Chapter 138

**Chapter 138**
**Judy’s POV**

“Mom, you can’t be serious!” I gasped. “How could you agree to such a thing?”

“I know it’s not the ideal situation, but-”

“Not the ideal situation?!” I exclaimed.

“Don’t raise your voice at me, Judy,” my mother scolded. “We need the money, and I am running out of options.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of her words. “If they are so eager for you to sell our house, why are we in this mess?” I asked, frustration bubbling up inside me.

My mother looked at me, her eyes weary but determined. “Because we have no other choice,” she said softly. “We need to find a way to make ends meet.”

I knew she was right, but the thought of losing our home felt unbearable. I took a deep breath, trying to process everything.

“Why can’t we just borrow the money?” I asked, confused. “I thought you were going to ask them!” I shook my head, trying to understand the logic behind it. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to ask,” they replied.

Raymond looked worried as he shared his story. “I made some risky investments, and now I’m really worried about how things will turn out,” he said with a sigh.

His friend listened carefully. “I understand. Plus, I get it that your pride won’t let you ask them for help,” she replied.

“But you really should consider reaching out,” she suggested gently. “Sometimes, it’s okay to ask for support, especially when you need it.”

“Do you have a problem with me asking Ethan for handouts?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

“That’s different,” she whispered. “He’s your fated mate, and you were meant to marry him.”

“Isn’t Meredith your friend?” I replied.

“Why not just ask her for money?” she asked, giving her a pointed look.

She bit her lower lip and stared at the towel in her hands.

“I just can’t bring myself to do it. This is the

“I think the easiest solution is to accept their offer. That way, I can still keep my pride. Living here won’t be so bad. They were kind enough to open their doors to us, and I’m going to take them up on it.”

“Doesn’t living here hurt your pride too?”

“I asked her.”

She sighed and looked up to meet my eyes.

“It’s different,” she said softly. “I’m sorry for upsetting you, Judy. But if you can’t get the money from Ethan, then this is…”

“I don’t know what else to do,” I said. “But after we sell the house, we will be closer to helping your father. That’s all that matters to me right now.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke.

I tried to hold back my tears. I didn’t want to cry in the Cash family manor. I really didn’t want to cry at all, but the feelings were too strong to ignore.

“I can’t live here, Mom…” I whispered.

“Oh,” my mother replied softly.

“Sweetie, if you’re worried about Ethan and Irene, don’t be. They won’t be living here. Once Ethan becomes our Alpha, they will move into the packhouse. You won’t have to see them every day,” she reassured me. “Besides…”

Once he marks and mates with Irene, your bond with him will officially break. You won’t have to feel the pain of that broken bond any longer.

“That’s not what this is about,” someone interjected.

“I told her, shaking my head. “His family doesn’t like me. They will make my life a living hell. I was only here for a few minutes, and his sister already spilled wine on me.”

She sighed.

**Chapter 130**

“I’m sure it was an accident. Kelsey is very sweet; she’s only a child,” my mother said, trying to defend her.

“Mom, she’s 18. She’s an adult,” I reminded her.

“That’s not the point,” my mother replied. “She still has a lot to learn.”

“But she should know better by now,” I insisted. “You can’t just excuse her actions because she’s young.”

My mother sighed, looking worried. “I just don’t want to jump to conclusions. People make mistakes.”

“Sure, but some mistakes have serious consequences,” I argued.

My mother looked down, thinking. I could tell she was torn between wanting to protect Kelsey and understanding my side. It was a tough situation for both of us.

“I’m hardly an adult,” she whispered softly. “I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it.”

“She told me that Ethan deserved better than me,” I said quietly. “That I wasn’t good enough for her brother.”

“She’s just being protective,” my mother said as she wiped the hand towel clean before putting it away.

She turned to me and gently placed her hands on my shoulders. I lifted my tear-filled eyes to meet hers, and I could see the worry in her expression.

She had fear in her eyes. She was worried about our future, and I wasn’t making it any easier for her.

I swallowed hard and sniffled, wiping away the tears that had started to fall on my cheeks.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“I don’t want to sound ungrateful,” she whispered. “I know you’re doing your best.”

She nodded and took a deep breath.

“I love you, Judy,” she said softly. “I’m sorry to bring this up.”

“News travels fast,” she said. “But if you don’t think you can live here, maybe Nan has an extra room for you?”

Her words hit me hard, like a punch in the gut. I found myself at a crossroads: either I could stay and live with her, or…

I had to find a new place to go. My mother made her choice, and like everyone else in my life, she wasn’t choosing me. She was leaving and abandoning me, just like Kelsey had said. Did she even know how much this hurt?

Maybe that’s why she mentioned how everyone in my life seems to leave me.

I bit my lower lip, trying hard not to cry. I didn’t want to shed any more tears, but I felt them welling up inside me.

“How about we enjoy the rest of the barbecue?” she said, lifting my chin so I would look into her eyes. I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“Oh, by the way, do you know Alpha Gavin Landry?” she asked suddenly.

I bit my lip and shook my head. I hated lying to her, but I couldn’t tell her the truth.

“Not really,” I said. “I work as a tutor in…”

I met him a few times when he was with his pack. It was nothing too serious. I decided to share a half-truth about our encounters.

Today’s Bonus Offer is available too!