Rejected by my ex, Claimed by the CEO

Chapter twelve

The next day, I woke up to find that Gino had already left. I wasn't sure where he had gone, but it was a hard pill for me to swallow as I sat in the silent apartment alone. I stood up and walked over to the window. It was a breathtaking view, and I knew I was lucky to be here, but my thoughts soon wandered to my past.

How did they feel that I had left the pack? Had Damon even noticed? I wondered how Sandra must be feeling. I had promised to call her, and still, I hadn't. I hesitated as my eyes fell on the mobile on the kitchen side that Gino had bought for me. I hadn't even used it. Maybe I should call my best friend to tell her I was okay and still alive.

As soon as I picked up the shiny phone, I felt the nerves kick in. My fingers trembled slightly as I turned it over, the sleek surface reflecting my uncertain expression. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that Sandra would be relieved to hear from me, but the weight of guilt hung heavy in my chest.

Memories flooded back in an overwhelming wave—our late-night talks, the laughter we shared, and even the times we comforted each other during challenging moments. I had left that behind when I walked away from the pack, and it felt like I had abandoned her, too.

I dialled her number, knowing it by heart, and pressed the call button, staring at the screen as it rang. Each tone felt like it echoed through the empty apartment, the silence amplifying my anxiety. What would I even say?

Just as I was about to hang up, her familiar voice broke the line. "Hello?"

“Sandra!” I said, surprised at how my heart fluttered at the sound of her name. “It’s me.”

“Harriet? Oh, goddess! Where the hell have you been?” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and frustration. “I thought something terrible happened to you. You disappeared, and I’ve been worried sick!”

“I know, I know. I’m so sorry,” I stammered, pacing back and forth in the kitchen. “I needed to get away. It was... it was complicated.”

“Complicated?” she repeated, her voice softening. “You just left? Without telling anyone? Where are you?”

I could hear the concern behind her words, piercing through the fog of my guilt. “I thought it was for the best, but I didn’t consider how it would affect everyone else. I didn’t want to drag you into my mess.”

“That’s exactly what a friend is for,” she said gently. “I would have been there for you.”

I felt a knot forming in my throat. “I know, and I’m sorry. I just... I didn’t want to burden you. I could manage on my own.” I sighed; I couldn't tell her that Damon was why I had left the only place I had ever known.

“Well, now you’re managing from afar,” she said, her voice firm but kind. “But how are you doing? Are you safe?”

“I’m okay,” I replied, glancing around the apartment, taking in the tranquillity surrounding me. I’m in a new place, and it’s beautiful. I met someone amazing and have a job as a receptionist. My boss Gino is...” I hesitated, not wanting to divulge too much just yet. He’s been nice. Honestly, it’s a lot to process.”

“I wish you could tell me everything,” Sandra said. “But I’m just glad you reached out. Please don’t shut me out again. You’re my best friend, and I love you.”

“I love you too,” I said, feeling a rush of warmth at her words. “I promise I won’t disappear again; I just need time to figure things out.”

“Okay,” she said, and I could tell she was still worried. “Damon and Aurora are together now. He announced her as his Luna. Things are pretty boring around here without you. Are you coming back soon?” she wanted to know, and I felt sick to the pit of my stomach. Damon had got with the woman. I was nothing to him; I was just a toy he threw away when I was no longer used to him. I refused to let my eyes shed any tears over him.

The sudden sound of the doorbell ringing made me look up. I wasn't sure who that could be, but they seemed insistent on immediately getting an answer.

“Sandra, I have to go, but please take care of yourself, and I will call you again soon. I love you,” I said before hanging up the phone.

I walked over to the door and did not bother to look through the spy hole at whoever it was. I assumed it was Gino; perhaps he had forgotten his keys. A smile spread across my face as I opened the door, but that was soon wiped away when I saw a beautiful woman dressed in a red minidress, knee-high boots, and long Auburn hair flowing freely down her back. Her blue, piercing eyes gazed back at me as she looked me up and down.

“Can I help you?” I asked politely. Maybe she had got lost and come to the wrong door.

“Who the hell are you?” the woman asked as she barged past me and looked around the apartment as if she owned it. “Are you Gino’s new cleaner?” her words surprised me. Hadn't Gino told everyone that I was his fiancee?

“Umm, no, actually, I'm Gino’s fiancee. We are getting married.” I told her through a clenched jaw. She froze before looking at me with disgust on her beautiful face. I watched her eyes fall to the ring on my finger, and she slapped a hand to her mouth in disbelief and burst into tears. Shaking her head, she backed away from me and started screaming hysterically.

“You are lying.” she came towards me and went to slap me, but someone grabbed her arm just in time and shoved her away in a second.

“Gino?” she exclaimed. I looked up, and my eyes locked with his.

“Trudie, what do you think that you are doing here?” he demanded to know, and the woman just glared at me like she wanted to rip my throat out.

“Who the hell is she?” Trudie spat, pointing at me with venom in her eyes. She looked like a crazy psycho.

“I suggest you leave right now.” he hissed at Trudie and showed her the door. “Unless you want me to call security.”

Trudie's eyes widened as she processed Gino's words, and for a moment, I thought she might relent. But then her expression hardened, and she stepped forward again, a furious fire igniting in her blue eyes.

"You think you can just replace me?!" she yelled, her voice dripping with disdain as she pointed an accusing finger in my direction. “I've known Gino for years, and just because you have a pretty ring doesn’t mean he wants you!”

I felt like a deer caught in headlights. Part of me wanted to defend myself, to tell her that I wasn’t trying to replace anyone, but all I could do was stand there, frozen. Damon’s words echoed in my mind. “Just a weak omega.” maybe he was right.

“Trudie, stop it!” Gino snapped, his voice raised. “You’re being ridiculous. Harriet is my fiancée, and I expect you to respect that. You need to leave.”

“Respect? You think I’m going to respect this little charade?” she spat back, her laughter sharp and bitter. “You don’t even know her! You don’t know what you’re getting into. It was only two months that you were with me. Or had you forgotten about that?”

Her gaze darted between Gino and me in a split second as if assessing whether I would crumble under her accusations. I straightened my back, trying to project confidence, even as my heart pounded.

“Actually,” I interjected, despite my rapidly rising anxiety. “I think Gino knows me much better than you think. I’m not the problem here—maybe you need to look in the mirror.”

A flash of surprise crossed her face, and momentarily, I could see the uncertainty flicker beneath her bravado.

"Gino,” I said, my eyes still on Trudie, “can you ask her to leave? This isn’t how I want to start my day.”

Gino's jaw tightened, and he stepped closer, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. “Trudie, I mean it. I won't repeat it. Leave. Now.”

Trudie's fists clenched at her sides, but she seemed to realise the confrontation was hopeless. “You’re making a huge mistake, Gino,” she hissed before spinning on her heel and marching out the door, slamming it behind her with a force that rattled the frame.

“What the hell was that?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady even as it shook slightly.

Gino ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression a mixture of anger and concern. “I’m so sorry, Harriet. I had no idea she would show up like that.”

“Is she... was she someone important to you?” I couldn’t help but ask, my stomach tightening at the thought.

He sighed, looking away for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. “We had a brief fling a while ago, nothing serious. When I met you, I knew I didn’t want to return to that. She isn't wife material and isn't good for my business. And you're different.” he said, moving closer to me.

“Not everyone got the memo,” I replied, trying to keep the bitterness from seeping into my tone.

Gino stepped closer, his expression softening. “I promise you, I’m committed to this—to us. Trudie is not... well, she’s no longer part of my life.”