~Ella~

"Ms. Ella, I recommend the child's father come in for testing. This could be hereditary."


I looked down at Finn on the hospital bed, his little face flushed with fever, amber eyes bright with unshed tears.

"Mom, I'm okay," he said, his small hand tugging at my sleeve.

But I knew Finn was suffering.


Two months ago, Finn started experiencing mysterious pains. No hospital could diagnose the problem.

I squeezed his tiny hand, my heart tight with worry.


The doctor frowned. "Finn's readings are actually above average. We've never seen symptoms like these. Does his father have similar issues?"

My heart sank. I'd been drunk that night five years ago. I barely remembered what the man looked like.

Let alone his medical history.

I pressed my lips together and shook my head.

"We can only identify the problem through targeted gene screening. That will cost $30,000."

"What? $30,000?"

By the time we left, darkness had fallen. I carried sleeping Finn through the crowded streets. Looking at his peaceful face, I silently vowed to cure him, no matter the cost.

Just then, I got a text from Frank, head chef for the Warwick family.

"Hey Ella, how's it going? There's a dinner at Warwick Manor tomorrow night. Something's come up. Could you fill in for me?"

I quickly replied: "I'll do it!"

The next day, I presented Frank's credentials and was admitted to Warwick Manor.

Standing in Warwick Manor after five years, everything felt both strange and familiar.

As I headed toward the backyard, a stern voice stopped me. "Halt! How dare a mere human trespass on Warwick Manor!"

I turned to see a woman in a housekeeper's uniform approaching with several maids. Her narrow eyes scrutinized me with disdain.

"Hello, I'm not trespassing. I'm filling in for Chef Frank."

I politely offered my senior chef certificate, but she knocked it from my hand.

She frowned. "Frank didn't mention you were a woman. Get out immediately. You're not welcome here."

"Why?" I demanded. "My culinary skills are as good as any man's, and you contacted me first. Give me one good reason or I'm staying."

"Humans don't deserve to set foot here, and our Alpha Caden especially despises human females!"

Humans? Alpha?

What did that mean?

"Guards! Remove her!"

She waved her hand, and several burly guards grabbed me roughly. I stumbled, about to fall.

A strong pair of hands caught me from behind.

"What's going on here?"

The deep, authoritative voice silenced everyone instantly. I turned to see an extraordinarily handsome face.

My brain short-circuited.

It was him!

The man from five years ago!