Getting away with the Alpha's Pup

Chapter 202

Fern's Perspective

The banquet hall glittered with lights, and the magnificent crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow, illuminating every corner of the ancient manor. The atmosphere of the dinner party was both luxurious and formal; the guests wore stunning gowns, raising their glasses and conversing merrily. Meanwhile, I moved through this world that didn't belong to me, not part of the inner circle, not the true star of the evening, but an outsider— a woman who had to play a part to keep her and her son's secret safe.

My fingers brushed over the trays filled with food and drinks, passing them absentmindedly to the guests. Every time our eyes met, I felt the crushing pain and guilt deep within me. For six years, I had done my best to keep myself and my son, Daniel, away from his world and the wolves of his powerful pack. But every time I looked into Giovanni's familiar eyes, I couldn't help but recall all the unpleasant memories—our love, the promises we made, and the unchangeable fate that had torn us apart.

I lowered my head and adjusted the tray in my hands, too afraid to meet Giovanni's gaze. His face was as cold as stone. He was no longer the man I had once loved— the man I had killed— but the ruthless leader of the pack, an untouchable force no one could challenge.

Just as I was about to continue my task, a faint but clear voice echoed in the back of my mind, as if coming from a distant place yet so close. It was Daniel.

"Mom..."

I froze, the tray nearly slipping from my hands. My heart clenched in fear, and a sense of unease flooded over me. Daniel's mental voice was always so clear, but how could he be here?

Without hesitation, I passed the tray to a nearby waiter and hurried toward the corner of the banquet hall. Every step I took was laced with urgency and anxiety, and I barely slowed until I reached a secluded area, where only the soft murmur of conversation and music filled the air.

"Daniel?" I whispered, scanning the area but seeing no sign of my son.

Then, I heard the familiar sound of footsteps behind me. I turned around, and there he was— Daniel, stepping out of the shadows. His eyes flickered nervously, his expression strained.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered urgently, gripping his shoulders. "I thought you said you were staying in your room to do your homework?"

Daniel hesitated, his eyes avoiding mine. His mouth opened and closed, as if struggling to find the right words. Finally, he whispered, "I... I was just... worried about you."

I froze for a moment, the unease in my heart easing slightly, though I was still skeptical. "Worried about me?" I lowered my voice and pressed on, "Worried about what? This place is safe. You shouldn't be out here."

Daniel glanced around nervously, as if making sure no one else had overheard us. Then, slowly, he spoke. "Just now, I... I was outside on the porch, and I saw Dad."

My heart skipped a beat. The blood drained from my face, and for a moment, my throat felt tight, as if something were choking me. After a few seconds, I managed to speak, though my voice was barely a whisper. "Giovanni? You saw him?" I asked, the words barely escaping my lips, afraid anyone might overhear.

"Yes." Daniel nodded, a flicker of nervousness crossing his face. "I was just walking down the hallway when I didn't realize he was suddenly there. I hid, and I almost got caught."

My heart raced as countless images flashed through my mind. How could Giovanni—the man who had always lingered in my memories—be here? How could he be so close to this ballroom? Did he know Daniel was here?

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down, and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure he didn't spot you?"

Daniel hesitated before nodding. "I was hiding in a corner. He didn't see me. It was like he just... walked right past."

"That's good." I exhaled, a weight lifting slightly from my chest. But then a chill crept over me—if Giovanni had actually seen Daniel, things would get very complicated. Even if our connection was concealed, the bond between parent and child couldn't be completely erased. Giovanni must be able to sense Daniel's presence.

I looked down at Daniel, my worry deepening. Giovanni hadn't noticed him this time, but once he began to pay attention, Daniel's presence would be exposed.

"Daniel, listen," I lowered my voice, speaking cautiously, "you need to leave here and go back to your room right now. I'll take care of everything, okay?"

Daniel nodded, but the unease in his eyes remained. "Mom, Dad... does he really not know I'm your child?"

I paused, a pang of sorrow in my chest. Of course Giovanni knew that Daniel was his son. He just had no idea about Daniel's existence right now.

But how could I explain that to Daniel? How could I tell him that Giovanni was still kept in the dark by me and my family?

"He doesn't know, Daniel," I replied softly, my voice steady yet firm. "No matter what happens, we have to keep quiet about it. No one can know you're his child. Understand?"

Daniel looked a bit confused but nodded, clearly taking my words to heart. He turned to leave, but just as he did, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Diana."

I whipped my head around, and there he was—Giovanni, standing just a few feet away. His gaze was as sharp as a blade, boring directly into my eyes. In that moment, it felt as though the ground had crumbled beneath me. My heart skipped a beat and then sank, heavy as stone.