Chapter 25

Amelia's point of view

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but blush. "Thank you," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He leaned closer, his voice barely audible over the music. "Would you like to dance?"

I nodded, unable to resist the magnetic pull between us. As we moved to the rhythm of the music, our bodies pressed close, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of desire. The forbidden nature of our connection only fueled the fire within me.

After a while, Addison leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "I can't help but feel a connection between us. It's like we've met before."

My heart skipped a beat, and I pulled away slightly, meeting his gaze. "Maybe we have," I said, my voice filled with uncertainty.

Addison's eyes searched mine, as if trying to unravel the mystery. "There's something about you—something familiar. But I can't quite put my finger on it.

I swallowed hard, the weight of my secret threatening to consume me.

Days turned into nights, and the memory of that night with Addison haunted me. I couldn't escape the pull I felt towards Agatha's mate—the forbidden desire that consumed me. It was a constant battle between my heart and my sense of duty.

One evening, unable to resist any longer, I found myself standing outside a nearby hotel. The decision had been made, and I couldn't deny the magnetic force drawing me towards Addison. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my heart pounding in my chest.

He was waiting for me, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and guilt. We didn't exchange words, for we both knew the consequences of our actions. In that moment, we were two souls entwined in a forbidden dance, succumbing to the desires that threatened to consume us.

Agatha's Point of View

The dimly lit bar house was alive with the sounds of clinking glasses and murmured conversations. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and the lingering aroma of fried food. It was the kind of place where secrets were whispered and forgotten, where people drowned their sorrows and sought solace at the bottom of a glass.

I stood behind the bar, wiping down the counter with a rag, my mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. Betrayal coursed through my veins, leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. Addison had defiled our mate bond and cheated on me, and for some unknown reason, this hurts like hell. The pain was raw, and the wounds were still fresh. I couldn't bear to look at him, let alone speak to him.

But fate had a twisted sense of humor. We had made a pact, a contract marriage, binding us together for better or worse. And in this moment, it seemed like the worst had come to pass.

Addison sauntered into the bar, his eyes searching for mine. I averted my gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel his presence and his energy drawing closer. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I had to maintain my composure, no matter how much it hurt.

"Agatha," he called out, his voice laced with regret. "Please, we need to talk."

I turned to face him, my eyes burning with unshed tears. "Talk? What is there left to say, Addison? You hurt me. You disrespected me."

He approached me cautiously, his hands held up in surrender. "I know I messed up. I made a terrible mistake, and I can't change that. But I still care about you, Agatha. I want to make things right if you'll let me."

I scoffed, my voice laced with bitterness. "Make things right? How can you possibly make things right after what you've done?"

Addison's eyes pleaded with mine, his voice filled with desperation. "We signed the contract, Agatha. We made a promise to each other. Can't we at least try to salvage something from this mess?"

I looked around the bar, the place where we had first met. It felt like a cruel joke, a reminder of disrespect slammed against my face. "Fine," I finally relented, my voice barely above a whisper. "But don't think for a second that I've forgiven you."

Addison's face softened, relief washing over his features. "Thank you, Agatha. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'll do whatever it takes to earn it back."

We retreated to a secluded corner of the bar, away from prying eyes and listening ears. The dim lighting cast shadows on our faces, mirroring the darkness that had settled between us.

"I don't understand, Addison," I said, my voice trembling. "Why did you do it? Why did you betray me?"

He sighed, his gaze fixed on his hands. "I was weak, Agatha. I let my desires cloud my judgment. But I promise you, it meant nothing. You're the one I love, the one I want to be with."

I fought back tears, and my voice choked with emotion. "How can I believe you? How can I trust you?"

Addison reached out, his hand gently cupping mine. "I know I have a long way to go to earn back your trust, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Let's stick to the contract, Agatha. Let's rebuild what we had, even if it's just a shadow of what it used to be."

I looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity and a glimmer of the man I had fallen in love with. Slowly, I nodded, a flicker of hope igniting within me.

"Okay, Addison," I whispered, my voice filled with a mix of pain and determination. "Let's stick to the contract. But know this: if you ever betray me again, there won't be a second chance."

He nodded, his grip on my hand tightening. "I understand, Agatha. I won't let you down again. I promise."