The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

But then, slowly, he turned to look at her.

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Liam

So their marriage was a contract after all.

Liam had had his suspicions, but Sophia had confirmed them last night. She told him that Ella and Alexander had signed a contract just before their wedding, stipulating that their marriage would be purely business-no intimacy, no children, no love.

Just monthly payments to Stormhollow and a promise that Ella couldn’t be the one to end the relationship.

No wonder Ella was so adamant about staying in that loveless marriage. She couldn’t leave. That brute wouldn’t let her.

The morning after the festival, Liam went straight to Alexander’s office. His Beta, Gabriel, was standing guard outside the door.

“Do you

have an appointment, Alpha?” Gabriel asked coolly, stepping in the way just as Liam was reaching for the handle.

“Yes.” Liam lifted his chin. “I spoke to Alpha Alexander last night. Told him we need to have a discussion. He should be-”

“Let him in, Gabriel,” Alexander’s muffled voice came from within the office. The Beta nodded curtly and opened the door, and Liam stepped inside.

Alexander was standing near the window, poring over a ledger in his hands, when Liam entered. He snapped the book shut and smiled charmingly, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk

“Alpha Liam. Please take a seat. What did you want to discuss?”

Liam resisted the urge to show his wolf’s fangs. He’d already had his suspicions that this bastard was abusing Ella. Now, to find out that he was forcing her to live here under duress… Liam wouldn’t stand for it. But he wouldn’t show his hand just yet.

He took a seat and carefully crossed his legs, one ankle over the other knee.

“I keep hearing these rumors,” Liam said airily, as if it were just gossip, “that your marriage with Luna Ella is a contract.”

Alexander’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh?”

Liam nodded. “Apparently some people are even of the belief that you’re sending

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Chapter 31

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Stormhollow monthly payments. And something about Ella not being allowed to leave of her own accord?” He shook his head and smiled. “Nonsense, I’m sure. No Alpha worth his salt would force a woman to live like that. Especially not one who intends to run for Alpha King… And you and Ella do seem to be in love.”

At first, Alexander’s face betrayed nothing. Liam watched him carefully, waiting.

Finally, Alexander sighed. “Did Ella tell you

this?

“Yes,” Liam lied immediately. “She told me you’re keeping her here against her will. I’m worried about her, you know. And I worry about the future Alpha King having such low morals. If she were forced to sign such a contract or if the contract was forged…”

Alexander nodded. To Liam’s surprise, he reached into his desk and pulled out a small folder, which he handed to Liam.

“Everything is in order, I assure you,” Alexander said calmly. “Ella isn’t being held against her will; in fact, she just signed another legal contract stating that she’ll remain my wife for the next nine months. After that, she’s free. She made her decision, and willingly. Twice.”

So there were two contracts?

Liam couldn’t believe that Alexander had just… handed him the contract like that. Indeed, upon flipping through it, it was a genuine copy. Complete with two signatures; one from the first contract, dated five years ago, and the other signed just two days ago.

Ella had certainly signed both of these contracts that much was clear.

But Liam didn’t know if she had been forced or coerced. Either way, he needed to act quickly. Ella might have been Alexander’s prisoner both physically and emotionally, but now Liam held all the cards.

“Thank you for being so honest,” Liam said, standing and tucking the folder under his arm. I’m sure the press will enjoy hearing about this.”

Before Alexander could react, Liam turned and stormed out, contracts in hand.

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