CHAPTER 183: CHAPTER 183 THE APOLOGY SHE MEANT

Freya

I wrapped my arms around my daughter, her small body still trembling with emotion.

"It’s okay, don’t be angry..." I whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Though Isabella was still upset, I felt her tension ease slightly at my touch. But instead of calming down completely, her expression crumpled further, as if my affection had only intensified her feelings of betrayal.

Tears suddenly streamed down her face as she made a desperate demand. "Then... you... you can’t hug her anymore, and you can’t say she’s cute!"

Understanding dawned on me like the first rays of sunrise. Jealousy. Pure, primal jealousy. My little wolf was marking her territory.

Despite her declaration moments ago that she didn’t want me as her mother, she couldn’t bear seeing someone else receive my affection. The irony wasn’t lost on me - this same child who eagerly sought Aurora’s maternal attention was now fiercely guarding her claim on me.

I bit back the small smile threatening to form. This wasn’t the time for amusement, even if there was something sweetly possessive about her reaction.

Isabella seized the momentary distraction to forcefully push Amy out of my arms. The smaller girl stumbled back, her eyes wide but not tearful this time. Though young, Amy seemed to instinctively understand the complex dynamics at play. She cast a wary glance at Isabella’s fierce expression before taking another cautious step back.

I kept my hold on Isabella and spoke softly, choosing my words carefully. "Bella, Mommy knows you’re feeling cool right now, but everyone has different tastes. You like being cool and handsome, but some people also like being sweet and cute, like Amy."

My daughter’s intelligent eyes locked with mine as I continued, "You can’t say others are ugly or disgusting just because their tastes are different from yours. We should respect everyone’s preferences - do you understand what Mommy is saying?"

Most children her age might struggle with such concepts, but Isabella was different. She had alpha blood running through her veins, and with it came a natural understanding of leadership principles - including respect for others in the pack.

Isabella’s expression shifted subtly as she processed my words. The fury in her eyes dimmed, replaced by reluctant understanding. She knew she’d crossed a line. Selene sensed her acceptance before I did, calming inside me as Isabella’s wolf did the same.

"It’s okay to make mistakes," I said gently, wiping away her tears with my handkerchief, "as long as you correct them. But you can’t say those things about others again, alright?"

My continued tenderness seemed to finally break through her defensive walls. Isabella’s shoulders relaxed as she leaned into me, wrapping her arms around my neck. She nodded against my shoulder, her voice small but sincere. "Got it."

I kissed her cheek before turning to Amy, who stood watching us with cautious eyes. "Amy, this is Bella, my daughter. She knows she was wrong. Will you forgive her?"

Amy glanced between us, clearly still intimidated by Isabella but drawn to me. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded, her voice soft but steady. "Mm, I will."

"Thank you, Amy." I smiled warmly before turning expectantly to Isabella. "Bella, what should you do?"

My daughter lifted her head from my shoulder, her eyes meeting Amy’s. "I’m sorry," she said simply, the words carrying a sincerity that belied her young age.

Amy’s face brightened with a shy smile. "It’s... it’s okay..."

With the crisis averted, I escorted both children to their classroom, releasing a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. The homeroom teacher took Amy by the hand, leading her inside while I crouched down to Isabella’s level.

"Alright, it’s all good now. Let’s go to the classroom, okay?"

Isabella didn’t seem concerned about the scene she’d caused. Unlike many children who might feel embarrassed after such a display, my daughter carried herself with the natural confidence of born royalty - an alpha’s daughter who never doubted her place in the world.

But instead of immediately heading inside, she suddenly clung to me, her small fingers gripping my jacket. "Mom..." she whispered, a note of longing in her voice that tugged at my heart.

"Mm." I wrapped my arms around her again. "What’s wrong?"

"I want -" she started, then abruptly stopped herself. I watched her expression change as she seemed to remember something. Her eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion before she pulled back. "Never mind."

The sudden withdrawal felt like a physical ache. Once again, my daughter was holding herself back from me, keeping her desires private. Selene whined softly, sensing there was more she wanted to say.

"Alright, go on inside," I said, keeping my voice light despite the heaviness in my chest. "Don’t keep the teacher waiting."

"Mm."

Isabella finally released me, but before entering the classroom, she turned back, her expression suddenly vulnerable again. "Mom, remember to call me at noon."

I nodded, a small flame of hope kindling within me at this small request for connection. "Okay."

Only then did she seem satisfied, straightening her shoulders and marching confidently into the classroom. I stayed by the door, watching as she took her place on the small stage for introductions, her voice clear and self-assured. Then she sat obediently at her desk, the picture of a perfect student.

I waved goodbye, feeling that familiar mixture of pride and longing that seemed to define my relationship with her these days. Then I headed to my car, driving directly to Wilson Group where my day job awaited.

When I arrived at the company, there was no sign of Silvano. Instead, I found Jake standing by my desk with an unfamiliar woman. Her posture was perfect, her outfit impeccably professional, and her smile practiced as she extended her hand toward me.

"This is Sherry," Jake announced without preamble. "She will be taking over your position soon."