Chapter 183
I nodded, though my mind was still racing. “I’m fine. But what about Croatia? It sounds like she’s
been through so much.”
Lirian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “She has, but she’s strong. Stronger than her father. gives her credit for.”
I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “And you? Are you okay?”
For a moment, he didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on our entwined fingers.
Then he looked up at me, a rare vulnerability in his eyes.
“I am now,” he said quietly. “As long as you’re here, I’ll always be okay.”
His words sent a warmth spreading through me, and I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of resolve.
No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew we would face them together.
Before the conversation could continue, a sudden commotion broke out in the corridor.
The noise startled me awake, and I sat up groggily just as the door swung open.
Ragnar entered, pushing Croatia in a wheelchair.
Her delicate frame looked even smaller with her injuries–bruises marred her face, and her legs. were bandaged.
She greeted me softly, her eyes filled with sadness, but her demeanor was far from threatening
Ragnar, however, ignored me entirely, his focus locked on Lirian. “We need to talk,” he said gruffly.
Eric quickly stepped between Ragnar and the Alpha.
“We’re still discussing the matter you just mentioned,” he said, his tone strained but polite.
Ragnar waved him off dismissively.
“What’s there to discuss? My Croatia is in love with your Alpha. If he doesn’t marry her, he’ll be nothing but ungrateful!”
His gaze shifted to me, and he sneered slightly.
Luna, you’re beautiful and capable. You’ll have no trouble finding another mate. Let Croatia have her chance–she risked her life for him.”
Lirian’s expression was unreadable, but when he spoke, his voice was cold and sharp.
“Croatia, do
you share your father’s sentiment?” he asked, fixing her with a piercing gaze.
Croatia’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vehemently.
“No! I don’t want to marry you, Alpha. I helped you because it was the right thing to do, not because I expect anything in return. Please, Dad, let it go.”
Ragnar’s face darkened as he turned to his daughter.
“What are you saying? You can’t even stand up anymore. Your acting career is over. You need to secure your future!”
Croatia’s eyes widened in surprise, but before she could answer, Ragnar scoffed.
“What does that have to do with anything? This is about her future. She saved your Alpha’s life, and now she’s paying the price for it. The least he can do is marry her.”
Lirian rose from his chair, his towering figure imposing as he faced Ragnar.
“I owe your daughter my gratitude, nothing more,” he said firmly. “Sophia is my Luna. That will not change.”
Croatia placed a trembling hand on her father’s arm. “Dad, please, let’s go. This isn’t what I want.”
Ragnar looked as though he might argue further, but the determination in his daughter’s eyes finally silenced him.
With a reluctant nod, he began to wheel her out of the room, but not before shooting me a final book
of disdain.
The tension in the room was suffocating, and I felt compelled to intervene.
4 looked at Croatia, my brow furrowing in recognition.
“Wait a minute,” I said slowly. “Are you the actress Croatia?”
She nodded hesitantly, confusion evident in her expression.
The Alpha’s Substitute Luna: A Heart Main
Chapter 181
Then you must know Jason Leville,” I continued, recalling the man from the auction. “He’s the businessman who offered us jewelry for free. He mentioned avenging his girlfriend. Was that you?”
To my surprise, Croatia glanced at her father, her timid gaze darting briefly in his direction before she lowered her eyes.
Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as she said, “I don’t know anyone named Jason.”
The words felt rehearsed, lacking the conviction one might expect from such a denial.
Something in her tone made me pause, but I said nothing.
Lirian stood beside me, his expression resolute and his stance unwavering.
“We’ve made ourselves clear,” he stated, his voice firm but controlled. His presence exuded authority, leaving no room for doubt. “There will be no marriage. My Luna is Sophia, and that’s final.”
I echoed his sentiment with equal determination.
“This discussion is over. Your persistence will not change our decision.”
Ragnar’s face twisted in frustration, his lips pressing into a thin line as he struggled to maintain composure.
Croatia, seated in her wheelchair, cast a fleeting, apologetic glance my way.
For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something deeper in her eyes–regret, perhaps?
With a begrudging sigh, Ragnar finally relented.
His movements were curt as he gripped the wheelchair handles and turned Croatia around.
Without another word, he pushed her down the hallway, his displeasure evident in every step.
Later in the evening, I found Croatia’s room address in the Hospital and went to her room..
think its
