She’s not my mom
Olivia’s POV:
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Rachel’s social media post. The image of my husband and son, both beaming at the camera beside her, made my stomach churn. So this is how the three of them got along when I didn’t know? So close, so natural, so much like a family of three.
–
Ava, my wolf, paced restlessly inside me. Her growls echoed my own turmoil.
Looking at the photo, memories flooded back. Six years ago, when Derek and I first identified each other as Fated Mates. He was different then – so attentive, so loving. Every single day, without fail, he’d bring me pink tulips. My favorite.
I remember how the pack whispered about us. Me, the Head Healer, choosing an omega wolf as my mate. But I didn’t care. Love
doesn’t see rank or status.
When Derek wanted to start his pharmaceutical company, I supported him without hesitation. Even as the losses mounted, I stood by him. My salary as Head Healer was more than enough to support us both, and I believed in his dreams.
But now, staring at this photo, something felt broken.
“Derek!” My voice came out sharper than intended. “We need to talk.”
He returned to the living room, his expression as gentle as ever, “What’s wrong, honey?”
“Do you love me?” The question burst out before I could stop it.
His eyes widened at once, “Of course, darling, you’re the love of my life. What’s this about?”
“Is there anything you’re not telling me?” I held up my phone, showing him the photo. “Anything at all?”
Derek’s face softened. “It was just ice cream. Oliver begged to go, and since it was his birthday…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I should have told you, but with everything that happened…”
“So you took him out with Rachel? Before coming here?”
“I didn’t think much of it when he offered to get ice cream together at the end of school… “Derek came over and took me by the shoulders, “I’m sorry Olivia, I should have thought about it more. I’ll have her delete the picture now.
I watched as he pulled out his phone and messaged Rachel. Within minutes, the post disappeared.
11
Shame washed over me. Here I was, doubting my mate when he was just trying to make our son happy on his birthday. Maybe I
was the problem. Maybe I needed to change.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I’ve been overthinking everything.”
Derek pulled me into a hug, “You don’t need to apologize honey, you’ve just been so busy lately, I get it all. ”
1/3
she’s not my mom
At night, I lay in bed tossing and turning, Derek was right, maybe I had been too busy lately and had neglected my son’s feelings. I decided to change myself and get back involved in my son’s life, to show him that I was available to him and not just a mom who was always working.
The next morning, I noticed Oliver had left his book bag at home. Perfect opportunity, I thought. I could bring it to him at kindergarten, show him that I could be present in his life too.
When I arrived at the kindergarten, a young teacher stopped me at the entrance. “Can I help you?”
