Getting away with the Alpha's Pup

Chapter 205

Fern's Perspective

My heart skipped a beat, and my vision blurred. A thousand thoughts rushed through my mind, but none of them stuck. First, I was shocked. Then, fear gripped me. And finally—anger.

It was almost surreal that my past, especially with Giovanni, was being casually dragged into the open today. The anonymity I'd worked so hard to maintain had been shattered by an uninvited guest.

"How did you... know?" I finally asked, panic evident in my voice. My heart pounded, as though a vice had tightened around my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Elena's smile remained as cold as ever, her gaze passing through me, as though she could see every secret I'd buried. "It's simple, Ms. Finn. Giovanni's past isn't as easily hidden as you think. I found out about your relationship with him, and I know you faked your death to escape him," she said softly, each word striking me like a heavy stone. "You thought you did a good job of covering it up, but you were wrong."

A sudden wave of disbelief washed over me, and my hands clenched into fists as I struggled to maintain my composure.

"What do you want from me?" My voice faltered slightly, an unspoken threat hanging in the air.

"I don't want much." Elena smiled faintly. "I just need you to promise me one thing. If you want to keep your secret safe, you'd better listen."

I stared at Elena's calm, confident expression, and a wave of nausea hit me. I had known for a long time that Elena wasn't a kind person, but hearing her speak in such a cold, threatening manner made my blood run cold.

"Are you threatening me?" I asked, my voice growing hard, a chill creeping into my tone. "You think you can control me?"

"Threaten?" Elena seemed amused by the word. "I'm simply giving you a choice. If you want to keep your secret—and your son's—safe, I can help you. But if not... well, you know the consequences." She paused, exhaling softly. "Giovanni is not a man who tolerates betrayal."

I flinched, a surge of anger and helplessness flooding through me. Elena's words echoed in my mind—if she stayed, she would expose my past with Giovanni, and everything could unravel again. I could already picture Giovanni's shock and fury. What would he do to me? Would I lose everything once more? And Daniel... could I lose him, too?

"You think you can threaten me?" I asked coldly, forcing the bitterness in my throat down. "You really think you can control me?"

"Threaten?" Elena's eyes narrowed with disdain. "No, it's not a threat. It's an offer." She tilted her head slightly, as if waiting for me to make a decision. "If you leave, all of this ends here. But if you insist on staying, well... prepare for Giovanni's wrath."

I took a deep breath, my voice calm despite the storm inside. "What exactly do you want me to do?" I asked. "Speak plainly."

Elena's smile deepened, as if she had expected me to ask that. "It's simple. You promise me that you will stay away from Giovanni—for good. You can continue living your life with your son, but you must no longer be a part of Giovanni's world. If you don't, everyone will know your secret. All the wolves will know who you are—Giovanni's former mate—and even worse—Daniel's father."

My heart sank. I fought to keep my anger in check, gripping the cup tightly in my hand. "You think I'll give in?"

A cold smile curled at the corner of Elena's mouth. "Give in? No. I'm simply giving you a chance. If you've chosen this path, you must accept the consequences."

The air between us grew tense for a moment, and I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. "You'll regret this, Elena," I whispered, determination burning in my eyes.

Elena's smile tightened, as if she was realizing I wasn't as easily swayed as she'd expected.

"I think you'll regret not listening to me before that happens," she said coldly, rising and walking toward the door. "I hope you make a wise choice."

I watched her leave, a heavy weight pressing down on my chest, making it hard to breathe. I knew I couldn't keep my secret much longer, and everything that lay ahead would be even more complicated.

After a moment, Elena seemed to grow tired of the silence. She glanced back with a weak smile and turned to leave.

"You decide for yourself," Elena's voice was tinged with cruelty. "But I won't give you much more time."

As her figure disappeared through the door, I stood frozen, as if all the strength had been drained from my body. I drew in a shaky breath, trying to steady myself. I had to admit—Elena was no easy opponent. Her investigative skills were sharp enough to uncover at least some of my secrets, and her threat weighed heavily on me. I felt an unprecedented pressure that I couldn't ignore.

At home, the heaviness lingered. I walked into the kitchen, preparing to make dinner for myself and Daniel.

Daniel seemed off when he came home from school today—confused and tense, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a cloud of angst.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Daniel asked gently, concern in his voice.

I looked up at my son, forcing a smile, trying to mask the fear and anxiety gnawing at me. "It's okay, sweetheart. Everything's going to be fine," I whispered, though my mind raced with the truth: Elena's threat wasn't an idle one. If I didn't make a decision soon, both Daniel and I were facing a future that could change everything.

What am I going to do?