Chapter 9: Claire's Suicide Attempt
(Aria's POV)
I stood frozen in the hospital hallway, my hand unconsciously resting on my stomach where our unborn pup grew. Alexander's admission echoed in my head like a death knell.
"Did Claire sever her mate bond because of you?" Dominic had asked.
"Yes."
That single word shattered the fragile hope I'd been nurturing. After all his explanations about Claire's injured mate and professional relationships, the truth emerged like bile—Claire had severed her bond for Alexander.
I pressed myself against the wall, desperately trying to stay hidden while straining to hear their conversation.
"That's quite a burden to bear," Dominic's deep voice carried down the corridor. "Especially when you have a mate who's loved you for years."
There was a
