The sudden sound of the front door opening jolted me from my thoughts. My pulse leapt. Harland was home. Without hesitation, I climbed inside the gift box, adjusting the bow from within, ensuring everything was perfect. I bit my lip to hold back a giggle, imagining his reaction when he saw the surprise.
Then I heard his phone buzz, followed by the soft click of him putting it on speaker. I stilled, listening closely as his deep voice filled the room.
"Hey, Harland," a familiar voice greeted—it was Chad, his closest friend.
"What is it?" Harland asked, his tone indifferent.
"You won’t believe this," Chad said, amusement lacing his words. "Maureen is coming back."
I froze. Maureen?
Harland hesitated. "I know."
"Crazy, right?" Chad continued. "Turns out, she’s the real Alpha’s daughter. The one your father made you leave behind was actually the one he wanted you to marry all along."
Silence stretched between them before Harland spoke again, his voice steady but firm. "Yeah. That’s good news."
A lump formed in my throat.