Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception
CRIPPLED LUNA’S FAREWELL 56

apter 56

Chapter 56

By the time they arrived, the ballroom was alive with the hum of conversation and the gentle clinking of glasses.

The crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly dressed crowd, creating a shimmering spectacle of light and

shadow.

As Sarah and Leo stepped through the grand double doors, heads turned almost instantly.

Sarah's appearance was nothing short of captivating.

Her gown, a deep champagne golden that complimented her striking features, swept gracefully along the polished floor.

The subtle sparkle of her earrings caught the light, drawing attention to her poised expression.

Leo, in his tailored midnight-black suit, exuded a quiet authority that made him the perfect counterpart to Sarah's elegance.

"Mr. Leo, Ms. Sarah!" the host exclaimed, moving quickly to greet them. His smile was broad and genuine, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "What a pleasure to have you both here tonight."

"The pleasure is ours," Leo replied smoothly, shaking the host's hand. Sarah offered a warm smile, her voice calm and measured as she added, "The arrangements are beautiful. It's a lovely gathering."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Sarah couldn't ignore the growing ripple of whispers among the guests.

Eyes darted toward the entrance, and a wave of surprise spread through the

room.

Curious, she and Leo turned their heads to see what had drawn such a reaction. The doors creaked open, and a sudden tension swept over the atmosphere. Beside her, Lena, her wolf stiffened, her voice a hurried whisper. "It's him. He's here."

Sarah muttered "Who?", though she already suspected the answer.

"Arnold," Lena murmured, a hint of excitement and complexity in her tone.

The bond between their mates still kept them irresistibly drawn to each other, but Sarah understood that they were getting farther apart.

True to Lena's words, Arnold strode into the room with practiced ease.

His commanding presence drew attention as he walked, his friends trailing behind him.

Among them was Linda, wearing a gown that was unmistakably from one of the most exclusive boutiques in the region.

The shimmering silver fabric clung to her frame, the intricate beadwork catching the light with every step.

Her beauty, amplified by her choice of attire, was undeniably striking.

The crowd buzzed with hushed remarks. “That gown... it's from *Étoile Haute Couture*, isn't it?" someone whispered. "I heard it costs more than a year's salary!"

"She must be someone important," another voice chimed in. "Do you think she's Arnold's date? Maybe the future Luna?"

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And not just any grown."that" gown. The one from the high end boutique, its price

is like a looming mountain of gold that has deterred countless people. A symbol of his favor, hús care.

Sarah's chest tightened briefly, though her face betrayed nothing, She'd always prided herself on her composure, and tonigin was no exception. But Leo, standing beside her, wasert so easily fooled

He leaned doser, his sharp eyes scanning her face.

"Sarah," he said gently, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "What's wrong?

Sarah took a steadying breath and turned to him, her lips curving into a faint smile. To fine," she replied smoothly, though the tightness in her tone hinted otherwise.

Leo wasn't convinced. "You're quiet. Too quiet," he pressed, his gaze unwavering "If something's bothering you, you can tell

me."

"I appreciate it, Leo, but really, I'm fine," she assured him, her voice soft but firm. It's nothing that matters anymore"

And she meant it or at least she was trying to convince herself she did.

Yes, Arnold's gesture had stung at first, but the more she thought about it, the

more she realized she was fast ceasing to care.

Arnold could dress Linda in gold and diamonds for all she cared.

It wouldn't change who he was or what he had done.

Still, it was hard not to notice the way Arnold and Linda had effortlessly become

the center of attention.

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Chapter 57

apter 56

A group of guests had gathered around them, their laughter and admiration filling

the air.

Linda, basking in the attention, smiled graciously, her every movement calculated to showcase her beauty and charm.

Sarah felt a subtle shift in the room's energy.

It was as if a thread had pulled her attention involuntarily toward Arnold. She

looked over, her gaze meeting his for a fraction of a second.

Perhaps he had felt her gazoe or perhaps Enzo, Arnold's wolf, had

"She's here," Enzo's voice echoed in Arnold's mind, low and insistent. I can feel

her presence. We should meet her."

Arnold frowned slightly, his eyes scanning the room

"Why would I do that?" he muttered internally, his voice laced with irritation. "If she's here, it's because she's chasing after

me."

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Chapter 57