Chapter 15: Mother's Passing
(Aria's POV)
"It's off," I repeated, my voice steadier than I expected as I clutched the phone.
"What do you mean 'off'?" Alexander's voice rose with indignation. "You can't just cancel our mating ceremony! The guests—"
"My mother is in emergency surgery right now," I cut in, anger rising in my throat. "And you're worried about the guests?"
Dominic shifted beside me, his powerful presence a silent support. His silver-gray eyes never left my face.
"Aria, be reasonable," Alexander continued, his tone softening into the one he used when trying to manage me. "We can complete the ceremony quickly and then visit your mother together."
The audacity of his suggestion stole my breath. "You left me on our ceremony day to be with Claire."
"She attempted su
