Chapter 2 Reclaiming Everything That Rightfully Belongs To Her

• Gregory's gaze shifted to the doorway where his daughter, whom he had not seen in seven years, now stood. The sight of her momentarily stunned him. The last time he had seen her, she was a mere child of ten. Now, before him stood a woman, her skin pale yet noticeably gaunt. Her small delicate face lacked the vibrant, youthful glow one would expect, giving the impression of someone who had not quite finished growing.
• Her appearance paled in comparison to that of his younger daughter's.
• In Gregory's view, Charlotte did not possess the beauty that might have secured a more favorable match. Even if she were to marry someone less than desirable, he considered, it wouldn't be a great injustice.
• After pondering for a moment, Gregory found nothing to object to. “What are your terms?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
• “I want to return home with my mother to the Moon Shadow pack and reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to her. Only then will I consent to the marriage,” Charlotte stated, her voice firm despite her hands nervously clenching and unclenching.
• She recalled that among the items Hazel had brought with her when she married was an ancient formula for an antidote, believed to cure all poisons. With no way to track down the trader who had provided her with the current antidote, she was left with no choice but to pursue this last hope. Hazel's condition could not wait.
• “Lottie...” Hazel began, her voice laden with concern. She wanted to persuade her daughter, reminding her that marriage was not a decision to be taken lightly. Charlotte had already endured considerable hardships; it would be unjust to sacrifice her future in marriage as well.
• At this, Gregory's worry that Charlotte might be swayed by Hazel's pleas and refuse the marriage surged. He quickly agreed, “All right, as long as you're willing to marry him.”
• Once the terms were settled, Charlotte nodded her agreement.
• “Get ready, we're leaving tomorrow,” Gregory announced with a decisive flick of his sleeve, then exited the ward.
• “Lottie,” Hazel said, her voice tinged with sorrow, “we, werewolves, can only find our destined mates under the guidance of the Moon Goddess. I would never want you to forsake true love to marry out of convenience.” She looked at her daughter with a pained expression.
• “The man I agreed to marry isn't a stranger; isn't he your friend's son? Moreover, he's the alpha of the Thunderstorm pack,” Charlotte replied, placing the lunch box on the bedside table. Her tone held a hint of resignation.
• “She passed away a long time ago, and I know nothing of her son. Even if it means breaking my word, I insist you marry your destined mate, not use marriage as a bargaining tool. I'd rather stay here and face death from this poison than see you make such a sacrifice,” Hazel declared with finality.
• Destined mate? Even if we were to meet in the future, I no longer have the right to be by his side.
• The identity of her future husband seemed of little consequence compared to reclaiming what had been taken from her and securing the antidote formula.
• Despite Hazel's attempts to persuade her, they returned to their home country the following day.
• Gregory, showing his disdain, refused to let them enter the Lanning residence. Instead, he arranged for them to rent a place nearby, only allowing Charlotte to return on the day of the wedding.
• Charlotte had no desire to return either. Going back meant forcing her mother to confront the woman who had destroyed her marriage. It was better to stay away, to maintain their peace.
• Nevertheless, Hazel remained concerned. “Lottie, if this were a good match, it wouldn't have fallen to you. Even considering my past acquaintance with Mrs. Zovkic.”
• Charlotte diverted the conversation as she didn't wish to delve into such painful topics. “Mom, let's eat something,” she suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
• Hazel sighed, recognizing her daughter's reluctance to discuss the matter further. They had endured so much together, and now, even Charlotte's marriage was burdened with heavy stakes.
• Charlotte sat with her fork in hand but felt no hunger; instead, she was overtaken by nausea.
• “Are you feeling unwell?” Hazel asked, her concern evident.
• Charlotte didn't want her mother to worry, so she brushed it off, claiming the airplane ride had unsettled her stomach. She put down her fork and retreated to her room.
• Once inside, she leaned against the door, overwhelmed by a familiar nausea. She had never been pregnant herself, but she had seen Hazel's pregnancy up close. The symptoms were unmistakable.
• And at that moment, she was experiencing those exact symptoms.
• Over a month had passed since that fateful night, and her period was delayed by about ten days. She dared not think further; that night had been humiliating enough, a night of desperation driven by the need for an antidote.
• ...
• “You're pregnant, six weeks along,” the doctor had confirmed after a secretive hospital visit. The words echoed in Charlotte's mind as she returned home. Her emotions were in turmoil, leaving her unsure of how to proceed.
• Her hand instinctively cradled her lower abdomen. Despite the initial shock and the circumstances, a part of her felt an unexpected reluctance. The prospect of experiencing motherhood for the first time brought a mix of joy and anticipation.
• Lost in thought, Charlotte stored the ultrasound report away. However, as she opened the door to return to Hazel, she caught sight of someone inside.
• Her expression darkened instantly.