Page 56 of My Only Luna

“No, Dad. This time, you’re the one who is failing to understand!” I say, terrified seeing my family breaking apart. “I hope they’re mates! Because then I’d like to see how you break your marriage with Mama!” With those words I run from the room, not wanting anyone to see my tears.

Jackson

“Indy!” Elijah yells, glaring atme before he runs out of the room after the girl he considers his sister all while he’s dating the other!

Make it make sense!

Jessica looks down at her broken plate and I realise I’ve broken it. Shit.

“I’ll buy you a new a set,” I say, not wanting her to get upset, but her expression doesn’t change as she stares unblinking at the broken plate.

“This isn’t about a plate,” she says quietly.

“Jessica-”

“All you are doing, Jackson, is breaking this family apart. Where our own children want to see us separating because of your issues and stubbornness,” she says, her voice breaking slightly. “Scarlett, can you give us some privacy?” Scarlett looks between us and nods before she stands quickly and leaves the room.

But I can still sense her. She’s not gone far. As much as I hate to upset her, this has gone on for too long, and both of them are not listening.

“Jessica, stop encouraging them,” I say, my voice cold.

“If this is about your reputation, then I am ready to divorce you for their sake,” Jessica whispers, her voice breaking. Her words shock me as I stand up abruptly, knocking over the chair I was sitting on moments earlier.

“Jess…”

“I love you, Jackson, and I don’t ever want to let you go, but I love them, too. I don’t want to watch them go through any more pain. Scarlett has been through so much already; I don’t want her future compromised because of me. And Elijah? I took his mother’s place. Do you know how I feel that I’m also taking away his Alpha position? That I am the reason he can’t happily be with the woman he loves? If we never fell in love, got married...then this wouldn’t be happening right now. I swear, Jackson, if you blackmail Elijah with the Alpha position and stand by it, get ready to see those divorce papers!”

Her words strike me like a slap, and I won’t deny it hurts; the rejection and the fact she is willing to leave me so easily.

I can see the pain in her eyes. She has tried to be there for Elijah, but he never accepted her. And even now, despite her fear of speaking up, she does. For them.

“Jessica-”

She shakes her head, running from the kitchen. I close my eyes, feeling… empty.

How is she able to accept it? It hurts.

I lift the chair and slowly drop onto it, placing my head in my hands. How do I accept it? How do I try to see that my son loves my daughter? How is everyone able to just accept it?

I hear footsteps and know it’s Scarlett.

“Dad…”

She hasn’t called me that in a while. After all, we haven’t been talking properly and I won’t say it, but I miss our talks and moments. She hasn’t really tried to talk to me either.

I look up as she approaches slowly. I can see the pain in her eyes. She walks around the table and stops next to me. Slowly, she drops to her knees, gently reaching out for my face.

“Scarlett,” I say, looking away as I try to hide my feelings.

“Dad… can you look at me?” she asks quietly, cupping my face. I sigh; I can’t refuse my little girl.

That’s the entire problem; I consider her my own and it is too much for me to just accept that she isn’t biologically mine. I look into her sage green eyes, seeing sadness and guilt in them. Sheand Elijah together would always be a reminder of that.

“What is it, Scarlett?” I ask.

“I know this isn’t the most ideal situation anyone would want to be a part of, but it’s happening. You were and still are the father I never had. I still consider you my dad, no matter how messed up this is. Mama still loves you, but she wants us all happy. All we need is for you to accept this. Please? Can’t you do that?”

I remain silent as she continues when she realises that I’m not going to say anything.

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