready, before I watched her approach the full–length mirror in the corner. She stared on at her rellection, a hint of hesitation in her eyes.

I could see her apprehension about her visible bruises, as her fingers traced over the ones that showed most… all remnants of the abuse she had endured recently. It pained me to see her like this… broken.

“Lydia,” I begin softly, suddenly having an idea, “I know that you’re worried about those bruises. If you want, maybe we could try to cover them up little with some makeup. I’m not an expert, but it might help them to fade a bit?” I suggest, as Lydia’s eyes widen at the idea,

Lydia turns to face me, her gaze meeting mine, and after a moment she nodded, her voice just above a whisper. That… that would be a good idea, Rose. Thank you.”

I smiled and retrieved a small makeup kit which I had purchased from the mall–with the intention of learning more about how to apply makeup for myself.

I wasn’t exactly skilled in makeup application at all,

11, but I hoped I could at least help make Lydia feel a bit more at ease.

She felt great in the new dress… and I didn’t want those wounds to ruin her confidence… Nathan doesn’t deserve that satisfaction.

As I gently applied concealer to the bruises on Lydia’s arms and neck, she winced slightly when I pressed a little too much on a certain spot.

It was clear that she was still sensitive in those areas which broke my heart most.

I handled her with utmost care after that, ensuring not to cause any further discomfort, Gradually, the makeup did its job, and the bruises becante less prominent only visible if you took the time to look closely.

Lydia watched the transformation in the mirror, and a small, grateful smile appeared on her face, “Thank you, Rose. You’re really good at this.”

1 chuckled, a bit flattered by the compliment. “Well, I tried my best. But honestly, it’s just makeup doing the magic I’m hopeless.”

As I continued, Lydia grew more relaxed, and her tension seemed to melt away. It was heartwarming to see her regain some of her condence. I couldnt

away the pain she had experienced, but I could at least help her feel better about herself.

When we finished, Lydia looked (lier reflection once more. “Wow, you re right, Rose. It does make a difference. Thank you for doing this.”

1 gør het a reassuring bug. “You’re welcome, lydia. Anything to make you feel more consfortable today.”

Ashton a sudden announcement that it was time to leave had caught us both by surprise. My heart cond with anticipation, and I could sense Lydia » nervosness returning along with une

mine.

I pulled on my thors, before we followed Ashton downstairs to the front door, seeing his car parked out hont on the preyl

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“You both ready? It’s only a five minute drive.” Ashton explains, as I feel my body tense up in sudden realisation that this was, in fact, happening toonus

I’m ready as I’ll ever be… I guess?

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