Second Thoughts After Divorce

Chapter 36

Rose’s POV

As we reached the salon, stepping inside, I felt a sudden rush of excitement being back here already!

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Bonus

07:54

This was where I had spent a good portion of the previous day, getting pampered and chatting with Lydia. I was eager to see her again and hopefully get to know her better… figure out why she hadn’t managed to get back to my text last night yet….

As we entered, I noticed a shift in the atmosphere, as it grew instantly more tense. The staff seemed to grow nervous, their eyes widening at the sight of Ashton, towering over me from behind.

A hush fell over the bustling room as they exchanged uncertain glances with one another, their clients also now silent in the chairs.

My heart raced, wondering if something was wrong with me bringing him in here, as we approached the main desk steadily.

Before I could say anything, the same owner from yesterday rushed forward, her steps quick and panicked as she spotted us.

She approached Ashton with a flustered expression, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. “Alpha Ashton, welcome. Is there something that I can assist you with today?” The lady pulls at her collar, as though finding it suddenly hard to breathe, as she flashes him an anxious smile.

“Are you not happy with the transformation we done yesterday sir? We can always change it if you want us to… it’s really no hassle? The lady pushes further, scrambling to know why we were bath back here so soon.

Ashton chuckled, waving her off with a casual demeanor. “No need to be so formal. We just stopped by to see Lydia.” He explains, as her eyes widen at his words.

The owner’s full face changes, and I could sense a hint of tension in her posture. Her reaction was strange, and I couldn’t help but feel a growing unease just from the sight of her alone…

Ashton looked down at me with a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to the owner. “Actually, we wanted to surprise her. I wanted to see how she’s doing and ask if she could work some magic on my skin!” Ashton plays it cool, as I ned along with his soft words – knowing they were a lie, however trusting him with it.

The owner blinked, her tension momentarily easing as she let out a slight sigh of relief. “Oh, thank you, Alphs. I’m glad you liked it…” She trails off, as Ashton coughs once before speaking out again.

Ashton nodded, his expression warm. “Absolutely. Now, where can we find Lydia? We’d love to chat with her. He pushes again, noting that she hadn’t yet told us that we could see her.

The owner hesitated, her gaze shifting slightly again as if considering her words carefully now. “Well, you see, Alpha.. Lydia actually isn’t feeling too well today. She actually went downstairs for a nap. Maybe it’s best not to disturb her, at least not today. The owner explains, as I squint at her words.

Lydia seemed fine when I ha

I had seen her yesterday?

I exchanged a glance with Ashton, confusion evident in both of our expressions now – knowing something wasn’t right with this whole ordeal.

Something about her response didn’t sit right with neither of us. Ashton’s brows furrowed slightly as he questioned next, “Is she okay? Is it something serious?” He asks, as the owner again seems to think.

The owner’s eyes darted around nervously, and I could tell that something was absolutely off now, “Oh, it’s probably just a bit of a headache. Nothing to worry about. She’s just resting” She pushes the lie further, as I choose to remain silent.

Ashton’s gaze remained steady, and I sensed that he was picking up on the same unease that I was. “I see. Well, I’d still like to say hello and see how she’s doing, if you can just show me downstairs – that will be all,” He demands firmly, as I tense slightly at his tone.

The owner i wule wavered slightly, tralising that she now had no choice as she replied, “Of course, Alpha. Let me take you both downstairs.” She forces a smile again, as I sigh in relief

As we walked towards the back of the salon, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something they weren’t telling us today. Ashton’s presence seemed to be making them all nervous, naturally so with him being their Alpha, but I wondered if they were hiding something about Lydia’s condition

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Finally, we reached a door that led to the bottom floor. The owner looked at Ashton, hesitating for a moment before speaking. I’ll leave you to it then, Alpha. Just call for me if you need anything else. The lady avoids all eye contact now, stepping aside for us to pass her.

07:51

Ashton nodded curtly, his tone firm. “Thank you.” He states, and with that, we trudge our way down the steps.

As the owner hurried back upstairs, Ashton turned to me, his gaze intense. “She was lying. Something doesn’t feel right about any of this.” Ashton speaks my own thoughts aloud, agreeing with me, as I sigh and grow suddenly nervous. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

limly lit corridor.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest as we entered the dimly

The air was cooler down here, and the same relaxing music from yesterday fills my ears as I lead Ashton in the same direction as before… towards the room Lydia had been in

We soon reached the door, before I held my hand up to knock it gently… receiving no answer….. before Ashton moved forward to turn the handle, pushing it open slowly to let us both in anyway.

I followed behind him, my breathing suddenly catching in my throat as I took in the scene before us….

Lydia was sitting on a small chair, her face bruised and bloody as she held her knee’s up to her chest for comfort.

My loud gasp of shock echoed in the room, and I instinctively took a step back, pained and distraught by the sight of her. She hadn’t looked this bad yesterday…

his u

Ashton stood frozen, his usual composed expression now replaced with shock and anger.

Lydia’s eyes widened as she saw us, and her lips parted as if she was about to speak but no words came out, and I could see the deep set fear in her

eyes…

Ashton finally found his voice, his tone low and dangerous, “What happened to you, Lydia? Who did this? Was it the owner?! Ashton demands to know, snapping me out of my trance with his harsh tone.

Lydia opened and closed her mouth, her gaze shifting between us as if searching for an explanation, I could see the desperation in her eyes, and my heart ached for her as I watched the wet tears fall down her sore ch*eks.

Ashton’s voice grew more stern as he repeated, “Who did this to you?! He questioned heavily, which caused me to move towards him- placing a hand on his arm in a silent plea for him to calm down.

His anger wasn’t directed at Lydia, however wouldn’t help her feel any better either…

I felt a mix of emotions–anger, concern, and a deep sense of unease as to what actually happened to her in the few hours since I had last seen her.

Whoever had hurt Lydia was in serious trouble now, as Ashton’s Alpha instincts kicked in to protect those under his care… he wouldn’t let anybody get away with this… not in his pack!

“Lydia… please? You can trust us? What happened?” I try my best to speak to her next, as her tired eyes searched mine broken and enished.

Lydia finally cleared her throat, licking at her dry bloodied lips, before she found her voice, her words shaky. “I- I can explain. It’s not what you think… it wasn’t anyone here…” Lydia’s words come barely above a whisper.

Ashton eyes flashed with a mixture of emotions, and I could tell that he was struggling to maintain his composure with the sight of the young girl. “Explain this to me right now! Or I’ll have this salon ripped apart!” His words are harsh, as he demanded for her to speak, his tone commanding.

Lydia took a

deep

brath,

her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and hesitation.

antell you! He will kill me? Lydia suddenly yells out in a sob, covering her face with her hands as she cries loudly–breaking down before

us rompletely

1 book to Ashton, my eyes wide and mouth ajar, as he looks furious – as though he was seconds away from destroying everything in his path.

“HE??” Ashton bellows loudly, caning even me to gap in shock at his volume, sering his body tense and his jaw lighten..

“Ash Ashton could you just,

you just, give us a little minute?” I suddenly find myself beg, moving my hand up his arms as his darkening eyes find my owas.

res conflicted in thought, before he nods once

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obs continue to wrack her body, and I us

Ashton leaves the room, his heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor, and I’m left alone with Lydia. Her sobs help but feel a surge of compassion for her.

I move closer and sit down beside her, my hand hesitantly reaching out to rest on her trembling back.

07:50

“Lydia, it’s okay,” I whisper softly, trying to soothe her. “You’re safe now

She slowly lowers her hands, her tear–streaked face coming into view. I offer her a tissue from the table, and she takes it with a shaky hand, wiping at her eyes and nose.

“He’ll kill me if he finds out I told anyone, Lydia manages to say between sobs, her voice a mix of fear and desperation. “I shouldn’t have said anything at all…

I shake my head, my heart aching for her. “Ladia, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here for you, and we’ll do whatever we can to keep you safe.”

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine as if trying to gauge whether I’m being sincere. “You don’t understand, Rose. M–My boyfriend… Nathan… he’s dangerous. He’s part of a bad crowd, and he won’t hesitate to hurt me or anyone else.

I reach out and gently take her hand in mine. “We’re not going to let him hurt you anymore. Ashton is the Alpha of our pack, and he won’t stand for this. We’ll protect you

Lydia’s tears continue to flow. “But he’s so strong, and he has connections. I can’t just leave him, Rose, I wouldn’t have a home. Plus, bell find me.” She trembles further.

I squeeze her hand reassuringly. “We won’t let that happen. You’re not alone in this anymore. Well figure out a plan to keep you safe, and you won’t have to face this on your own.

She takes a shuddering breath, her shoulders sagging slightly as if a weight has been lifted off her chest having told me her problem. “L… I can’t believe I’m telling you all of this. I never thought anyone would care enough to listen.“

I offer her a small, comforting smile. “Lydia, you’re not alone anymore I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re sale.” I encourage, as she sniffles

Lydia’s sobs gradually begin to subside, and she sighs as she looks at me with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. “Thank you… you only just met me yesterday too…” She trails off, as I shrug

“That doesn’t matter… I liked you right away… I’m here to help!” I assure her, my heart swelling with a determination to help her escape this dangerous situation

“Now, can you tell me more about what happened?” I test, as she thinks on it briefly and nods,

“Nathan… he… he saw the text you sent me about dinner… and assumed it was some guy asking to take me on a date…” Lydia admits slowly, as a sharp pang of guilt thrashes through me.

Lydia must sense my internal turmoil because she looks at me with a mixture of sadness and reassurance. “Rose, it’s not your fault. Nathan… he’s possessive and controlling. He saw your text last night and he… he lost his temper, and things got out of control.” She shakes her head at the memory.

Tears threaten to well up in my eyes, and I bite my lip to hold them back. I couldn’t believe that my actions had led to this.

– thick with emotion.

“I’m so sorry, Lydia,” I manage to say, my

y voice L

Lydia reaches out and places a hand on my arms, offering me a weak smile. “Don’t blame yourself, Rose. It’s not your fault. Nathan’s actions are and he would have found any excuse to justify his anger… he always does… Lydia states, as my heart cracks for her.

Beloupe I can respond, the door creaks open, and Ashton steps back into the room. His expression is a mix of concern and anger, but he seems to have regained sume control over his emotions.

Lydud ryes grow wide, and she shrinks hack slightly under his gaze, her fear evident once again.

“Are you okay?” Ashton aska, his votor softer than before.

Tądia’s response is barely above a whisper. “T

Ashton’s eyes soften, and he takes a step closer. “You don’t have to be scared, Lydia. We re here to protect you.”

+TOS

Bonus

I see a mixture of emotions cross Lydia’s face–fear, relief, uncertainty. She looks between us, her gaze finally settling on Ashton. “What… what 07:48

going to do?”

Ashton’s jaw tightens, his tone firm. “We’re going to get you out of here. You won’t have to face this alone. But first, we need to make sure you’re safe. Would you be willing to come back to our home with us? It’s secure, and you’ll be surrounded by people who care about you.”

Lydia hesitates, her gaze flickering between Ashton and me. She looks terrified but also seems to recognize the genuine concern in our eyes. Finally, she nods, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay… I’ll go with you.”

Ashton offers her a reassuring smile. “You’re making the right choice, Lydia. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

As he speaks, I can see the relief wash over Lydia, even if just a little. She’s taking a step toward safety, away from the danger that had consumed her life. And as she looks at Ashton and me. I can tell that she’s beginning to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could turn around for her.

With a silent promise to protect her and ensure her safety, I stand up and hold out my hand to Lydia. She hesitates for a moment before taking it, and together, we walk out of the room, leaving behind the darkness and stepping toward a new beginning one where she doesn’t have to be afraid anymore.

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